Comment by David Wade on September 21, 2011 at 6:11

I think you've got a nice one there - a No1 I think. Looking at the inlays I would suspect this was made by Richard Spencer. Spencer built for both E&C and CE, he retired around 1910 and sold his tackle to Essex. I hope you have got proper zither-banjo strings - steel thirds wreck these necks. 

Comment by ernest johns on September 24, 2011 at 11:28

thank you for your comments. Unfortunately it has had a steel third most of its life and the neck has needed treatment.My fault of course but I prefer the sound of a metal third.Does anyone know of a good source of blue grass (Scruggs style) music in  standard notation.At over eighty I find tabs a little difficult to cope with.

Comment by Steve Harrison on September 25, 2011 at 6:50

I have a book called 'Earl Scruggs and the 5 string banjo' published by PEER-SOUTHERN PUBLICATIONS of New York. It contains both tab and standard notation and may answer your needs. I can't remember from where I bought it as it was too long ago but if you Google, you may find that it's still in print. It contains all the usual standards and is not a bad tutor.

Comment by Mike Moss on September 25, 2011 at 10:50

Careful, though -- I think the latest editions don't include notation.

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