WS15-30

Fairbanks                      Un-designated Electric                              5 String

 

S/N: 154          1890                                          11 ½ x 27 ½ “                    5 1/8 lb.

 

Originality and Condition: Restored to excellent. Fortunately, the only pearl missing from the superb inlay in the peghead that extends beautifully into the first fret was the small piece nearest the top of the peghead. However, on the rest of the board, nearly half had to be replaced. (Doug Unger did the work making it difficult-to-impossible to tell the difference.) The tuners and tailpiece are appropriate but not original.

 

Background: After the 1890 invention of the Electric tone ring, Fairbanks began producing banjos with that feature and stamped “Electric” 1 or 2 places on the dowel stick. Only later did they become standardized enough to also be designated with names and /or model numbers. As might be predicted these very early Electrics show considerable variation adding greatly to their charm and desirability. In the prior decade, Fairbanks & Cole catalogs showed no models that routinely came with oak necks and only two that offered oak as an option. A moderate number of Fairbanks’ early Electrics had necks of oak, a practice that appears to have quickly stopped. These included both un-designated and numbered models and came with both plain and carved heels. The oak is heavily and darkly grained making these instruments more “handsome than beautiful”.

The elaborate inlay pattern of this peghead and fingerboard is so conspicuously “ahead of its time” that I wonder if this banjo could possibly have been a custom instrument.

 

About this instrument:

1) This peghead inlay pattern extending down into the first fret is my definition of “Art Nouveau perfected” and perhaps my favorite of all pegheads.

2) The board inlays are also quite attractive and elaborate.

3) Probably a one-of-a-kind banjo.

4) Neck is oak with a wide mahogany or walnut veneer under the board.

5) Boat shaped heel.

6) Elaborately carved ivory tuners and tailpiece (appropriate for but not original to the banjo).

7) Tension hoop with higher inner surface with beaded top edge and lower outer surface that hides the flesh hoop.

8) Neat story that this instrument was found hanging over a bar in Alaska and purchased as a wedding present.

 

Click to enlarge: