A.C. Fairbanks & Co. Banjeaurine 1896

1896 A.C. Fairbanks Banjeaurine, made in Boston, serial # 15244, natural finish, spunover metal rim, mahoghany neck with ebony fingerboard, bone tailpiece, original hardware and unique pearl inlays.

This unusual banjo has a short scale neck and full size head meant to be tuned up a fourth to C to play melody parts in the banjo ensembles of the 1890's. It was created around the time Fairbanks and Cole split up to form their own companies and bears both stamps on the dowel stick. It is both a fine player and an exciting piece of history for the collector!

Overall length is 28 3/4", with a 12 3/4" diameter head, and 2 1/4" in depth measured at side of rim. Scale length is 20 in, and width of nut is 1 3/16 in.

This instrument remains in very good condition overall considering its age. The friction tuners, tailpiece, and hardware are all original. The heel has been repaired at some time in it's 127 years, but leaves no cause for concern. A new goatskin head delivers a powerful bright sound and stays tight with 30 hooks. This banjo is set up with new Nylgut strings. 

It was purchased from the Meisel Collection in Princeton, New Jersey and was one of hundreds of rare string instruments gathered over 40 years from around the world.