1850s Minstrel banjo

[hardeeflag]

I've been a guitar payer for about 5 years or more. As a kid played banjo for about year but I was about 6 or 7 years old and just never followed through with it. I want to get 1850s era minstrel banjo. I know of the maker Hartel banjos but they are above my price rage (at least the ones I have seen). Is it possible to get a decent minstrel banjo in the range of about $500? I don't mine buying used but am always worried about warped necks etc, with no recourse for repair. I know there are tack head banjos but would like one with adjustable head tension. I appreciate any schooling. Thanks.

[Silas]

Re: 1850s Minstrel banjo

Go here : http://minstrelbanjo.ning.com and ask your question. You'll get answers and options.

[4VADRUMMER]

Re: 1850s Minstrel banjo

Try Eric Prust. He makes a very nice banjo at a very reasonable price. Here is the link:

http://www.chloesgarden.com/Banjos%20on%20Web/Banjos.htm

[Boucher42]

Re: 1850s Minstrel banjo

Sent you a pm

[Tyler Underwood]

Re: 1850s Minstrel banjo

Rich, here is another option. http://www.flesherbanjos.com/minstrel4.html

[Cracker Line]

Re: 1850s Minstrel banjo

You can't go wrong with Terry Bell.

-Adam C.

[Silas]

Re: 1850s Minstrel banjo

Terry Bell made me a double head banjo and used a Sweeney style neck. I like it a lot, but it doesn't go to campaign type events.

I suggested the link to the minstrel banjo forum because that's where the players hang out these days. It's a great resource as you'll find videos of minstrel music, links to scanned original music and lists of the primary minstrel banjo manufacturers. If you have an interest in minstrel banjo, but don't know any resources, the minstrel banjo forum is the place to be.

[hardeeflag]

Re: 1850s Minstrel banjo

I purchased a Boucher kit from Terry Bell. I got it for considerably less than listed on his site. Thanks for all the help.

[hardeeflag]

Re: 1850s Minstrel banjo

I have a question. Regarding the finish ion period minstrel banjos. What was the typical finish used?

[Silas]

Re: 1850s Minstrel banjo

Most of us rub in some linseed oil when needed. Period and works well.

[hardeeflag]

Re: 1850s Minstrel banjo

Thanks. I've seen shellac recommended but BLO is certainly a lot easier.

[dculgan]

Re: 1850s Minstrel banjo

I built one of Terry Bell's kits last summer and used amber shellac after I was done with dye. I did have trouble trying to wipe it on and ended up calling Terry for advice. He was glad to help and I ended up using a brush. On the other hand I'm sure an oil finish would look great too. My point is that if you have any trouble, which you probably won't, don't hesitate to give Terry Bell a call on the phone. Dave Culgan

[hardeeflag]

Re: 1850s Minstrel banjo

I built one of Terry Bell's kits last summer and used amber shellac after I was done with dye. I did have trouble trying to wipe it on and ended up calling Terry for advice. He was glad to help and I ended up using a brush. On the other hand I'm sure an oil finish would look great too. My point is that if you have any trouble, which you probably won't, don't hesitate to give Terry Bell a call on the phone. Dave Culgan

I guess my question is were the originals typically finished with shellac or an oil finish? I know many of the boucher's had a faux grain finish.

[hardeeflag]

Re: 1850s Minstrel banjo

Thanks to all who gave suggestions and advice. I ended up with one of Terry Bell's banjo kits. I finished the kit finally. I was pretty happy with the outcome. I would do a couple things differently next time (the first take more time). The sound was good after setting it up initially but I was not happy with some of the note articulation in the upper register (between the 5th and 12th fret area) However after letting every thing set over night I was amazed at how everything settled in and I am getting great note definition in that area. I do have to say that where the 5th fret is supposed to lay is not exact. I typically fret right just before the 5th fret on a fretted banjo and I would say that the 5th fret tone sounds right behind where the 4th fret would lie. I guess there is some margin with a fret-less CW era banjo?

Anyway here are some pics of the finished banjo. Over all I am happy. I got it far less than $1000 premium copy and this will get me going for quite a while until I justify something more....

[carl1754]

Re: 1850s Minstrel banjo

Just a general question- how common were banjos in camp during the war? What would be most commonly seen in the field just a regular tack head or the Boucher type? I've been thinking about trying to pick up another instrument and want to make sure I get something versatile.

By the way, thanks Silas the minsteral banjo forum link. Some very talented musicians and good info over there.