Vintage 1920s Open-Back 5-String Banjo - Used

Vintage 1920s Open-Back 5-String Banjo - Used

This is a no-frills, no-nonsense piece of American banjo history — an unmarked open-back 5-string dating to the 1920s based on the style of the pot and tension hardware. No maker's marks anywhere on the instrument, which was not uncommon for the era, when many banjos were produced by small shops or sold as house brands through catalogs. The spade headstock, V-profile neck, ebony fingerboard with dot inlays, nickel-plated brass pot, and hook-and-nut tension system all read as consistent 1920s construction. The head is a Remo Weather King — a modern replacement that means this banjo is set up and ready to play rather than sitting as a display piece.
It plays as a vintage open-back should: warm, woody, and characterful. A genuinely fun instrument for old-time, clawhammer, or anyone drawn to the sound and feel of early American banjo.
Condition is Very Good. Minor dents and dings on the neck consistent with age and play. One tension hook is missing. At least two tuners are non-original and the buttons may not match throughout — see photos for detail. No case included.
- Type: Open-back 5-string banjo
- Era: Circa 1920s
- Maker: Unknown — no maker's marks present
- Neck: V profile, likely walnut or mahogany
- Fingerboard: Ebony, dot inlays
- Headstock: Spade/shield style
- Pot: Nickel-plated brass
- Head: Remo Weather King (modern replacement)
- Bridge: Wooden
- Tension system: Hook and nut
- Tuners: Mixed — at least 2 non-original, buttons may not match throughout
- Condition: Very Good
- Known issues: One tension hook missing; non-original tuners
- Modifications: Remo Weather King head (replacement)
- Includes: Nothing

Ships carefully packed and insured for full value.
International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.