A reader from the UK writes:
Hello, Your web site is the only one that included the rare 1900 6 stringed banjo. I have had a 5 string banjo for 35 years that I bought second hand that looks identical to your 6 string one. I have not seen my type of banjo on the web and wondered if it were rare or just odd.
If you want picture I can e mail it for you to tell me if it is worth anything. I used to play it very poorly but now play the guitar.
I would appreciate your help, many thanks
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This is the banjo she saw on our site:
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My response:
Thanks for getting in touch. I would like to see your 5-string, but I can't help you put a value on it. At this point it's a collector's item more than a musical instrument. Its value depends on if there are any banjo collectors anywhere near you that would be willing to pay real money to acquire it. In this part of Ohio, I'd probably price it about $150 (100 pounds or so) and see if I got any takers. If I lived in Nashville, or Austin TX, or any other mecca of Country or Bluegrass music, I might start at $250 (175 pounds or so). In LA or NYC I might start a little higher, on the off chance that someone with money to burn wants to feel like he's bought a piece of history. I don't know what the market is like in your area - maybe there's a Skiffle revival movement or group of Mumford and Sons wannabees in your town.
Of course as soon as I answer you, I'll discover that you sold it for $1000. At any rate, I don't think you'll be putting anyone's kids through college on the thing. I'm glad you are playing guitar at least. It's a good way to keep your "hand in," so to speak.
Banjo IS an acquired taste for many folks.
Have a great summer,
Paul Race