Temlett Zither-Banjo

[Jody Stecher]

I've uploaded two photos of an old Temlett zither-banjo. It's going to my student Ken who says it reminds him of his grandmother. Who am I to deprive him of his grandmother? It needs a bit of work. It seems that over the last 120 years or so the wood of the neck and fingerboard have dried out and shrunk so all the frets protrude on both sides. The fret ends are sharp and can draw blood. It's a small, light z-b with a string length of only 25.25 inches (just over 64 centimeters). The sound is simple and clear. Wear on the lower frets indicate this banjo had been played in its time but the finish of the neck is unblemished and I don't think it was refinished. I thought folks here would enjoy seeing this old beauty so I'm posting the photos while I still have the banjo at home.