1980s Wildwood Minstrel 5-String Openback Banjo

It's a beaut! It's always fun to have a Wildwood banjo in-shop. They're not my namesake but they're quite fine instruments. They tend to handle a lot like vintage Vegas of the '20s but have modern features like block rim construction and coordinator rods and truss rods. These are all good perks to have if you like to not fuss with your banjos as they age.

This one is probably from the '80s or early '90s and has remained stable in service its whole life. It has geared pegs throughout, curly figure in the neck, and a Tubaphone-style tonering sitting atop the rim which -- as noted -- gives it a classic Vega vibe. It's loud, clean, and sustains nicely.

"Modern" old-time players looking for a real tubby, mellow voice won't find it in this instrument but folks who like articulation and clarity as well as a sing-song element to their overtones will find it a gem. To me it just sounds like "vintage but better" and feels the same, too.

Repairs included: a fret level/dress, cleaning, and setup.

Weight: 7 lbs 14 oz

Scale length: 26 1/4"

Nut width: 1 1/4"

Neck shape: medium C to D up neck

Board radius: flat

Head diameter: 11”

Depth overall at rim: 3"

Rim wood: block maple

Tonering: Tubaphone-style

Bridge: maple/ebony

Fretboard: ebony

Neck wood: flamed maple

Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
String gauges: 9s

Truss rod: adjustable

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium

Condition notes: it's very clean and all-original, apparently. The head shows wear and tear and the finish has a little "lining" at the edges of joints, but overall it's lightly-used.

It comes with: a good hard case.

Consignor tag: B29