c.1925 The Stag Banjo Mandolin

Good things sometimes come in twos... like the two banjo mandolins (this one and the Vega in the last post) in the store right now. Like the Vega, this is a high-quality build, but this one (marked "The Stag") was most likely made by Slingerland (I think?) in Chicago. It features a skunk-striped maple neck with a big thick maple pot and serious round metal tonering. It has a great, poppy, shimmery tone and plays excellently. Stock narrow spacing of the string pairs and a 14" scale give the illusion that you're playing only 4 strings, which makes this a very fast player.

Nice MOP inlay in ebony on the fretboard and headstock overlay.

Cute diamons. Bound ebony board.

Rim is a little larger than the Vega and the original skin head has long since disappeared. This is an older frosted-back Remo that sounds just dandy... though my personal preference would be an Elite amber or Renaissance head.

More of those grommets to dampen harsh overtones...


Side 3/4.

Nice original W.M. Co. tuners with ivoroid buttons.

Note the attractive details: 3-ply heel cap with skunk-striped neck and marquetry inlay on the rim with pretty (walnut?) rim cap.

Side.

Multicolored marquetry detail. Nice.

Very cool shield & "hart" logo on the dowel.


Neck brace.


Pot rear...


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A little larger than the Vega but still comfortable proportions when playing. I really do enjoy the 14" scale which keeps tension nice on my banjo-mando custom sets (028w/022w/012/009). Heavier strings give a banjo-mando a weird, unattractive tone and often put too much tension on the neck area.

Tailpiece. Note funky wire home-repair. Serviceable!