1890s Puritan (Buckbee) Openback 5-String Banjo

Overview: I worked on this banjo last year for its owner and, since then, she's decided to focus on steel-string banjo instead so it's back for resale. It's got Puritan branding at the fretboard's not-quite-scoop area, but it was almost certainly made by Buckbee in New York around 1890. This was the era of "tons of hooks" on their lightweight, thin-ply rims and it definitely has tons of hooks. These old Buckbees are some of my favorite banjos and have a warm, poppy, direct sound and just-about-perfect necks with a wider nut width and a soft V profile. 

Repairs included: I'd previously given in a fret level/dress, neck angle adjustments, some replacement hooks, cleaning, and setup work. It's playing spot-on and ready to go.

• Weight: 5 lbs 2 oz
• Scale length: 24 5/8"
• Nut width: 1 3/16"
• Neck shape: medium V
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: 3/4"
• Depth at seventh fret: 29/32"
• Head diameter: 11”
• Resonator diameter: 11 1/2”
• Depth overall at rim: 2 3/8"
• Rim wood: maple with spunover style
• Tonering: integral hoop
• Bridge: maple/ebony
• Fretboard: ebony
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: between 1/16" and 3/32" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: Aquila Nylgut medium-tension
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: narrow/lower

Condition notes: The head is a newer FiberSkyn replacement one. The tuners are all '60s or '70s friction pegs. The hooks on the rim are all later replacements. The bridge is newer. Otherwise, though, it's original and it's nice to have an original tailpiece, too. There's mild wear and tear throughout but it looks good overall.

It comes with: Sorry, no case.

Consignor tag: LCLB