This vintage banjolele is a “Dick Barrie Bands” model, a British distributor brand produced by the famous manufacturer George Houghton & Sons (GH&S) in the 1950s.

Structurally, this instrument is identical to the GH&S Melody Junior model. It is a sturdy, well-made instrument, typical of the golden age of banjoleles in the United Kingdom, perfect for achieving that “punchy,” bright sound associated with George Formby.


Technical specifications:

Manufacturer: George Houghton & Sons (Birmingham, England).

Model: Dick Barrie Bands (equivalent to Melody Junior).

Type: Resonator banjo-ukulele (Soprano).

Materials: Mahogany neck and resonator.

Dark wood fingerboard (probably rosewood or stained pear wood) with diamond-shaped mother-of-pearl inlays.

Original chrome hardware.

Dimensions: Total length approx. 56-58 cm.

Appearance: Distinctive “Dick Barrie Bands” plate on the head of the instrument.

Condition (to be adapted to the actual condition of your item):

Skin (vellum): Appears to be in good original condition.

Neck: Straight, with comfortable action for playing.

Frets: Little visible wear, still has a lot of life left.

Body: Natural vintage patina. A few slight signs of wear on the resonator due to its age (see photos).



This item is sold As-Described

This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.

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Listed4 months ago
ConditionFair (Used)
Fair condition gear should function but will show noticeable cosmetic damage or other issues.Learn more
Brand
  • Dick Barrie Bands
Model
  • Banjolele
Categories
Year
  • 1950's
Made In
  • United Kingdom

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St-Jérôme, Canada
Joined Reverb:2018

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