Zither banjo repairs...

[Andrew Sherry]

My sister in-law has loaned me her grandfather's zither banjo. I attach a few photographs which show some damage that has accumulated over the years (including a tear in the skin, a crack in the pot, and a loose joint between the neck and pot). Though it is unmarked, I think that the make is probably Reliance.

Can anyone give me any advice about where I might explore getting the banjo repaired in the UK (preferably in the NW)?

[thereallyniceman]

Hi Andrew,

I added the photos into your post to make the viewing easier.

I am not an expert on Zither banjos but our resident zither expert is David Wade who may comment if he sees the post.

I must ask one question.. will it be worth the cost of a repair? Zither banjos, particularly the lower grade models, which this appears to be, are very inexpensive to buy as they are not terribly popular nowadays. By the time you have spent on a new calfskin vellum and its fitting cost, strings, a bridge and then any luthier work needed (which is NOT cheap) you may have a banjo that has cost considerably more than it is worth.

 The sentimental value may be more important than the costs so I suggest waiting until David Wade comments as he may be able to put you in contact with a repairer who will give an estimate.

Good luck.

[Andrew Sherry]

Thanks for the reply. I agree about the value of the instrument, but it is really the sentimental value that is the motivation for the repair. I look forward to hearing what advice Dave Wade can give.

[David Wade]

hi Andrew,

It looks to be in quite nice condition despite the repair work needed - I think you need to a choice - if you want to hang it on a wall as an interesting conversation piece then a three quid bridge and a fivers' worth of strings will do your job - I'd fix the vellum with a bit of invisible tape on the inside and maybe slip a cardboard shim between the neck and the body ....an hours work and change from a tenner.

If you want to restore it to its former glory, and it does look to a good quality instrument, I can't determine the maker from the pictures but I would guess London rather than Brummage and it hails from at least WWI- if that is a 2 by 3 headstock then add 10 years so its 120 years young. I would recommend talking Clive Hughes in the West Midlands - contact me off list for his details.