1950s East German Unmarked 6-String Banjo-Guitar

Overview: Django Reinhardt started-off playing a pretty-similar 6-string banjo. In fact, instruments of this overall design ("zither rim" construction) were in production from the early 1900s through the 1970s in Eastern Europe, Germany, France, and Italy. This one is East German, likely, and just a little postwar -- probably early-'50s in build. Instruments of this style were built for a couple decades before this one, but this one has features that line-up with '50s production of this type. The tuners and the plastic of their buttons, the birch construction, rosewood fretboard, and tailpiece all suggest that.

Interesting features: The inset "zither" rim design is a neat thing -- it makes for a banjo that sits in the lap comfortably and also gives a slightly cumbus/oud-like response to the instrument. It's spooky-sounding but also, due to the mass of the adjustable bridge we have on it, somewhat mellow as well. That adjustable bridge will be nice to have as the seasons change, by the way, as the skin head that's on it will tighten and loosen as the weather moves-on. At least the "top tension" bolts make it easy to tighten, though.

Repairs included: Tim gave it a level/dress of the frets, fit the new bridge, cleaned it up, added side dots, and set it up. It's a quick player and ready to serve. We use electric guitar strings with an unwound G for 6-string banjos as the gauges are more-similar to the tension of a 5-string banjo set and it gives, well -- more of a "banjo" and less of a "muffled, no-sustain guitar" sound. Standard 46w-10 is what's on it at the moment.

• Weight: 4 lbs 9 oz
• Scale length: 24 3/8"
• Nut width: 1 11/16"
• Neck shape: medium D
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: 29/32"
• Depth at seventh fret: 29/32"
• Head diameter: 8 1/4"
• Resonator diameter: 11 1/4”
• Depth overall at rim: 2 5/8"
• Rim wood: ply maple or birch
• Tonering: integral to tensioner (metal lip)
• Bridge: rosewood adjustable w/bone saddle
• Fretboard: rosewood-like
• Neck wood: likely birch or maple
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall adjustable (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 46w-10 electric 10s (these like unwound G)
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: smaller/lower

Condition notes: It's pretty clean throughout though it does show minor scuffs and scratches here and there. The bridge is unoriginal and the head may be a replacement but the rest looks right. The little "dome" decoration in the center of the back of the rim sometimes rattles, but it's mostly pressed-up against the belly so it has been a non-issue.

It comes with: Sorry, no case.

Consignor tag: MTBR