1930s Regal 4-String Resonator Banjo-Mandolin Conversion

Overview: I'm pretty sure this is an unmarked, Regal-made banjo-mandolin that's had a resonator added from a different instrument entirely (a Harmony-made resonator?) as it's not quite the best fit (though it does work just fine). Someone has also added a big old ex-jewelery pearl piece to the headstock's front and I've converted it over to 4-string format. So -- it's an oddball! It's also shockingly-loud and is a hoot to play considering all that extra power.

Work started on this a long time ago, but it wound-up in stasis after the initial leveling and dressing of the frets was done. I finally got to it in a recent batch of banjo-mando conversions, though, and am glad to have this little fighter up and running again. It's not a perfect instrument by any means but it's fun and endearing.

Repairs included: Molly gave it a level/dress of the frets some time back. I fit a new head, new bridge, converted the headstock to a 4-string setup, cleaned it up, and set it up. It plays quick and easy and is ready to roll.

• Weight: 4 lbs 4 oz
• Scale length: 14"
• Nut width: 1 1/4"
• Neck shape: medium-bigger soft V
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: 0.84"
• Depth at seventh fret: 1.15"
• Head diameter: 10 3/4"
• Resonator diameter: 13"
• Depth overall at rim: 3 1/2"
• Rim wood: ply maple
• Tonering: none, shaped rim top
• Bridge: maple/ebony
• Fretboard: ebonized maple
• Neck wood: maple
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 34w-10 lights
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: narrow/lower

Condition notes: The head's aluminum band ("flesh hoop") got quite ragged upon install due to the rim being a little out-of-round and none of the hardware wanting to play nice with the new head. It has pulled-off from the epoxied lip of the head here and there but this in no way makes it less functional or effective -- it's just a little messy-looking at its lower edge here and there. The neck angle is also a little low on this instrument so it has a shorter (hair under 1/2") bridge, though there's tons of air between the strings and the head due to the thick and raised fretboard. The finish shows mild to medium wear and tear throughout and part of the resonator's wall near the heel has "bellied-out" as it's aged but is secure. The head and bridge are replacements. The headstock has been modified (tuners cut down to 4, a pearl jewel thingy fit to the top, and pearl dots in the old tuner post holes that are unused).

It comes with: Sorry, no case.

Consignor tag: AXBD