2021 Gold Tone CEB-4 Marcy Marxer 4-String Cello Banjo

Overview: This fella apes the old Gibson cello banjos of the '20s with its big, 14" rim, guitar-length scale, and 4-string configuration. It's also available in a 5-string format but this Marcy Marxer-signature model is in the 4-string, CGDA, fifths-tuned format. It's a sound all its own and has interesting applications -- it can sound oud-like, plucked-cello-like, mandocello-like when tremolo-picked, and (when picked quickly) can really do cool things with Celtic-style traditional music or old-time tunes.

Interesting features: As a clone-ish copycat of a Gibson-style instrument, it's got bling up the wazoo -- fancy pearl inlays, lots of binding, a cool headstock, guitar-style tuners, you name it! It's dressed to impress. The Renaissance head is really nice to have on this one out of the gate, too, as they're my favorite head design and sound a lot like a good, really-thin, skin head. It's responsive and bright but not overly-so. It has a simple hoop tonering.

Repairs included: I gave it a level/dress of the frets, setup, and restring with steel flatwound strings. It's playing quick and easy and is ready to roll. It had nylon strings on it to begin-with but these are built tough-enough for steel and the tuning stability, snap, and presence is better with the steel while the flatwound wrappings keep the bass note tones mellow and a little thuddy like a plucked cello.

• Weight: 8 lbs 0 oz
• Scale length: 24 3/4"
• Nut width: 1 5/8"
• Neck shape: slim-medium C
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: 51/64"
• Depth at seventh fret: 59/64"
• Head diameter: 14"
• Depth overall at rim: 3 1/8"
• Rim wood: ply maple
• Tonering: hoop
• Bridge: ebony/maple
• Fretboard: ebony
• Neck wood: maple flamed
• Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 64w, 42w, 32w, 20w
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium

Condition notes: This is a pretty dang clean instrument with just mild usewear throughout. It looks essentially new, though I'm sure the keenest eyes will find all the tiniest flaws. I'm not seeing them! The frets were popped a bit on the edges (from dryness) and it was causing some fretting-out, so I reseated and wicked glue into their slots and then leveled and dressed them all -- now it plays like new (or better than new) again.

It comes with: It's got a nice hard case.

Consignor tag: DSTN