1930s Kay Resonator Tenor Banjo

Overview: While unmarked, this guy is pretty clearly a Kay-made tenor banjo from around 1930 or so judging by its build, hardware, and features. It still has the older dowel-style neck/rim construction (as opposed to their adjustable joint) which places it before the mid-'30s, for sure. It has a nice tone -- sweet and with some warmth but it also carries very well. It handles nicely and has an attractive bead of trim at the upper part of the resonator, too, and restrained but nice pearl inlay in the board and headstock.

Repairs included: Molly gave it a level/dress of the frets and added side dots. I replaced the neck attachment system with two bolts (sturdier and more reliable), set it up, fit new Gotoh 4:1 geared pegs, fit a new bridge, and set it up. It plays spot-on and is ready to go.

• Weight: 6 lbs 7 oz
• Scale length: 23"
• Nut width: 1 3/16"
• Neck shape: medium V
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: 57/64"
• Depth at seventh fret: 63/64"
• Head diameter: 11”
• Resonator diameter: 13 7/8"
• Depth overall at rim: 3 1/4"
• Rim wood: ply maple
• Tonering: nhoop
• Bridge: maple/ebony
• Fretboard: ebonized maple
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 32w-9 GHS A240 for CGDA tuning
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: narrow/smaller

Condition notes: The head is a later replacement ('60s or '70s) and it has a new bridge, new tuners, and and a modified neck attachment area. The rest is original. The finish has some weather-check throughout but is otherwise in good order and it looks nice.

It comes with: Sorry, no case on this one.

Consignor tag: CLLR