1970s Iida Model 226 Resonator 5-String Banjo

Tone: It's balanced, poppy, and on the warmer side than a traditional Mastertone. I'd call it round-sounding but very-much bluegrassy.

Feel: The neck is medium-heft and bigger than a typical Gibson from the time, but very comfortable. Because the whole instrument is lightweight for a bluegrass-style banjo, it's fun to play for extended periods.

Interesting features: This is a "mid-grade" Iida banjo and as-such it has an aluminum rim with an integral, sort-of-Mastertone-looking tonering thingy going on. Unlike other period aluminum-pot banjos, this one is better-made and with a well-thought-out design and also includes a chromed-steel flange where it meets the resonator. All of the Iida banjos I've worked-on (aside from the very cheapest ones) have been well-designed and many have been "long companions" to their owners because of that.

Repairs included: It's had a level/dress of the frets, new bridge fit with full compensation, cleaning, and a "lock bolt" added below the coordinator rod to keep the neck from "twisting" on axis with the rod's tightening bolt. It's playing bang-on and ready to go. I added 5th-string railroad spike capos for frets 7, 8, and 9.

• Maker: Iida (Japan)
• Model: 226, I believe
• Body style: Mastertone-lookalike resonator banjo
• Weight: 6 lbs 11 oz
• Scale length: 26 3/8"
• Nut width: 1 3/16"
• Neck shape: medium soft V
• Board radius: flat
• Head diameter: 11”
• Resonator diameter: 13 3/4"
• Depth overall at rim: 3 1/4"
• Rim wood: aluminum
• Tonering: integral
• Bridge: ebony/maple compensated
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 9s
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium-lower

Condition notes: Overall it's in good shape, though it does show minor wear and tear via small scratches/scuffs here and there throughout. It's all-original save for its bridge and perhaps the friction 5th peg. The head has some wear and tear but it looks good to me!

It comes with: Sorry, no case.

Consignor tag: JW