Celebrated Benary
Here are some pictures of an old banjo I brought back to life with some peghed tuners, a new tailpiece and tlc. These little pony Benary banjos are some of my favorite banjos. I used to own a really nice one with really nice inlays, in pristine shape. It’s current owner vowed to drown me with a dragon boat paddle if I wouldn’t sell it to her. I have a few 9 3/8” rims laying around waiting to be silverspun, so I can make my own version of a pony banjo. I have the technology. The technology I don’t have is the ability to darken a head like on the Benary pictured. That color tint only happens after years of being played by a chain smoker, that there is tobacco stain! The pip and the nut are both stained by the years also. This is my new favorite banjo in Portland at the moment, putting Sammy Linds’ Lyon and Healy down to a strong second.
