Expert: Jim Ryan - 6/3/2007

Question
I have just inherited a 1920's Orpheum No2, 4 string Banjo and am wondering where to take it to get an accurate appraisal?
Any information that you can give me would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

Answer
Good morning Sandy--

You have in hand a very nice-sounding but not extremely scarce banjo.  If you wish to sell it to a dealer, the man to contact is John Bernunzio of Bernunzio Instruments (www. bernunzio.com); as an important dealer of such instruments, he could provide an official appraisal.  If you were to put it on E-bay, I would personally estimate that it would bring 750-900 dollars.  Because there are many fewer 4-string banjo players, it will command less money than a 5-string Orpheum.  In fact, some buyers would purchase your 4-string and convert it to a 5-string by having a new neck installed on the instrument.  Best of all, though, would be to keep it as a 4 string and play it!

Best regards,

~Jim Ryan