2010s Chuck Waldman 5-String Cello Banjo

Overview: This is an almost new Chuck Waldman cello banjo of the 5-string variety (the 4-string type is tuned at the same pitch and tuning as a proper cello -- CGDA -- but this type is tuned like a 5-string banjo but down a full octave).

Tone: It's big and full and powerful-sounding with plenty of sustain and resonance. If you play it too quickly or with too much power it can get overwhelming, to be honest. It's an interesting instrument because it will make you rethink what's possible with a banjo. It has almost an oud or lute-like fullness to it that's very addicting. It's currently wearing nylon strings (all wound) which are a perfect match for the instrument -- I would think steel on this would be pretty distractingly-overtoney.

Feel: It feels an awful lot like playing an old Buckbee from the 1870s or 1880s -- the neck is comfy and has a hybrid C/V feel that's quick but full.

Interesting features: It's a beautifully-made instrument with a restrained, simple, 1870s-looking, classic style about it. You would be forgiven for thinking it's on the "rustic" side, but in reality it's a modern, well-thought-out, durable, full-sounding machine. The builder incorporates what he calls his "Chromatic Rim" design where sound chambers within the rim help to fill-out and even-up the sound of the instrument. It's a neat innovation. When it was "fresh and new" it had a skin head and wood friction pegs. The current owner gave it a Remo Renaissance head (my favorite type), 4:1 geared Pegheds pegs (in violin-looking format), and a Fielding bridge. These are significant upgrades that make it a true player's banjo.

Repairs included: I gave it a quick setup and replaced a damaged string (the B).

• Weight: 4 lbs 8 oz
• Scale length: 25 1/2"
• Nut width: 1 3/8"
• Neck shape: medium C/soft V
• Board radius: flat
• Head diameter: 14"
• Depth overall at rim: 3"
• Rim wood: oak
• Tonering: integral shaped top
• Bridge: maple
• Fretboard: rosewood or similar
• Neck wood: oak
• Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: Gold Tone nylon set
• Truss rod: unsure (neck is dead straight)
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium/narrow

Condition notes: It's original except for the 4:1 geared pegs, Renaissance head, and Fielding bridge -- all of which are big upgrades compared to stock.

It comes with: Sorry, no case or gigbag.

Consignor tag: SK