Antique Musical Instruments/e. c. dobson banjo

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Expert: Jim Garber - 9/29/2009


Question
hi
  first, thank you for providing this service.  i am mostly a guitar player, but years ago bought a banjo at a flea market hoping to learn to play it.  have not gotten around to it yet, but i am curious about the banjo.  the imprint says e.c. dobson orchestra banjo and there is the number 36.  there are 4 frets with inlays, very simple small stars.  from what i have been able to find, it seems like it should be from about 1890, but i was wondering if you know for sure and if you have any idea what its value might be.  (i did not think to take a picture, but i can send one if it would help) thanks.  randy

Answer
Hi Randy:
I can't really give you a value on the banjo. Dobsons are pretty nice banjos in general for old style classical playing (nylon or gut strung played with the fingers) or clawhammer Old time style (metal strings and played with a frailing style.) They made many styles and the value depends on ornamentation and condition.

Here is some info on your brand:
http://www.billsbanjos.com/ECDobson.htm

I don't know of that one resembles yours. According the owner of that site, the banjo was probably made by Rettburg and Lange. Other of the Dobsons were made by Buckbee, another large maker of banjos from that period, around the turn of the last century.

best
Jim

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Jim Garber

Expertise

PLEASE NOTE: I will not be able to answer any questions about antique keyboards, accordions, concertinas, woodwinds, brass and percussion.

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.

I have decided to no longer evaluate instruments -- it is very difficult without the instrument in hand. For guitars and some other American fretted instruments, I recommend the Vintage Guitar Price guide. Also, be aware that most insurance companies want written appraisals so my valuation would not work anyway.

ALSO PLEASE NOTE: it is near-impossible to accurately appraise a violin or bow remotely. If you truly want to find out what you have, you will likely need to take it to a reputable local dealer. Many of these folks will at least give you a verbal assessment of what you have after an inspection in hand and, if it is indeed worth something, can write you up a formal appraisal, usually for a fee.

If you have any questions about zithers please check the following sites:
http://www.fretlesszithers.com/ or
http://www.fretlesszithers.net/
Between the two of them, they have it all covered for any zither-like instrument.

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,

Education/Credentials
BA, Brandeis University

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