1970s Fender Artist 5-string Banjo

Up for sale is my 1970s Fender Artist banjo, in excellent condition. I came across this a couple years ago and thought it would be a neat piece to have; however, it has done more sitting than being played on and so I feel that it’s time to find it a new home. I’m unsure of the true age, as the serial number is practically useless on these, and there is no penciled-in or stamped date to be found anywhere.

The banjo has a Snuffy Smith bridge installed, original Waverly tailpiece (cover is removed and will be included; the tailpiece cover does have a couple spots of surface rust), no-hole flathead tone ring, and tuners. This banjo also comes with the original Keith-Scruggs “D” tuners; something to note, however, is that these need to be sent to Beacon Banjo and be cleaned/regreased. I did order and install new leather washers on the D-tuners. The string nut and fifth string pip are also original (I think) to the instrument, as are all hooks, but I have had to replace a missing nut with one that closely matches the originals (I took photos before I received and installed the nut).

The banjo is in great shape for the age – the only cosmetic issues I've noticed are a few minor scratches in the resonator that can only be seen in certain light. Also, this banjo needs to be set up by a professional, as the string nut & pip are old and need to be replaced, the neck needs to be reset (I chicken out when it comes to neck adjustment), and the frets may need to be replaced. Other than those imperfections, the banjo is in really good shape considering its age.

Although it needs a professional setup by a banjo specialist, I’ve been able to play it by tuning the fifth string down to F# and placing a Reagan fifth string capo on the 6th fret (the pip causes the 5th string to buzz when not capoed). The notes up the neck begin to get a little washed out, but otherwise this banjo is loud and has great tone. The neck has a nice natural "U" shape at 1st-4th frets that fits well between the thumb and first finger, and beyond the 5th fret it has a comfortable thin profile. The banjo has an older TKL case that will go with it.

Banjo is sold as-is. Trades are not accepted, and price is negotiable within reason. I have described the instrument to the best of my abilities, and am not responsible for damages incurred once it's in the hands of the shipping company.

If you have any questions, or would like additional pictures for further inspection, please let me know. Thanks for your time!