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musical instrument details
Edward C. Dobson Open Back 5-String Banjo, ca. 1880's, inscribed
Estimated price for orientation: 1 000 $
Category: Banjos
Class:
Description Condition: Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition Brand: Edward Dobson Country/Region of Manufacture: United States Number of Strings: 5
House of Musical TraditionsVoted "Best Place To Buy Instruments" - Washington City Paper 2016 Reader Poll
Takoma Park, MD 20912
TEL: 301-270-9090
11 am - 7 pm EST - Tuesday through Saturday
11 am - 5 pm EST - Sunday & Monday Thanks for taking the time to view our auction!
PLEASE CLICK ON THE "ABOUT ME" LINK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HMTRAD & OUR AUCTION POLICIES
The information on that page will assist you in making an informed bid.
Edward C. Dobson Open Back 5-String Banjo, ca. 1880's, inscribed An unusual and lovely openback banjo! Edward Dobson was the least well-known of the Dobson brothers, but was still a great maker and player. We estimate this banjo is from the 1880's or 90's. The metal rim is inscribed with an owner's name, "Blanche J. Vetter," with a monogram of her initials, BJV. The treble side of the rim is inscribed "Edw. C. Dobson, Maker, 1399 B-Way N.Y., Champion Banjoist of the World." The wooden dowelstick does not bear any markings. The head itself measures about 10 3/4". Metal rim has 18 brackets. Scale length measures about 26 1/4". When this banjo came to us, it was in extremely poor condition (had literally been rotting in a barn for decades), including previous shoddy repair work and non-original tuners. We had our senior luthier, Marc Glickman, perform an extensive reconditioning on this banjo, and consulted with him at length as to what would be both appropriate and cost-effective on this historical piece. It was completely disassembled and all the metal parts were cleaned and polished. Dowelstick was reglued. A new wedge/neck attachment was fitted, as well as a new heelcap. The banjo came to us with a Remo weatherking head that was in good condition, so we kept that. If you prefer a real skin head, we can have Marc replace that for around $100.
All 5 pegs were replaced with geared planetary tuners (due to the state of the peg holes, it would not have been cost-effective to refit for period-correct pegs, along with all the necessary cosmetic work). The headstock and headstock veneer were reconditioned. We have received comments from some vintage banjo enthusiasts expressing dismay at our decision to use geared tuners. Please understand that a great deal of thought and concern went into this decision, with much consultation with our luthier. Bushing the holes, replacing the entire faceplate veneer and transferring the inlay over would have added several hundred dollars to the already substantial repair cost. We did not feel we could resell the banjo at a high enough price to accommodate that restoration.
Marc told us he's very pleased with this instrument and it plays quite nicely. The fretboard is ever-so-slightly cupped, but has no adverse affects on playability. Action is typically on the high side for clawhammer playing. Bridge is 1/2 inch. This would be a unique addition to any banjoist's collection, and a fine-playing instrument for clawhammer style.
If the buyer wishes, we can include a padded gig bag with the instrument. Shipping (insured) by UPS Ground within the continental US is FREE. International buyers may contact us for a shipping quote. 14-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE OUR QUALITY SCALE:
NEW -- Brand new, never used
MINT -- Perfect condition, like new
NEAR MINT -- Like new with extremely minor cosmetic flaws
EXCELLENT -- Minor cosmetic imperfections
VERY GOOD -- No major problems
GOOD -- Still in useful condition
FAIR -- Has plenty of wear
POOR -- Most likely it's broken or needs work This item is in EXCELLENT condition. If paying with Paypal, you must have the item shipped to your confirmed address.Items may be returned for a refund or exchange within 14 days. However, buyers should be aware that certain fees (shipping, E-bay listing, Paypal or credit card processing fees) may not be refundable. Item must be returned in original condition or you will earn negative feedback. We reserve the right to end this listing early. This item is also for sale in our brick-and-mortar store. For an auction, if there are no bids on the listing, we may sell to an in-store customer. Once a bid is placed, we will let the auction run and sell to the highest bidder. We are the , just outside of Washington, DC. We have been in business since 1972. We pride ourselves in our excellent eBay rating and good comments from satisfied customers.
Description
| Condition: | Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitions- opens in a new window or tab ... Read moreabout the condition | Brand: | Edward Dobson |
| Country/Region of Manufacture: | United States | Number of Strings: | 5 |
House of Musical TraditionsVoted "Best Place To Buy Instruments" - Washington City Paper 2016 Reader Poll
Takoma Park, MD 20912
TEL: 301-270-9090
11 am - 7 pm EST - Tuesday through Saturday
11 am - 5 pm EST - Sunday & Monday Thanks for taking the time to view our auction!
PLEASE CLICK ON THE "ABOUT ME" LINK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HMTRAD & OUR AUCTION POLICIES
The information on that page will assist you in making an informed bid.
Edward C. Dobson Open Back 5-String Banjo, ca. 1880's, inscribed An unusual and lovely openback banjo! Edward Dobson was the least well-known of the Dobson brothers, but was still a great maker and player. We estimate this banjo is from the 1880's or 90's. The metal rim is inscribed with an owner's name, "Blanche J. Vetter," with a monogram of her initials, BJV. The treble side of the rim is inscribed "Edw. C. Dobson, Maker, 1399 B-Way N.Y., Champion Banjoist of the World." The wooden dowelstick does not bear any markings. The head itself measures about 10 3/4". Metal rim has 18 brackets. Scale length measures about 26 1/4". When this banjo came to us, it was in extremely poor condition (had literally been rotting in a barn for decades), including previous shoddy repair work and non-original tuners. We had our senior luthier, Marc Glickman, perform an extensive reconditioning on this banjo, and consulted with him at length as to what would be both appropriate and cost-effective on this historical piece. It was completely disassembled and all the metal parts were cleaned and polished. Dowelstick was reglued. A new wedge/neck attachment was fitted, as well as a new heelcap. The banjo came to us with a Remo weatherking head that was in good condition, so we kept that. If you prefer a real skin head, we can have Marc replace that for around $100.
All 5 pegs were replaced with geared planetary tuners (due to the state of the peg holes, it would not have been cost-effective to refit for period-correct pegs, along with all the necessary cosmetic work). The headstock and headstock veneer were reconditioned. We have received comments from some vintage banjo enthusiasts expressing dismay at our decision to use geared tuners. Please understand that a great deal of thought and concern went into this decision, with much consultation with our luthier. Bushing the holes, replacing the entire faceplate veneer and transferring the inlay over would have added several hundred dollars to the already substantial repair cost. We did not feel we could resell the banjo at a high enough price to accommodate that restoration.
Marc told us he's very pleased with this instrument and it plays quite nicely. The fretboard is ever-so-slightly cupped, but has no adverse affects on playability. Action is typically on the high side for clawhammer playing. Bridge is 1/2 inch. This would be a unique addition to any banjoist's collection, and a fine-playing instrument for clawhammer style.
If the buyer wishes, we can include a padded gig bag with the instrument. Shipping (insured) by UPS Ground within the continental US is FREE. International buyers may contact us for a shipping quote. 14-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE OUR QUALITY SCALE:
NEW -- Brand new, never used
MINT -- Perfect condition, like new
NEAR MINT -- Like new with extremely minor cosmetic flaws
EXCELLENT -- Minor cosmetic imperfections
VERY GOOD -- No major problems
GOOD -- Still in useful condition
FAIR -- Has plenty of wear
POOR -- Most likely it's broken or needs work This item is in EXCELLENT condition. If paying with Paypal, you must have the item shipped to your confirmed address.Items may be returned for a refund or exchange within 14 days. However, buyers should be aware that certain fees (shipping, E-bay listing, Paypal or credit card processing fees) may not be refundable. Item must be returned in original condition or you will earn negative feedback. We reserve the right to end this listing early. This item is also for sale in our brick-and-mortar store. For an auction, if there are no bids on the listing, we may sell to an in-store customer. Once a bid is placed, we will let the auction run and sell to the highest bidder. We are the , just outside of Washington, DC. We have been in business since 1972. We pride ourselves in our excellent eBay rating and good comments from satisfied customers.
Takoma Park, MD 20912
TEL: 301-270-9090
11 am - 7 pm EST - Tuesday through Saturday
11 am - 5 pm EST - Sunday & Monday Thanks for taking the time to view our auction!
PLEASE CLICK ON THE "ABOUT ME" LINK TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HMTRAD & OUR AUCTION POLICIES
The information on that page will assist you in making an informed bid.
Edward C. Dobson Open Back 5-String Banjo, ca. 1880's, inscribed An unusual and lovely openback banjo! Edward Dobson was the least well-known of the Dobson brothers, but was still a great maker and player. We estimate this banjo is from the 1880's or 90's. The metal rim is inscribed with an owner's name, "Blanche J. Vetter," with a monogram of her initials, BJV. The treble side of the rim is inscribed "Edw. C. Dobson, Maker, 1399 B-Way N.Y., Champion Banjoist of the World." The wooden dowelstick does not bear any markings. The head itself measures about 10 3/4". Metal rim has 18 brackets. Scale length measures about 26 1/4". When this banjo came to us, it was in extremely poor condition (had literally been rotting in a barn for decades), including previous shoddy repair work and non-original tuners. We had our senior luthier, Marc Glickman, perform an extensive reconditioning on this banjo, and consulted with him at length as to what would be both appropriate and cost-effective on this historical piece. It was completely disassembled and all the metal parts were cleaned and polished. Dowelstick was reglued. A new wedge/neck attachment was fitted, as well as a new heelcap. The banjo came to us with a Remo weatherking head that was in good condition, so we kept that. If you prefer a real skin head, we can have Marc replace that for around $100.
All 5 pegs were replaced with geared planetary tuners (due to the state of the peg holes, it would not have been cost-effective to refit for period-correct pegs, along with all the necessary cosmetic work). The headstock and headstock veneer were reconditioned. We have received comments from some vintage banjo enthusiasts expressing dismay at our decision to use geared tuners. Please understand that a great deal of thought and concern went into this decision, with much consultation with our luthier. Bushing the holes, replacing the entire faceplate veneer and transferring the inlay over would have added several hundred dollars to the already substantial repair cost. We did not feel we could resell the banjo at a high enough price to accommodate that restoration.
Marc told us he's very pleased with this instrument and it plays quite nicely. The fretboard is ever-so-slightly cupped, but has no adverse affects on playability. Action is typically on the high side for clawhammer playing. Bridge is 1/2 inch. This would be a unique addition to any banjoist's collection, and a fine-playing instrument for clawhammer style.
If the buyer wishes, we can include a padded gig bag with the instrument. Shipping (insured) by UPS Ground within the continental US is FREE. International buyers may contact us for a shipping quote. 14-DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE OUR QUALITY SCALE:
NEW -- Brand new, never used
MINT -- Perfect condition, like new
NEAR MINT -- Like new with extremely minor cosmetic flaws
EXCELLENT -- Minor cosmetic imperfections
VERY GOOD -- No major problems
GOOD -- Still in useful condition
FAIR -- Has plenty of wear
POOR -- Most likely it's broken or needs work This item is in EXCELLENT condition. If paying with Paypal, you must have the item shipped to your confirmed address.Items may be returned for a refund or exchange within 14 days. However, buyers should be aware that certain fees (shipping, E-bay listing, Paypal or credit card processing fees) may not be refundable. Item must be returned in original condition or you will earn negative feedback. We reserve the right to end this listing early. This item is also for sale in our brick-and-mortar store. For an auction, if there are no bids on the listing, we may sell to an in-store customer. Once a bid is placed, we will let the auction run and sell to the highest bidder. We are the , just outside of Washington, DC. We have been in business since 1972. We pride ourselves in our excellent eBay rating and good comments from satisfied customers.