I have just created a very basic Website for Doug Parry of John Alvey Turner, and have become fascinated by one of the instruments that he has for sale.

It is an aluminium banjo bearing the name "Riley Baker Patent" dating, apparently, from around 1899. Have any of the Mudcat banjo enthusiasts come across this very different 5-string banjo? It plays OK, to a guitarist at any rate!

Here's a URL to have a look at it (I can produce websites, but can't do clickies, what an idle pillock!)

http://www.johnalveyturner.co.uk/jatb0007.jpg

Don't get excited, I've got first refusal!

Alan