1890s SS Stewart Thoroughbred 5-String Openback Banjo

Overview: We get nice Stewarts in the shop two or three times a year and this one, with its lovingly-carved heel, folksily-inlaid headstock, and simple fretboard, has a classic and attractive look about it. Dating-wise, it falls right around 1895 or so, though the serial number doesn't place it exactly. It arrived here looking a little down but it's now a pretty face and it has the usual, quite-long (27") Stewart scale length, lower-down bridge placement which gives it a brighter attack, and the neck adjustment/reinforcement rod which I feel like all old openbacks probably could use to keep them more stable. It was intended for gut strings when made and we've set it up with Aquila Nylgut to suit.

Repairs included: Tim did a bunch of cleaning to it and set it up. Max leveled and dressed the frets. I may have tweaked something here or there. Suffice to say, it plays beautifully and is ready to go.

• Weight: 5 lbs 6 oz
• Scale length: 27"
• Nut width: 1 1/4"
• Neck shape: medium V
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: 13/16"
• Depth at seventh fret: 55/64"
• Head diameter: 11”
• Depth overall at rim: 2 1/2"
• Rim wood: maple
• Tonering: integrated hoop-in-sleeve
• Bridge: maple/ebony
• Fretboard: ebony
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: Aquila Nylgut light
• Neck relief: hair of relief
• Fret style: low/small

Condition notes: It has a replacment, older Remo synthetic head. The bridge is old but not original. Someone replaced the original friction pegs with '50s/'60s-style ones. The hardware and rim shows plenty of wear but, overall, it looks nice.

It comes with: It has an old, '60s chip case.

Consignor tag: DNLN