Michigan Banjos, Kel Kroyden,any info?

Subject: Michigan Banjos, Kel Kroyden,any info?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 27 Jul 00 - 10:28 AM

A friend of mine had been looking for an inexpensive mandolin over the last couple of weeks, and using that as an excuse to go "walk-about" and haunt the music (and junk) stores I decided to help her out. At a little hole-in-the wall store I found a Michigan "Mandolin-banjo", with arch-top and huge sound. Good straight neck as well. I seen lots of "Michigan" stuff over the years but have very little info on the company, and if the instruments were made by one of the existing companies like Harmony or Kay (I've even heard that Gibson may be responsible for them).

I've tried to date the instrument I found for her, but other than a guess (30s?) I'm not sure. I could hunt through the net, but this is the busiest time of the year for me vis. gigs and festivals, so I'm going to opt for the "easy way out" and hope that a mudcatter (or two) might have some info.

Also, a guest on the radio show, Monday night had a Kel Kroydon (Kroyden) guitar. I mentioned that I thought it was a "budget" Gibson instrument (who or what is Kel Kroydon?) but once again, not sure.

Thanks. Hope everyone's enjoying the summer.

Rick

Subject: RE: Michigan Banjos, Kel Kroyden,any info?
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 27 Jul 00 - 10:45 AM

Rick, as you know, I don't know diddly squat about anything musical, but finding information is my job so I can tell you that this article mentions Kel Kroyden banjos in the 1930s and apparently issue 10 of Vintage Guitar Classics has an article on Kel Kroyden on p4 (web page asks you to subscribe).I used my current favourite search engine ixquick which gave several more useful-looking references:Click Here
Hope this is some help.
RtS

Subject: RE: Michigan Banjos, Kel Kroyden,any info?
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 27 Jul 00 - 10:46 AM

Rick, as you know, I don't know diddly squat about anything musical, but finding information is my job so I can tell you that this article mentions Kel Kroyden banjos in the 1930s and apparently issue 10 of Vintage Guitar Classics has an article on Kel Kroyden on p4 (web page asks you to subscribe).I used my current favourite search engine ixquick which gave several more useful-looking references:Click Here
One of the links on the second page of the search results seems to imply it was a budget Gibson brand name simialr to Kalamazoo.
Hope this is some help.
RtS

Subject: RE: Michigan Banjos, Kel Kroyden,any info?
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 27 Jul 00 - 10:54 AM

Whoops I double posted and buggered up the links, sorry. The Gibson reference is here: CLICK HERE the banjo reference is here:CLICK HERE
and the search engine is here: CLICK HERE
Hope that's right!
RtS

Subject: RE: Michigan Banjos, Kel Kroyden,any info?
From: catspaw49
Date: 27 Jul 00 - 11:17 AM

Here's a site with most of the info Rick and there are some good links which I didn't look into, but seem helpful too.

CLANK

Spaw

Subject: RE: Michigan Banjos, Kel Kroyden,any info?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 27 Jul 00 - 11:43 PM

Thanks guys. Glad at least a couple of folks found this thread. Maybe I'm too thick to see it, but I can't find info on "Michigan". in those links.

Rick

Subject: RE: Michigan Banjos, Kel Kroyden,any info?
From: catspaw49
Date: 28 Jul 00 - 12:05 AM

I couldn't find squat on Michigan, but some fair stuff on Kroydon. Sorry Rick.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Michigan Banjos, Kel Kroyden,any info?
From: GUEST,Roger the skiffler
Date: 28 Jul 00 - 03:48 AM

Well, this isn't want you wanted,Rick, but I'm sure you'll want to get one:The world's bigest banjo, Click Here
RtS

Subject: RE: Michigan Banjos, Kel Kroyden,any info?
From: Big Mick
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 02:52 PM

Rick, I am scrounging and trying to find info on the Michigan piece. I am going to be in Elderly in a week or so and will inquire what they know. In the meantime I will continue the websearch. I think I would like to know more about this as well. And it occurs to me the old Gibson folks might have some info. I know where one of them has a shop. I will check there on my next trip through.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Michigan Banjos, Kel Kroyden,any info?
From: catspaw49
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 03:48 PM

Now THAT sounds like what is needed. I've been mucking about with this ever since it came up and outside of a minor ukelele reference, can't find a thing. I suspect that some info from "a horse's mouth" might be the best way to address it. Let us know what you come up wiith Mick.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Michigan Banjos, Kel Kroyden,any info?
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 29 Jul 00 - 06:59 PM

Thanks a lot Mick, I appreciate that.

Rick