Fairbanks Whyte Laydie # 7 5 String Banjo (1907)
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Item #6790
Fairbanks Whyte Laydie # 7 Model 5 String Banjo (1907), made in Boston, Mass., natural varnish finish, laminated maple rim and neck, ebony fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
This banjo is a splendid example of one of the most desired of openback 5-strings-the Fairbanks #7. with its large (almost 12") rim and long 28" scale this instrument produces a sound that few other banjos, new or old, can match. It is also an exceptionally beautiful banjo, with the early style engraved pearl on the headstock and fingerboard including the famous "gryphon" design on the headstock rear. This Whyte Laydie is one of those vintage instruments that instantly justifies its stellar reputation as one of the finest of "old school" banjos ever made.
Overall length is 37 1/4 in. (94.6 cm.), 11 13/16 in. (30 cm.) diameter head, and 2 9/16 in. (6.5 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 28 in. (711 mm.). Width of nut is 1 in. (25 mm.). This banjo remains in splendid condition with some average wear and some light repair. There is a filled hole for a resonator mounting pin under the "Fairbanks" nameplate on the dowel stick, that is the only major repair. The original varnish finish on the neck shows some wear down to the wood in the first position area, and the fretboard has some divoting in the first position. The frets appear original with some light wear, some small chipping is evident on the fingerboard. The hardware is mostly original and correct; just under half of the original and superbly elegant cobra hooks have been replaced with slightly later period Fairbanks/Vega hooks. The tailpiece is a period No-Knot and the hoop has been lightly notched where it is mounted. The original pearl-button friction pegs are fully intact and functioning. Set up with a skin head and newer bridge, this banjo has the absolutely fantastic sound these are known for. Includes a very fine original "bump" HSC. Overall Excellent - Condition.
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This banjo is a splendid example of one of the most desired of openback 5-strings-the Fairbanks #7. with its large (almost 12") rim and long 28" scale this instrument produces a sound that few other banjos, new or old, can match. It is also an exceptionally beautiful banjo, with the early style engraved pearl on the headstock and fingerboard including the famous "gryphon" design on the headstock rear. This Whyte Laydie is one of those vintage instruments that instantly justifies its stellar reputation as one of the finest of "old school" banjos ever made.
Overall length is 37 1/4 in. (94.6 cm.), 11 13/16 in. (30 cm.) diameter head, and 2 9/16 in. (6.5 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 28 in. (711 mm.). Width of nut is 1 in. (25 mm.). This banjo remains in splendid condition with some average wear and some light repair. There is a filled hole for a resonator mounting pin under the "Fairbanks" nameplate on the dowel stick, that is the only major repair. The original varnish finish on the neck shows some wear down to the wood in the first position area, and the fretboard has some divoting in the first position. The frets appear original with some light wear, some small chipping is evident on the fingerboard. The hardware is mostly original and correct; just under half of the original and superbly elegant cobra hooks have been replaced with slightly later period Fairbanks/Vega hooks. The tailpiece is a period No-Knot and the hoop has been lightly notched where it is mounted. The original pearl-button friction pegs are fully intact and functioning. Set up with a skin head and newer bridge, this banjo has the absolutely fantastic sound these are known for. Includes a very fine original "bump" HSC. Overall Excellent - Condition.