I can answer most questions on fretted instruments, my main area of expertise is in vintage mandolins, guitars and ukuleles. I also know some things about old banjos as well.
Many questioners ask about the market value of their instrument without much information. Please give me as much information as possible including the condition of the instrument. It also truly helps if you can includes a clear photo of your instrument. I think the site will only allow for one photo, but you can email me additional ones to jimg@paperclipdesign.com. I will try to evaluate but sometimes it is very difficult without the instrument in hand
PLEASE NOTE: I will not be able to answer any questions about antique keyboards, accordions, concertinas, woodwinds, brass and percussion.
Experience I have been buying, selling, collecting and playing old and antique instruments for over 30 years. My recent specialty has been in European mandolins and classical and Italian mandolin music.
Organizations Classical Mandolin Society of America, active participant on the Mandolin Cafe
Publications Guild of American Luthiers, Sing Out Magazine,
We have inherited a four-string Ludwig (Ambassador Deluxe) banjo from my father, who played the instrument in the 20's (possibly), 30's and 40's. We would be interested in any information you have on this piece as well as an approximate value. The case is of wooden construction, framed in decorative brass, rimmed in ivory. There are 19 frets with mother-of-pearl inlays, and the tuning keys are mother-of-pearl also. The carrying case is leather, with a velvet liner which zips over the instrument. We would greatly appreciate any information you have on this banjo.
Not sure of the value, but this ebay auction has run at least three times now at the same price of $4,999 and has not gotten any bids so we can assume that it is not worth that much: http://tinyurl.com/5fgfkv
I have a circa 1930 Ludwig banjo catalog with details and the Ambassador tenor banjo sold for $245 in the 1930s. In the 2008 Vintage Guitar Price Guide they list a Commodore banjo which cost the same amount as listed in my catalog as valued today at between $1,500-1800 in excellent/all original condition. The Plectrum version, probably a little more rare is valued as $2,300-2,500.
I found two Ambassador banjos on this English site one for £1150 and one for £1000 (about $2300 and $2000 respectively). Mandolin Brothers, a reputable dealer in New York has one for sale for around $2000.
I don't see any mention anywhere of a model called the Ambassador Deluxe, just the Ambassador with gold plated metal parts. In my catalog it states: "Heavily gold-plated, hand engraved shell of HIGH PRESSURE bronze."
Anyway, I hope that gives you some idea of value etc.
