New to forum

[Mark Reynolds]

Many thanks for accepting me.

I am a guitar player of many years but got into banjo's around 15 years ago. I am not really a great player, just tinkle with them but I have an interest in finding old zither type banjo's and repairing/restoring them.

You can see in my photo's the few that I have.

My favourite has to be my Alfred Weaver fretless 6 string from around 1870.

Like most of the banjo's I find, it needed work but luckily it was in great condition under all the grime etc. I was able to clean it up and it's a wonderful instrument.

A couple of the other zither banjo's (the Windsor and GH & S) needed a lot more work....but an interesting project!).

I also collect and restore old ukulele banjo's. I have quite a collection of those too.

I'll post pictures of those up in the next few days for anyone interested.

I look forward to looking over the existing posts.

Thanks again for letting me into the group.

Alfred%20Weaver.jpg

[carrie horgan]

Welcome Mark.  It always makes me sad when I see beat-up zither banjos on Ebay - looks like you've done a good job in restoring them to playing condition.  You may get some commissions from folks on here - do you live in the UK?

[Mark Reynolds]

Thank you Carrie. 

Yes, some of these instruments are generally being thrown out, but I have been lucky to catch them!

It's just a labour of love but it is nice to see them looking good and playable.

Yes, I am from the UK.....Leicestershire.

I am not a pro restorer, I just do it for the love of it, but I am blessed with a cousin who is a luthier. He actually hates banjo's but since I have been using his workshop to carry out some of my repairs....he has warmed to them a little more.

[Mark Reynolds]

I have uploaded pictures of my vintage ukulele banjo's. They have all needed some restoration work/adjustments apart from the Keech Model "C" Deluxe. This was good from the case and had been really well looked after. This is my favourite: 

[nick Kelly]

great pic Mark, I too have a selection of nice old ukes, I have never played a Keech instrument myself but, I own and play a Dallas B which in my opinion is the best in the Dallas range and, I am really lucky in owning a couple of Gibson UB2 ukes which are really very nice instruments, I gig all of my banjos and ukes in the south east , London, Kent and Essex mostly and it can be fun hearing people guessing which one is a mandolin and which is a lute !

Mark Reynolds said:

I have uploaded pictures of my vintage ukulele banjo's. They have all needed some restoration work/adjustments apart from the Keech Model "C" Deluxe. This was good from the case and had been really well looked after. This is my favourite: 

[Mark Reynolds]

Hi Nick,

I have played a Dallas B and a UB2....both very nice instruments.

It's great that you get out there and play your instruments. So many people I know just play at home!

[nick Kelly]

well, I guess many play for their own enjoyment, I do play at home a lot too but, I have earned my living playing live in front of an audience for most of my adult life, gotta share it !

Mark Reynolds said:

Hi Nick,

I have played a Dallas B and a UB2....both very nice instruments.

It's great that you get out there and play your instruments. So many people I know just play at home!

[Mark Reynolds]

I haven't played in a band since 2013. Our rock band split then. Just play at home now. Still enjoy playing but I have been trying to focus a little more on the banjo and ukulele banjo rather than my guitars.

nick stephens said:

well, I guess many play for their own enjoyment, I do play at home a lot too but, I have earned my living playing live in front of an audience for most of my adult life, gotta share it !