-40%

Piccolele 072-Mini 21" Vintage 5 String Banjo w/HSC! Smaller than Piccolo Banjo!

$ 501.6

Availability: 74 in stock
  • Model: Piccolele - 072
  • Condition: Excellent
  • Banjo Type: Piccolo Banjo
  • Modification Description: Complete renovation and rebuild to create a mini 5 string banjo
  • Exact Year: 1920
  • Modified Item: Yes
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United States

    Description

    This is a lovely condition banjo ukulele from the 1920's that I have converted to a small 5 string, slightly smaller than a piccolo banjo. I call these "Piccoleles", the mating of Piccolo and Ukulele banjos.
    The original Banjo Ukulele is a  higher quality Oscar Schmidt of New Jersey banjo and the rim is made like a Vega with multiple hard maple laminations, as is the neck. The 7.5 inch diameter rim makes for a little more sound as well.
    This model sports a tone ring - a thin metal wrapped over a hoop which fits over the rim. I have added a plated rolled brass ring under this, which improves the sound dramatically. This arrangement is not unlike the Vega Whyte Laydie Tone Ring.
    Geared tuners makes this a nice banjo to tune, the fifth is straight mechanical. The skin head is fresh and mounted with a square brass flesh hoop, diminishing slipping as with the usual round flesh hoop.
    These models have distinctive and relatively rare bracket nuts, only used on a few other period banjos and all are original.
    The tailpiece is a newer reproduction No Knot style and is very satisfactory, and it is strung with Nylgut Strings.
    This banjo is a looker and a real sleeper as it sounds better than most Piccolos.
    With deluxe hard shell Piccolo Case, this banjo will not disappoint!
    I welcome international buyers as this banjo will be shipped safely in the rugged case to any locality.