1950’s Silvertone by Kay Tenor Banjo
1950’s Silvertone by Kay Tenor Banjo. As most vintage instrument fans know, Silvertone was a trade name used by Sears from the 1941 until their business model became outdated and the company folded. Sears contracted with many budget brand manufacturers to create Silvertone instruments, and this one happened to be made by Kay of Chicago. The neck and resonator are made of mahogany and the 19-fret rosewood fretboard has a 23” scale. The rim is cross-ply maple and is designed along the lines of Vega’s Vox models with the deep resonator being about 1” below the top of the rim. This banjo looks all original with the exception of the newer planetary banjo tuners, a refret, and a 10-7/8” diameter Remo Fiberskyn head. Though a little beat up, the banjo is solid. And the tone? It growls! We have it set up in the traditional Irish tuning of G D A E, but restringing for Jazz tuning is not a problem. A great playing & sounding budget instrument for only $250 and a grey chipboard case is included.
This instrument is not available for international shipment.