Plenderleith Cello Banjo

[Shawn McSweeny]

Hello Ian et al.

Have been away for many months in Renovationland (but have a much nicer kitchen for my troubles).

Firstly, congratulations to Ian for the tremendous efforts adding lessons and the new online music library. Well done. Hope to spend more time perusing both.

I just uploaded some pics of a cello banjo that sparked some interest when it appeared on ebay about a year ago. (See the Plenderleith Cello folder in "PHOTOS"). If I recall, Trapdoor and some others were keen on it, so here is some follow up info. 

It has the look of an 1870's Minstrel Era banjo, but from the maker's label it dates to 1891. The materials and craftsmanship are first rate. Internet searches of the label info delivered a lot of hits and eventually led to the formation of a brief maker's history. Surprisingly, he was not a luthier by trade, but was a Mid Lothian Scottish farmer, rifle volunteer and marksman. Yet he crafted an instrument in rosewood, solid burl and metal with consumate skill. 

The nut and heel cap were missing, so I made rosewood replacements. The head is tightened as much as I dare. It is strung with wound D'Addario Pro-Arte classical guitar strings. It's voice is more "deep moan" than "angry growl". It sounds awesome.

 

[thereallyniceman]

Good to see you back on here Shawn, and thanks for the kind comments.

That is one mighty fine looking cello banjo. Can feel the envy in the air already?   :-)