Stewart Banjo Fans: eBay Alert

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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,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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Leadfingers
Date: 31 Jan 10 - 08:25 PM

100

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 !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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?

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

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

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

Subject: RE: Stewart Banjo Fans: E-Bay Alert
From: Amos
Date: 30 Mar 09 - 07:44 PM

Correction: Elderly Instruments.


A

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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