7 STRING ZITHER BANJO IDENTIFICATION.

[IAN SALTER]

Does the design of any parts of this banjo, suggest a possible maker and/or date of manufacture, to anybody?

As I've just bought, but not yet received it, I can't look for maker's marks or numbers. It looks to be in excellent condition, just requiring a replacement thumb string pip, an appropriate bridge and new strings.

I've been playing my open back 7 string banjos for months now, but for a change I started on my 5 string zither banjos again last week. Then, just when I was wondering what a 7 string zither banjo would be like to play, this turned up for £42. 

Any thoughts will be appreciated. I have no idea how to post smaller photos.

[Jody Stecher]

I don't know who built it but it looks like it may be a composite of parts. While 6 grooves in the nut suggests 6 long strings, the absence of the customary tunnel for the  short string suggests the neck may be from a standard open-back banjo. The five grooves for the strings at the bottom of the hoop suggest the pot was intended for 5 strings.