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Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 16 Oct 02 - 11:31 AM Well, there's another S.S. Stewart Special Thoroughbred just listed on eBay which looks quite good, well worth a look. I have a similar model and it has a fine mellow old-time sound and is robust enough for steel strings. Looks like this one had had some wear and tear but the seller has posted some excellent images. I would expect this one to go for $1500 but you might get it for less if you're lucky. I'm fishing for the reserve price right now but I'm not planning on bidding more than $750. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 17 Oct 02 - 09:24 AM They're all coming out of the closet or attic. There's another very sharp S.S. Stewart Thoroughbred, Model 2, just listed which should go for about $1200 at market value, and someone has outbid my $501 bid for the Special Thoroughbred above. Say, does anyone pay any attention to these public service announcements? Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 14 Jan 03 - 08:06 AM Time for another S.S.Stewart alert. This time it's a very sharp Orchestra #2 Model, manufactured in the early 1890's, almost identical to the one I've been playing for the last 20 years. Current bid is $1000 which is less than the reserve, and one could buy it immediately for $1500 if someone hasn't already done that. The seller has done a great job of describing the banjo, and posting images of it; he clearly knows what he's selling. I'm amazed that it still has the original friction tuners. This is one of the more robust Stewarts that holds up well with steel strings; they were all originally designed for gut strings, and some of the lighter models can't survive steel strings. I bet this one goes for at least $1500. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 30 Jan 03 - 08:13 AM You know, there's a reason why I keep posting notices here about Stewart banjos being auctioned on eBay: they can be remarkedly beautiful. Take a glance at the 1888-1892 S. S. Stewart 5-String Banjo.(Item # 2504715209) which is a close clone of one my brother has (which I "borrowed" while he was in the service but finally returned 10 years later); search for "stewart banjo". This one has the full array of inlay on the fingerboard, the beautifully carved heel with a star, the intricate mosaic of inlay inside the pot, and will probably sell for over $1500. The images posted are not the best but this Stewart looks to be in superb condition. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 28 Feb 03 - 05:27 PM Well, I plunked for the above Orchestra Model 3 and it arrived today. What a beauty and it sounds great too! Just a few things to tinker with. Now if you ever wanted to view what Stewart provided for Sears Roebuck under its Acme label, check out the Stewart Professional currently being offered for sale. It's the equivalent of a Model 3 and with very ornate silver vines/mother of pearl inlay on the fingerboard. The description sounds like the seller knows what he has and is making a good faith attempt to describe it accurately. There's some nice restoration work on the peghead. Cheerily, Charley Noble, plunkity-plunk |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 05 Mar 03 - 08:02 AM Good grief! S.S.Stewart banjos are now streaming out of the attics and closets and are being posted on e-Bay. There are now three Model 2's posted including the Acme Professional described above plus two Special Thoroughbreds. The most recent Special Thoroughbred is interesting to me as a likely example of a late 1890's Stewart sold through Sears & Roebuck; it's peghead is particularly ornate, with silver wire as well mother of pearl inlay; the next is a more modest array of diamond mother of pearl inlays. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 22 Mar 03 - 12:34 PM Shit! Now there's a S.S. Stewart Orchestra Model #4 for sale, even nicer than #3 that I recently purchased. And there's also a bizarre 1908 model with solid mother of pearl fingerboard. Where are these banjos coming from? Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 05 Sep 04 - 12:22 PM I haven't posted to this thread for some time but here's an interesting Stewart banjo for auction on eBay: "JUNE CARTER CASH SS STEWART BANJO, PROFESSIONAL MODEL Four string, two-piece flange, flat head tone ring, chrome-plated hardware, ebony fingerboard, pearl inlaid vine, on the peghead and fingerboard, carved flowers, SS Stewart, Phila. PA plaque. Black tape has been placed on the bottom rim." The professional model was distributed via Sears Roebuck & CO, and is typically demonstrates a high level of craftsmenship. However, the description above does not seem to do justice for what is offered. Apparently the seller can't even count the number of strings and I'm not sure what he's refering to with regard to a "two-piece flange." I'm assuming this banjo was part of the late June Carter's estate but that is not clear on eBay but might be if the seller were contacted directly with an inquiry. The banjo is probably worth $1500 to $2000 if it's in good condition and it appears to be in good condition. More photographs should be displayed by the seller or requested if you're actually planning to bid. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: GUEST,HRoland Date: 20 Sep 04 - 07:11 PM So..I bought the Stewart Banjo that belonged to June Carter Cash last week in New York. For anybody interested, after we take possesion in a few weeks, I'll come back to this thread and let you know more about it. Also would love to hear from you Stewart experts out there what you might know/think of it. Later..HR/JR |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: GUEST,Phil Wood Date: 27 Sep 04 - 09:02 PM I inherited a S.S. Stewart Wondertone XX - it has the pearl headstock & fretboard ( with flowers ), a four string, the pearl inlaid circle on closed back ( has inlaid wood ring around the pearl ), no serial number ( no sticker stain on inside rim ), but the metal ring that holds the reasonator(sp)in has " D 28 " stamped on it.It looks alot like the Gibson TB 11's but headstock shape is different.My dad played this when he was a kid ( he was born in 1911 )... What do I have ? You seem to be the ones to ask after endless internet searches! Any info would be GREAT ! Thanks ... Phil |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: GUEST,Ptarmigan Date: 13 Apr 08 - 11:04 AM Hey Charley, are you still out there? I bought myself an S S Stewart recently. Serial number 6019 which, by my reckoning, probably means it was born around 1891. It had a lot of green gunk & muck on the sides of the pot, hooks & shoes, so I stripped it down & gave it the once over & have now fitted a new Renaissance head & have just strung it up ..... with Nylgut strings of course. You can check out some photos of it, over here: < http://good-times.webshots.com/album/563035839xODJiH > Cheers Dick Old Time Music Forum < http://oldtimehammer.proboards76.com/v45index.cgi? > |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 13 Apr 08 - 11:43 AM Dick- I'm on the road right now but I'll revisit this thread when I'm back home. Is there any model label on this banjo? I'll check out your image as well. Cheerily, Charley Nobel |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: GUEST,Ptarmigan Date: 13 Apr 08 - 12:10 PM Charley, Nope, no model label I'm afraid, just the good old bone inset with: "S.S.STEWART PHIL'A.PA". Just a plain neck too, but a rather nice headstock & fingerboard, without being overly decorated. Sorry I missed all those fascinating earlier eBay observations. I think you'll enjoy the photos. That's the great thing about the Webshots site, the way you can magnify! Cheers Dick Old Time Music Forum (Europe) < http://oldtimehammer.proboards76.com/v45index.cgi? > |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 14 Apr 08 - 02:01 PM Dick- You've posted a lovely set of images and your banjo looks in great condition. The inlay work is a basic medium level of ornmentation, very nicely done, and not as distracting as some of the more ornate layouts. The rim looks to be about 11 inches, might be 12", with 30 brackets to support it. Not sure if all the bracket hardware is original. Do be careful not to overtighten the bracket nuts, the curved heads of the brackets crack rather easily. The lack of a veneer layer under the fingerboard, and the lack of heel carving indicates that this banjo while well-made is one of the entry level banjos, what Stewart refers to in his catalog is Model 1. Beyond that I would find it difficult to identify the exact model but you do seem to have pinpointed the date, the early 1890's. Happy playing! Cheerily, Charley Noble, still in the wilds of Long Island |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: GUEST Date: 17 Apr 08 - 05:07 AM Charley, Thanks for giving her the once over. I must agree with your description of the neck. I certainly wouldn't want any more inlay than there is on this one. In fact, IMHO some of the nicest Stewart Necks I've seen actually have even less than this one. I have seen photos of other models which, I assume, were Models 2 & 3 & I'm afraid I just find them far too fussy & quite frankly distracting & to be perfectly honest, a little vulgar. I think less is more, in this department. However, I do wish this one had a sandwiched neck. I have an old John Grey with three layers in the neck & as well as adding strength, it looks wonderful. I saw one recently too, which had loads of decoration INSIDE the pot. I'm sure it added nothing to the sound, but it looked fantastic & because it was inside, no way could it be described as distracting. Of course it sold for well over twice what I paid for mine. I have the photo somewhere. Once I find it I'll post a link here. I certainly don't plan on tightening the hooks too much either, nor will I ever fit wire strings to this banjo. I'm happy to leave loud, brash vulgarity to the domain of the Bluegrass player! :-) Cheers Dick |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: GUEST Date: 17 Apr 08 - 05:20 AM Charley, Here are those links I promised. Stewart Banjo - 15236: http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/18149/2724099880102727105S600x600Q85.jpg Stewart Banjo Pot: http://inlinethumb57.webshots.com/2552/2427352220102727105S600x600Q85.jpg In fact, here's the link to the e-Bay page for all the details & more photos. I'm sure you saw this one anyway Charley, but that's what I think of as too much decoration on the fretboard. Each to their own as they say. :-) http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=220201029995&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=012 Cheers Dick |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: GUEST Date: 17 Apr 08 - 05:28 AM Speaking of GAUDY! Have you seen the "menstrual" :-) Stewart that's on eBay right now? .... only a few hours to go! http://offer.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewBids&item=250235678549 Very nice fretboard, but I think that carving would put a lot of people off. Can you imagine that looking down at you, as you tried to doze off at night. The word Voodoo springs to mind. Cheers Dick |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: GUEST Date: 17 Apr 08 - 05:41 AM Mind you, in my opinion, this fingerboard has even less taste. http://cgi.ebay.com/SS-Stewart-5-String-Presentation-Banjo_W0QQitemZ160221375323QQihZ006QQcategoryZ10177QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247 However, as the starting price is a cool ...... $2,500 I needn't worry too much, it's never going to be in my collection! :-) Cheers Dick |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 17 Apr 08 - 08:22 AM Dick- You've got it bad! ;~) There's no known cure for Stewart banjo madness. It just leads to purchasing more Stewart banjos ("I'll just place a nudge bid...") I've only got 4 Stewart banjos and I'm actually trying to sell one, a Model 2 Special Thoroughbred with a copper-clad pot. I do love the Model 3's with their wood mosaic inlay inside the rim. I quite agree with your determination not to string your banjo up with steel strings. The unreinforced neck might not take it. And you will get a nice mellow sound. The "menstrual" Stewart banjo is something else. Well executed but I would agree that most folks in the modern world would be put off at this style of carving; it belongs in a folk art museum. And it would be nice if the seller knew how to spell! Cheerily, Charley Noble, back home |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: GUEST Date: 17 Apr 08 - 12:32 PM Aye a Folk Museum, that's exactly the right spot for it Charley. No, don't worry, I'm not going to be buying up Stewarts, left, right & centre. This one will do very nicely, thank you. I couldn't afford to anyway, but I don't see the point in having them just to hang on a wall as decoration. After all, they were made to play music. Still, I am fascinated by them & I do enjoy looking for them on eBay. I'm sure there are lots of variations I haven't seen yet .... e.g. one with a "copper-clad pot"! :-) Cheers Dick |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 17 Apr 08 - 12:49 PM Dick- One of the resource documents you can probably pick up via e-bay is a reprint of the S.S. Stewart Catalogue for 1896, reprinted by Mugwumps. You're probably already familiar with the Mugwumps Stewart banjo website by now but if not, check it out. Lots more Stewarts to droll over! Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: GUEST,jeff Date: 30 Mar 09 - 06:14 PM im glad i found this site, i found 2 banjos in a trunk in my parents attic one is an ac fairbanks no 1 spaecial the other an ss stewart, THE STUDENT, i know its not one of the high end models but its in great shape, the serial number is 215, i checked out mugwumps serial number history, thats the first year they were made, 001 to300 1878 to 1879. my fathers 82 years old,he got them from his uncle, i remembered playing with them when i was a young boy 40 plus years ago, thats probably why they were hidden in the attic all these years.i hope somebody can give me an idea on how much the ss stewart is worth, i look forward to a response, thanks |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Big Mick Date: 30 Mar 09 - 06:41 PM Jeff, I would suggest you contact Elderly Instruments for an appraisal. You will get a fair idea from these folks as to their worth. I spoke with their vintage appraiser, and he suggested you send him a picture with a camera phone or camera and he will give you an idea as to worth. Of course, a full appraisal would require them to see the instrument up close, but he will give you an idea. His email is frog at elderly dot com. All the best, Mick |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Amos Date: 30 Mar 09 - 07:44 PM Correction: Elderly Instruments. A |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 30 Mar 09 - 09:26 PM Jeff- The early serial number would augment the value but the banjo is still one of the lower end models. I wouldn't expect the appraisal to be particularly high. What part of the country are you resident in? The Fairbanks might be much more valuable. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: GUEST,jeff Date: 08 Apr 09 - 06:41 PM thanks for the response and info mick and charley, mick i will contact elderly and see what they come up with, thanks . charley i live in rhode island,from what i've read the top specialist and collector of ac fairbanks jim bollman doesnt live to far from me, his web page is under construction. the music emporium he used to be partners in is close also maybe ill take a ride there.the ac fairbanks banjo is small 8and a quarter inches across the face and 15and a half inch long neck mahogany color, the serial number is 22803 by mugwumps chart thats 1903 right about the time the plant burnt down. even if these banjos arent worth much its been very interesting tracking down their history.i will keep you posted thanks again. jeff |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 08 Apr 09 - 10:34 PM Jeff- I've had Jim Bollman appraise two banjos, a Stewart Special Thoroughbred No. 2 and a very interesting minstrel banjo fromthe 1860's. He's an excellent choice and I'm sure he'll give you a tour of his collection as well. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: GUEST,Bob D Date: 12 Jul 09 - 01:24 PM Ive got an ss stewart that im trying to price. the identification plate has been removed from the dowel and its only markings are the inlay on the headstock. it is a small 4 string. any tips? |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 12 Jul 09 - 01:43 PM Bob- It's most likely one of the less expensive models that was manufactured in the 1920's and 1930's. We've never seen a 4-string model from the classic 1880's-1900 period. You should be able to get a general idea of what your banjo would sell for by checking the "completed" sales for "Stewart banjo" on e-Bay. Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 30 Jul 09 - 08:49 AM Here's a link to a much abused Stewart banjo offered on e-Bay: click here for website! This is a higher end (Model 2) Stewart from the classic 1890's period, most likely manufactured for Sears Roebuck. The peghead ebony is beyond repair but the rest of the fingerboard seems intact, with a missing diamond shaped mother-of-pearl inlay or two. The carved heel looks nice but the foot of the heel is missing its ebony veneer. The neck looks structurally sound and is reinforced with veneers, but does show some dings. There is a lot of missing hardware but one can order a full set of brackets and other accessories from Elderly Instruments; they won't look authentic but they will be uniform and functional. This would make a great project for a moderately skilled craftsman. I wouldn't bid more than $300 for it as is but if restored well it would be worth at least $1200. Cheerily, Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: fretless Date: 30 Jul 09 - 09:21 AM The photos show a thick purple rubber band around the neck at the 6th fret. The fretboard may be separating from the neck, which is a problem I've seen on other vintage Stewarts. Restoring this baby could end up being a real test of a luthier's skills. |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 30 Jul 09 - 11:55 AM Fretless- If I got my hands on this banjo I'd be tempted to start with a new ebony fretboard. But I suppose the old one might not be warped or too badly damaged. The diamond-shaped mother-of-pearl inlays would be relatively easy to transfer but you'd want help from an expert on the first one. Ebony is really brittle. Replacing the peghead inlays would be more of a job for an expert. Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: GUEST,Gunnar Wiskoff Date: 06 Jan 10 - 11:00 AM I have a Stewart Orchestra Banjo with what looks like some extra MoP inlays on the neck & tuning head, as well as the sculpted heel of the neck & the mosaic wood tile inlay on the inner rim. The main thing is that I can't get the tailpiece to stay on. Other than that and a couple of missing head clamps, she's in pretty good condition. http://www.4turns.us/StewartBanjo.jpg |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Art Thieme Date: 06 Jan 10 - 05:54 PM Chicago's Old Town School Of Folk Music had almost a complete set of Stuart Banjos donated to it around 1965. Two or three of those disappeared from the wall in the front lobby of the School at 343(?) W. North Avenue where they were prominently displayed for a year or so. After that, all of those STEWART BANJOS had interconnected wires woven through them so that whenever the wire had a disconnection in it a loud alarm would sound. By the time I left my job as Asst. Manager of the Old Town Folklore Center there at the O.T.S.F.M. (1967) several more Stewart banjos were gone--and the alarm system no longer worked. Carol and I spent the next 2 years living on the Oregon Coast. We returned to Chicago in 1969--- and for a short time, I, once again took a job at the Folklore Center. (It felt like "day-job-vu -- all over again". ;-) All but 6 or 7 of those banjos were still up on that wall---and nobody there at the Old Town School could tell me where those Stewart banjos went. Art Thieme |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Art Thieme Date: 06 Jan 10 - 06:24 PM I didn't mean to say that. What I wanted to say was that all of those banjos except 6 or 7 were GONE. Sorry!!! Art |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 06 Jan 10 - 11:05 PM Gunnar- That a very nice image of your banjo. Lovely ornate inlay pattern. The Stewart Orchestra Model 3 was one of the best banjos that this company put together. If it's in good condition it's worth well over $2000. You might consider having a qualified banjo repair person take a good look at it. Charley Noble, who started this thread |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: GUEST,zach Date: 11 Jan 10 - 10:37 PM I have a ssstewart Phil'a stamped number 68926--5 string banjo with 11 and qtr inch wide base and about 20 inch neck . 5th string stops at about 14-15 in up neck while other 4 strings continue to end with what appears to be mother of pearl inlay and design --neck has star and diamond inlay same mop .I can make out date plate july 17 91 or 94 im not quite sure. banjo in very good condition was won in card game by grandfather when traveled out west and played in carolina mts when he returned.any idea what value maybe , who to contact to find out appraised value and history. thank you for any assistance... zach |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 12 Jan 10 - 09:37 AM Zach- Sounds from the high serial number as if you have one of the Stewart banjos especially built for sale by Sears Roebuck. One can determine what grade it is (1, 2, or 3(best)) by the layers of veneers under the finger board and the amount of mother of pearl inlay on the fingerboard, and the carving on the heel of the neck. Mugwumps is a website dedicated to Stewart banjos which you and others might find of interest. If you could provide a link to an image of the banjo I and others could tell you more. Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: GUEST,Elisabeth Date: 27 Jan 10 - 11:16 PM I have a S.S.Stewart Orchestra model in perfect condition - No. is 11819, i.e. looks like 1892 or so. Is has beautiful butterfly etc. mother of pearl inlays and a carved neck. I used to play it a little years ago, but it is for me only a collector's piece now. What would it be worth these days? I might put it up on ebay . |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 28 Jan 10 - 08:18 AM Elizabeth- The value varies on a number of factors: The model, whether it is a No. 1, 2 or 3 (best) (see Mugwumps website for more details) The condition The market Right now the market is weak. Ordinarily a Model 2 Orchestra in good condition should sell for at $1500; one would be lucky to get $1200 now. The presence of veneer under the fingerboard separates the Model 2 from the Model 1. If there is mosaic inside the rim and a full run of mother-of-pearl inlay on the fingerboard, it's a Model 3 which in a good market would sell for $2500. Cheerily, Charley Noble who already has two Model 2 Orchestra Stewarts |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: olddude Date: 28 Jan 10 - 08:23 AM Awwwww, anyone wanna buy it for me ... wow what a beauty ... Oh the things we could have if money didn't get in the way LOL |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: GUEST,Elisabeth Date: 28 Jan 10 - 11:23 PM Hello cheerful Charley Noble, Thank you for your quick response and advice. I bought the banjo about 40 years ago. Had a Vega before that, but it's sound was too harsh, then I found the Stewart. I couldn't find more info on the mugwamps site for No. 1,2, or 3, but it does have mosaic inside the rim as well as mother of pearl inlay at the beginning and end as well as 6 butterflies along the fingerboard and a fully, beautifully inlaid top (where the pegs are). Could be a number 3? It is absolutely beautiful and has a great sound so I don't want to hang it on the wall to be damaged by the elements, i.e. it is hidden away in its case ... I feel sorry for it, it should be played ... I'll think about auctioning it ... Thanks again, Elisabeth and also thanks olddude for for drooling. I am sooo sorry that money even has to come into it, but such is life. |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 29 Jan 10 - 08:18 AM Elisabeth- You clearly own a Model 3 Stewart and from your description the fingerboard mother-of-pearl pattern must be stunning. Could you make a link to an image of your banjo, using the "blue clicky" button at the bottom on the reply box? The higher order Model 3's also have some more ornate details, including etching on the metal side of the pot, carved dole-sticks, and other things that are more easily seen than described (why look at that!). Does it have a 12-inch head? One of the advantages of the Orchestra model is that it is robust enough for steel strings, if that is your preference. Originally this banjo was only played with gut strings. The necks of some lighter model Stewarts can't stand the strain of steel strings and will twist or warp. In addition to the Mugwumps website for specific information about these banjos, there are reprints of old Stewart banjo catalogues that periodically come up for sale on the used book websites or e-Bay. The 1896 catalogue was reprinted by Mugwumps in 1973, and may still be available from them; I find it invaluable. Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: GUEST,Elisabeth Date: 29 Jan 10 - 09:43 PM Hello Charley, The banjo has a 12" head. Here are some photos: Elisabeth's Banjo Have a great weekend, Elisabeth |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 30 Jan 10 - 01:38 PM Elisabeth- It's certainly a Model 3 in excellent condition. The only defect I can see is evidently (might be the lighting from the camera shot) some missing mother-of-pearl inlay on the peghead, something that a reasonably skilled banjo repair person could deal with. The "butterfly pattern" will certainly attract more serious collectors as bidders. What do you think you'll do next? Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: GUEST,Elisabeth Date: 30 Jan 10 - 09:19 PM Hi Charley, You are right with the bit of inlay missing, I actually only noticed it on the photo and had to check on the banjo itself, I had not even noticed it before. What to do next? I guess I should sell it, just so it gets played by somebody who'd love it. I would like to get the right price for it though ... have to think about it (separation anxiety?). Would ebay be the way, or are there more specialised avenues? Thank you again for your help and advice, Elisabeth |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Charley Noble Date: 31 Jan 10 - 11:27 AM Elisabeth- It would be nice if you got a nibble here but don't count on it. As I've said above I haven't been seeing good Stewarts going for what they're worth on eBay this year; the market is weak. But one can try it, making sure that your reserve value is something you can live with. I would suggest $2000, enough to discourage causal bidders but not high enough to discourage a serious collector. If you approached a reputable dealer, you would be lucky to get 60% of its resale value; dealers are in a very competitive business and that's what they expect when they're marking up new instruments for sale. Another website to test the waters with no risk is the Banjo Hangout: click here for website. However, you'll have to figure out how to navigate a new forum. Good luck! Charley Noble |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: GUEST,Elisabeth Date: 31 Jan 10 - 07:41 PM Thanks again Charley, you have been a great help. I am in no hurry to sell it, but as you say, I could test the waters ... I am a bit of an ebay novice, so I'll play around with it a bit. All the best, Elisabeth |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Leadfingers Date: 31 Jan 10 - 08:25 PM AND its in NZ I think - Shipping would be an added cost ! |
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Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert From: Leadfingers Date: 31 Jan 10 - 08:25 PM 100 |
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