Banjo Identification or Information

[Matt Haugen]

I found this banjo at a flea market last weekend. It is a shorter scale 5 string and I believe this would be called a clawhammer banjo. Based on the case design, which appears original, I am guessing 1920's or so. I have looked the thing over for and markings and can't find anything. I am not versed in banjo, never trid to play, but for the price, I figured I would buy it. The case is the only thing that seems to contain any information. The logo looks like a peace sign with what I believe to be the letters H L C within the circle area.  I was hoping someone here might be able to tell me a thing or two about it. Also, the 5th string peg is missing, do you think that peg was also a friction peg? Thanks so much.

[Kerry Krishna]

 The Banjo Hangout is the best place for info about this nice looking axe Matt. What those folks over there don't know about banjos, is not worth printing. The word 'encyclopaedic' begins to cover it, and there are SOOO many members who post everyday, that you will likely get 'the' answer in hours. With those pegs though, I am going to go out on a limb and say that it is only for gut strings... 

The Bajo you got IS a great score too! 

[Matt Haugen]

Thanks so much Kerry. I will look into that.

[Mark Pollock]

That case is a standard style case from that case company, not related directly to the instrument, which appears to be a fairly cheap (but really cool) 5 string. I'm sure the fifth string peg was also a friction peg, good luck with that! And I concur gut strings, although I would highly recommend Seguar fishing leader. I'll have to look up what I use, but it is wonderful stuff, and just about the only thing I use on gut banjos and ukuleles.

[Paul Verticchio]

Mark,

Thanks for the tip on the 'uke strings'.  With more & more coming in for restrings, that's a valuable thing to know.

btw: do you charge for strings by the set or by the foot? ;)

[Tim Mace]

agree on nylon strings..fabric pic looks like it/case could be for LyonHealy ?

[Mark Pollock]

Hey Paul -

I looked up the strings - I use 30,40,60, and 80 lb test Seguar Blue Flourocarbon for ukes and banjos - ukes strung G-40, C-80, E-60, A-30.

It cost about$110 for 25 yards of strings, and I've not bothered charging anyone for them. They are, by appearance, size, and tone, the same as the Martin Flourocarbons, with much less cost, and a major upgrade to the uber-crappy black nylon strings.

I teach a uke club at my school, so I replace student strings pretty often - those cheap uke strings are just impossible to keep in tune. I mean, you can actually see the variation in thickness with the naked eye!