WS15-29

Fairbanks                     Robinson No. 2                                    5 String

 

S/N: None      1897                             11 7/8 x 27 3/8 “                      6 lb.

 

Fully original.

 

Condition: Excellent.

 

Background: Gad Robinson was a prominent player, teacher, and composer in Boston in the late 1800s. He sold banjos bearing his name, which he designed but had them made by established Boston makers. During the period of approximately 1895-1905, they were made for him by the Fairbanks Company.

Features of Robinson banjos: All the parts of the entire pot assembly were metal and Robinson advertised what he claimed were major advantages for playing in variable weather conditions. The pots included a scalloped tone ring resting on top of the metal rim the appearance of which was somewhat similar to the Fairbanks “Electric” tone ring. The peghead shape varied in one minor detail from the Fairbanks Whyte-Laydie No. 2 peghead and the necks were fairly standard Fairbanks work. Robinson apparently offered two models. The No.1 model survives more commonly. The No. 2 displays a nicely carved heel and slightly fancier inlay work. The board inlays were basically like Electric No. 1 designs. Some years ago, Jim Bollman had only seen 4 examples of the No. 2 model.  

 

About this instrument:

1) Robinson’s all metal rim with his scalloped tone ring.

2) Inlaid celluloid Maltese Cross tuners.

 

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