1880’s Buckbee(?) Child’s 5-String Banjo, As-Is
1880’s Buckbee(?) Child’s 5-String Banjo, As-Is. “They’s cute when they’re little”. And this one certainly is. The neck has a scale length is 19-1/2” rim diameter Is about 7-1/2”. This size is commonly called a child’s banjo or sometimes a Pony banjo. With the dark finish, it is hard to positively ID the materials, but my best guess is the neck is made of poplar and the rim walnut veneer over a strip of beech. There are 12 brackets that are presumed to be original. The rim has some waves and veneer cracks, but seems solid. The tuning pegs look like old violin pegs and likely not original to the banjo. Though a little fussy, they do keep the banjo in tune. With the small head the tone is a bit thin. But it is fun to play. As-is, this 19th century 5-string banjo is $150.