A reader asks:
Have you heard of a Truett banjo (four strings). My father bought it a yard sale years ago. My sister was going to throw it out when she was cleaning out Dads house when he passed. Thanks!

----------------------------------------

Thanks for getting in touch. Truett banjos had their ups and downs, but some of their better instruments were very well designed. For a few years they were manufactured by Gibson as a "lower line," but still with amazing quality.

They're pretty rare today, so I don't know if there's a collector's market per se, but there's a chance your father's banjo might connect with an appreciative player, as long as the neck is still straight.

Can you reply to this message and and me some photos? That will give me a better idea.

The reader sent photos

Oh, yes!

Some of these were made by Gibson to Truett spec, which meant they had deeper pots (bodies) than Gibsons. But the quality is reputed to be outstanding.

Here is a little history on the things.

http://www.4stringbanjos.com/TruettTeno ... Banjo.html

Yours is a Plectrum, which means it has a full-length banjo neck, unlike Tenor banjos, which had shorter necks. The Plectrum became less popular than the Tenor as the Jazz age wore on, which is possibly one reason Truett's company didn't survive a little longer.

It's a very nice instrument, probably built by Gibson, which should raise its value. Are there any dates or serial numbers on or in the thing?

Also, it would make a great "Irish tenor" banjo, which uses low, deep tones more than most other kinds of banjo music. Irish players would have to get used to the long neck, though.

At any rate, I'm very glad your sister didn't throw it out. If I needed one more banjo . . . ..

Hope this helps,

- Paul

The reader replied:

I want to thank you for taking your time to provide me with some great background information on the banjo. My sister has the banjo so I’m unable to check for serial numbers. Have a super day!