Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,Warren
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 11:25 AM

Elisabeth, am interested in buying your banjo...how can I get in touch with you? Warren

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: stallion
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 11:29 AM

yes charley and i don't even play a banjo!

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Feb 10 - 02:31 PM

Warren-

I don't think Elisabeth left any contact info, and since she never became a "member" we can't send her a PM. You might consider becoming a member yourself, for future reference.

Her banjo certainly was a very nice one, and my standards are fairly high.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: VPI
Date: 23 Feb 10 - 08:57 AM

Charley,thanks for the comeback. I have joined and if you should hear from Elisabeth again would appreciate passing along.....If you get another lead on a nice SS Stewart I'm looking for a well earned graduation gift for a player. Warren

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,Elisabeth Andel
Date: 24 Feb 10 - 12:59 AM

Just saw the message from Warren, who is interested in the banjo. My contact email address is: [e-mail].

Thanks for passing on the information.
Elisabeth

Subject: S S stewart 1887 Philada 14931 Metal neck Fastner
From: GUEST, W Timmons
Date: 07 Mar 10 - 07:27 PM

Could somewone tell me something about this .Im new at this.Is their any value .

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 08 Mar 10 - 09:55 AM

W Tommons-

Please be more specific about "this"? Do you actually have a Stewart banjo and, if so, describe what you have.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,dhullinger
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 04:22 AM

I have an SS Stewart Thoroughbred that I want to sell to purchase a new banjo. I just had it set up at Elderly Instruments. It is at Banjo Hangout

http://www.banjohangout.org/classified/14579

574-360-5954 if you are interested

10 pictures in the ad

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Apr 10 - 08:12 AM

dhullinger-

Your SS Stewart Thoroughbred Model 2 certainly looks like the real thing and is in excellent condition. However, I do expect that $2200 is a higher price than the market will currently support. I certainly respect Elderly Instruments for repair work on vintage banjos but it may not have been a "wise" move to invest an additional $400 in this banjo. The average price on eBay is more like $1200. You should expect better than average but not a whole lot more.

Good luck in finding a good home for this Stewart.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,W Timmons
Date: 25 May 10 - 11:20 AM

Hi Charley
i have a S S Stewart 1887 Philada metal neck fastner 13inch rim ,13 inch neck no 14931 Patd Jan 11 1887 .Just had redone.I was wondering what it was worth. might sell ?????

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: matt milton
Date: 25 May 10 - 12:20 PM

My SS Stewart, from eBay, ultimately ended up costing me a paltry £40.

This was because the idiot that sold it to me didn't pack it properly (he wrapped it in brown paper in its old, rather worn, soft leather, 120-year-old case!), and it arrived with its neck broken.

He then refused to refund me, resulting in an eBay dispute that concluded with me being refunded my money without having to return the banjo. Hobgoblin charged me £40 to get it fixed. A happy ending, though a lot of headaches and incomprehending rage at how unreasonable and assholeish some people can be beforehand.

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Ernest
Date: 25 May 10 - 03:21 PM

here is one at Elderlys:

http://www.elderly.com/vintage/items/60U-2391.htm

Best
Ernest

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 25 May 10 - 08:51 PM

Earnest-

The Universal Favorite Model A being offered from Elderly Music appears to be in excellent shape. My only concern would be that the neck is not strong enough for steel strings, which may not be a concern if one is happy with nylon strings. The Model B or C have a reinforced neck that holds up much better. It does have some tasteful inlay work on the fingerboard and scroll-head

Timmons-

With regard to "S S Stewart 1887 Philada metal neck fastner 13inch rim ,13 inch neck no 14931 Patd Jan 11 1887" it's unclear to me what model yours is. Are there veneer strips under the fingerboard? What kind of inlay work is on the fingerboard, if any? Can you provide a link to a digital image of this short necked banjo? Some of them are so well made that they sell for $2000 or more.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 May 10 - 09:15 PM

There are some interesting Stewart banjos coming out of attics and closets on eBay now. My current favorite is a Universal Favorite Model 2 which has some issues but appears to be a solid instrument for around $500: click here for website

This is a sturdy enough instrument for steel strings.

There's also an early 4-string Stewart of interest, described as a "banjeaurine" which may be a prototype rather than a production model, from around the early 1900's. I'm still not sure of this one because the neck is so unusual but the pot is definitely a Stewart.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,W timmons
Date: 29 May 10 - 06:10 PM

HI charley                                                                   did i make contact ? My banjo has 4 stars 2 quarter moons and what looks like a leaf    .

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 29 May 10 - 07:40 PM

Timmons-

You are describing some of the typical mother-of-pearl inlays one might find on a classic Stewart banjo. But you're not answering my questions posted above.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,Alex Francis
Date: 06 Jun 10 - 01:03 PM

I found an old SS Stewart and im dead set on getting it. Its a 1894 orchestra No 2. Has the original tuners but one has broken in half and the 5th string peg is missing. Here is a picture of one that is exactly the same http://www.billsbanjos.com/Orchestra2.htm . Its missing two inlays on the headstock and I was wondering what is a good price for this amazing banjo??

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 06 Jun 10 - 03:17 PM

Alex-

The Orchestra No. 2 is what I've settled on for years as a well-built Stewart banjo and one strong enough to be strung with steel strings. If the Stewart you are looking were in working condition it should retail for about $1200 in a good market. In the current market probably less. If you can pick it up for $800 or less you'll be getting a good deal.

Generally banjo players will want to replace the old tuners with newer models; you want ones with a narrow shaft that fits into the existing holes in peghead; give Elderly Instruments a call and see what they suggest.

Do keep us up to date on whether you are able to purchase it.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Jun 10 - 12:38 AM

I bought the S.S. Stewart Orchestra and a 1924 "The Gibson" tenor pot with a Seeger style long neck for 600 bucks!! I know the Stewart is worth a lot more, but what about the gibson? Ive been clawing for about a year now and already have three banjos... it seems crazy lol

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,Audra
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 11:45 AM

We have a banjo that we have had for many years that we were looking to sell, it will need some work but it's in good condition. No strings, etc. Pass around the family and just displayed at the house.

On the back it says SS Stewart (diagonal in two places), Philada and also the serial number 2699. It also says Ludwig Whitecalf on the back of the skin. From doing a little research it looks like pre-1888?

I have some pictures but not sure how to post them. Thank you for your assistance!

Audra 210-382-0041

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Amos
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 12:00 PM

"Ludwig Whitecalf" was a commercial product of the Ludwig Drum Company--a specially treated skin that was white.

See The History of the Ludwig Drum Company.

A

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 04:09 PM

Audra-

You need to provide a more detailed description for me to make sense of:

Is it a 5-string banjo?

What kind of inlay work is on the fingerboard, if any?

What is the diameter of the head?

Is the neck carved at the heel?

What kind of pegs are on the peghead, friction or geared?

Pictures would certainly help a whole lot. Do you have digital images you could post to Facebook?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,Audra
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 07:44 PM

Hopefully this works!

http://www.facebook.com/MsAudd#!/album.php?aid=188594&id=507197056&ref=pb

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 07:51 PM

Audra-

You need to provide a more detailed description for me to make sense of:

Is it a 5-string banjo? Yes 5 string

What kind of inlay work is on the fingerboard, if any? Mother of pearl inlay with stars and moons.   See pictures.

What is the diameter of the head? 11" head

Is the neck carved at the heel? No.

What kind of pegs are on the peghead, friction or geared? I have no clue, there are some ivory pegs that are in a bag.

Pictures would certainly help a whole lot. Do you have digital images you could post to Facebook? I have posted them below! :)

There is even a handwritten paper saying that he purchased the banjo in 1886, and gave to a friend in the 1900's.

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 08:10 PM

Fretless ? That wipes me out ! I have enough trouble keeping a fretted banjo in tune ! LOL

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Jun 10 - 11:24 PM

Audra-

You definitely have an early Stewart fretless 5-string banjo. There are two missing ebony shims that fit inside the head between the metal brace and the neck; they are needed before anyone tries to string it up for play.

I'm puzzled by the inlaid wooden star on the peghead; it may be a homemade replacement for the mother-of-pearl star which got lost.

The serial number indicates that it is older than 1886 and it looks at least ten years older than that to me; check the Stewart website "Mugwumps" for more information about the significance of the serial number.

It's not a high-end model but very interesting and somewhat rare.

The tuning pegs are a variety of ivory or artificial ivory friction pegs.

What do you want to do with it?

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jun 10 - 04:37 AM

We are looking to sell it due to our finances, husband laid off, etc.

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Jun 10 - 01:10 PM

Here's a nice looking S. S. Stewart American Princess Model 1 for sale at the Banjo Hangout: click here!

Then follow the links there for images.
This is a smaller (10" pot) banjo, more portable for travel. I'm not sure if it's sturdy enough for metal strings.

It seems to be in great shape but it is missing the ebony shims which stiffen the support rod in the pot against the rim; you want those shims in (easily made) before stringing it up for playing or weird things may happen to the action and the tuning.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 06:04 PM

Please see link below am interested in posible sale and value.
I'm aware it is later model the serial number is in the 69,000
series.

http://s947.photobucket.com/albums/ad313/fmpckyl/banjo/

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Jul 10 - 08:18 PM

C_mbuckley-

Your link just bring me back to this Mudcat thread.

The 69,000 series in terms of serial numbers for Stewart banjos is confusing. Basically in the early 1890's Stewart began two parallel sets of serial numbers: one related to his regular production line and the other to the banjos he was producing for Sears & Roebuck. The higher serial numbers are associated with Sears; the quality of the banjos produced in either case depends on the model number.

Do post again when you figure out a way to make your link work.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Jul 10 - 08:57 AM

Try this link

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31249309@N05/sets/72157624355224913/

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,dhullinger
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 08:19 PM

I had the SS Stewart special Thoroughbred 19303
I think if one is in great condition you should ask what you think it is worth and ignore the market. Charley Nole's comment wa that the market would not pay $2200 for an pristine Stewart. I sold it for that to a guy in California who is completely satisfied with the deal. I would like another Stewart later asthi was a great banjo set up by Elderly.

Goo luck in your quests.

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Jul 10 - 09:31 PM

[e-mail]-

Sorry that I didn't comment on your link. Things got very busy at my end. That's a lovely Stewart banjo and is probably a Model 3, one of the finest models. I really can't see the inside of the pot which probably has a mosaic of inlaid wood. And I can't tell if the outside of the pot is inscribed or not; it probably is.

If all things correlate you should not let that banjo go for less than $2500.

Dhullinger-

I'm happy to view your banjo as well but "pristine Stewart" doesn't tell me what model of Stewart you had. And if you succeeded in getting a better price, more power to you; but the market is not very good now, judging from what I see good banjos selling for on e-Bay.

Elderly Instruments does do a great job of setting up banjos, and it's where I bought my favorite mellow Orchestra Model 2 Stewart.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,Alex Francis
Date: 24 Jul 10 - 01:37 PM

I came across a "1898" S.S. Stewart Thoroughbred. It is in ruff shape, being part of the pot is looks like its caked in dirt but the clean part of the pot looks good. The neck has very simple dot inlay pattern, and the head sporting a fancy inlay pattern. Has a Very nice looking heel carving with a nice inlay on the heal of two moons and a star. No tuners, no head, no tailpiece, and no string saddle. Most of it looks like it hasn't been cleaned in a long time. But still looks like it would clean up just fine. I was really just wondering what is might be worth in this condition and if I completely restored it what it might be worth? Thanks, Alex

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Jul 10 - 08:58 PM

Alex-

I would need some more information to determine if it were a Model 1 or Model 2. How deep the heel is carved is one factor and another is the absence or presence of a veneer strip under the fingerboard.

Links to digital images would clear up a lot.

The pot can look absolutely disgusting and still clean up nicely. Don't use steel wool but some kind of liquid metal polish.

A Model 2 S.S. Stewart Thoroughbred in good ship would sell on e-Bay for about $1200, maybe less in this weak market.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,Alex Francis
Date: 16 Sep 10 - 08:19 PM

I have been wanting to get some tuning pegs installed on my orchestra 2. I live in Dayton Ohio and cant find a Luther anywhere. So I was wanting to send my banjo out and have it set up and have the pegs installed. Any good recommendations? Any Stewart specialized luthers out there?

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: GUEST,Brad Walker
Date: 26 Nov 10 - 01:32 PM

Thoroughbred 5-string (1890-1894),some restoration pictures available For Sale
reply [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 27 Nov 10 - 09:40 AM

Brad-

Please post a link so we can view some pixs.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 05 Jan 11 - 08:19 AM

There's another nice looking S. S. Stewart Special Thorouhbred No. 2 on e-Bay that is worth a serious look: click here for website

The seller has an excellent and forthright description of this banjo. He does point out that the neck is slightly twisted and that the top nut is chipped on one side and should be replaced, and that the neck is not designed for steel strings. But it's a good example of this type of banjo and might be purchased for less than a $1000 in this weak market. The heel is nicely carved and the peghead has some excellent mother-of-pearl inlay.

There is now active bidding at the $200 level but the reserve hasn't been reached. The reserve is probably about $800.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: GUEST,Scott Malthouse
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 10:17 AM

Yes I am looking at this one unfortunately there is no international bidding , this happens a lot !! maybe a safe house should be made to save and forward banjos . Do you know of anything like that? There is another Stewart up on Ebay, a no fret with a small drum, star and dot inlay If you have the time I would appreciate reading your opinion on its authenticity.   Scott in Canada

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 10:25 AM

Scott-

Yes, I've been looking at that one as well. It seems a strange match between a full-sized neck and small pot. The dowel and pot match in terms of serial number which dates them to the early 1880's. The neck is fretless and might be an early Stewart neck but I don't think is was designed to go with the pot.

I didn't realize that some items were not available for bidding internationally until you pointed it out. Maybe we could set up a Mudcat Forum safe house! Then we could run the banjos 'cross the border in a 1920's Packard.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: GUEST,Scott
Date: 09 Jan 11 - 10:20 PM

HI !!If the Packard is put together like that banjo ? "somebody will sell us gas"?. Seriously now, storing and shipping could be be a paying job for some one with imagination a dry garage and no criminal record ummmm!! that could reduce applications! 10..4 10..4 come in all you banjo lovers!! signing out Scott A. Malthouse

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 31 Jan 11 - 10:42 PM

There's a very nice looking Stewart Thoroughbred Model 2 5-string banjo offered for auction on e-Bay: click for link

The "Buy it now" price of $2500 is excessive, about twice what its market value is but it is well made and looks in excellent condition. I note that one mother-of-pearl inlay is missing from the peghead but that's hardly a deal-breaker.

If you were seriously interested, I would request that the seller post additional images, and retake the out of focus one of the nicely carved heel.

It also has an extra large head, described as 11.75", which should give it a robust tone.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 02 Feb 11 - 02:42 PM

There's another Stewart banjo currently listed on e-Bay which is attracting some active bidding: Click here

It's a Model 1 Stewart Special, which is a lower quality banjo than the Model 2 described above. The distinguishing characteristics is the lack of a veneer reinforcing strip between the fingerboard and the neck and while the heel is carved it's not as deeply carved or as ornately carved as the Model 2. The banjo is also missing its two ebony shims between the metal bracket on the dowel stick and the pot rim; these are needed for stabilizing the angle of the fingerboard. The bid is now up to $765 which seems to me to more than the banjo is worth. $500 would be more appropriate. Nice condition, though.

From its serial number 19,373 one can place it in the late 1890's as one of the last classic Stewart banjos produced on or near the death of the company's founded.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 Feb 11 - 08:03 AM

Now this one is worth bidding on. It's a Model 2 Stewart Special Thoroughbred with a starting bid of $500: click here for transport

The seller has a detailed and excellent description. The one small but important defect is the chipped ebony topnut that needs to be replaced by a qualified luthier. Everything else looks very good for a banjo of this age. I think it could be used with light steel strings instead of the preferred nylon strings.

It's market value is about $1200.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 30 Jul 11 - 07:39 PM

Here's another classic S. S. Stewart banjo in evidently excellent condition: Click here for website!

It's a Special Thoroughbred Model 2 built around 1896-97. One could "buy it now on e-Bay for $1400 but you might get lucky bidding and get it for as little as $1200.

It's currently strung with nylon strings but with the reinforced neck (veneers strips under the fingerboard) it should hold up with light steel strings. If I didn't already have three Stewart banjos I'd snap it up.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 01 Aug 11 - 08:51 AM

Hey, you're missing out on a chance to big on a beautiful banjo!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 04 Aug 11 - 08:44 PM

And it sold for only $938. Good buy!

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: GUEST,Roxane
Date: 13 Aug 11 - 02:55 PM

Can u help me.
I just heard of a Gibson 6 string, flat top mint condition, every thing original, manufactured in 1974, 75 Classic.
A very small nick in the back. I'm wondering what u could tell me of what I may be looking for price.

    Thank You.
Roxane

Could u email me back at [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert
From: Charley Noble
Date: 13 Aug 11 - 04:25 PM

Roxane-

I'm only familiar with the Stewart banjos.

Is the Gibson a banjo or guitar?

Charley Noble