Antique Musical Instruments/kay banjo

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Expert: Jim Garber - 9/14/2009


Question
I know nothing about banjos, except that I love to hear them. My almost-6-yr-old wants one so bad he's been saving money for a year to buy one. My mother found a Kay banjo in the trash of all places! It needs a new head, bridge & strings, but otherwise appears to be in good shape. I nderstand from looking on the internet that these aren't made anymore, so how can I find out the age of it & more info on it? Thanks Karen

Answer
These are not exactly high end instruments. Banjo heads are around $20, bridges $5 and strings $5 so for thirty dollars you can have yourself a playable banjo (I hope). it might be better to take it to a shop that knows how to set it up, of course.

Kay compnay of some sort is still in business. They even still sell banjos: http://www.kayguitar.com/products/banjo.htm

Jim

Antique Musical Instruments

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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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