{"product_id":"ray-alden-custom-comet-5-string-banjo-1990-5058","title":"Ray Alden Custom Comet 5 String Banjo (1990)","description":"Ray Alden Custom \"Comet\" Model 5 String Banjo, c. 1990, made in New York, black finish, hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA really unique 5-string built for our late friend, noted oldtime banjoist Ray Alden. This banjo is built with a deep rim equipped with a simple tone ring and a vaguely Vega-style neck with 16 frets. The elaborate pearl inlay appears inspired mainly by the the 1890's Cole's Eclipse, but goes off in a much more whimsical astrological vein. The fingerboard and headstock (front and rear) has multi-hued cut pearl designs featuring stars, comets, an owl, a telescope, a bat, a witch on a broomstick and our favorite-Mickey Mouse as the sorcerer's apprentice. All work is to a very high level, this is a lovely and unusual banjo with a very fine sound for old-time playing.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 37 in. (94 cm.), 12 1\/8 in. (30.8 cm.) diameter head, and 3 3\/8 in. (8.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 26 in. (660 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5\/16 in. (33 mm.). Almost no play wear, a bit of clouding to some plating but little sign of use. Comes with a vintage tenor case extended for 5-string, with some added mink (yes, mink) lining. Absolutely one of a kind! Excellent + Condition.","brand":"Ray Alden Custom","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46852804083852,"sku":"5058","price":2400.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_02074a52-5c6d-4a54-b246-21b5f4f58e2a.jpg?v=1774328266","url":"https:\/\/retrofret.com\/products\/ray-alden-custom-comet-5-string-banjo-1990-5058","provider":"RetroFret","version":"1.0","type":"link"}