1981 Dan Polifka 5-String Openback Banjo

UPDATE December 2025: This banjo is back in the shack and ready for a new owner!

Overview: Mr. Polifka, apparently, owned a music shop for a short while and also made some instruments, too. This one reminds me a lot of StewMac kit banjos from the '70s and the '80s and it's possible that it's a "kitbashed" version of one. It could also be completely homegrown, though!

In any case, it's a nice-sounding instrument with good ring and pop. It reminds me a little bit of '60s Gibson openbacks. It has the same, wide, simple, hoop tonering design, too. The neck is quick and fast and it's made of nice materials -- ebony for the fretboard and headstock veneer, a two-piece mahogany neck, ply mahogany rim, and heavy-duty hardware throughout.

Repairs included: Tim worked on this one -- recutting an old tension hoop to fit for this rim size, giving it a level/dress of the frets, cleaning it up, and setting it up. All I had to do was add a few railroad spike capos. It's playing spot-on and ready to serve.

• Weight: 5 lbs 14 oz
• Scale length: 26 3/8"
• Nut width: 1 1/8"
• Neck shape: slim medium CV
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: 13/16"
• Depth at seventh fret: 55/64"
• Head diameter: 10 3/4"
• Resonator diameter: 11 1/2”??
• Depth overall at rim: 2 1/2"
• Rim wood: ply mahogany
• Tonering: hoop
• Bridge: maple/ebony
• Fretboard: ebony
• Neck wood: mahogany 2-piece
• 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 shows some finish checking here and there and mild usewear throughout but overall it looks great for its age. They're not in the photos, but it has railroad spike capos installed.

It comes with: It has a decent hard case.

Consignor tag: MUNS