Hello John,

Welcome to Classic Style Banjo. I believe that you are new to banjo playing. Please ask if you need any help with anything at all, we have experts on all aspects of banjos and playing here on our group. Keep checking the site as in a few weeks we intend to start a Beginners section with easy lessons and exercises that will progress a beginner to a level where they will have the skills to play solo pieces on classic style banjo.

Good luck

Ian, thereallyniceman

Hi John,

The first thing that you should do is to remove the wooden resonator. It is not correct for the banjo. It looks like a resonator off a Clifford Essex banjo which has been modified to fit. Perhaps a photo of the inside would help others identify the instruments for you. One thing I can say is that it is a good quality instrument. Parke Hunter was a magnificent player and composer who died 1912 so I would imagine that would date the instrument around 1900s. I am sure others will be able to tell you exactly what you have there.

Hi John,

I can't really give you a figure as to how much your banjo is worth, but it seems to be in excellent condition, and these old J.E. Dallas banjos are very good instruments (not to mention the fact that it was played by the great Parke Hunter, which adds a lot of collectible value).

You could ask for offers, I'm sure there are fingerstyle banjoists out there who would be interested. I'd buy it myself but I don't need any more banjos for the time being ;-)