Kay 5-string Resonator Banjo Rare Gold Finish With Custom Hard Shell Case

Summary:

Finish: Gold, Lacquer

Body Material: Maple (presumably)

Neck Material: Maple (presumably)

Neck Profile: soft V

Fingerboard Radius: n/a

Scale Length: 27"

Nut Width: 1 1/8"

Nut Material: Bone

Binding: Cream, bound top back and fingerboard

Bridge: Pegged, Maple/ Ebony 

Electronics: n/a

Hardware: All stock, except for the 5th string tuner, which has been replaced with a more modern tuning machine

Weight: 7.015 LBs

Case: Custom made Cedar Creek hard shell case, non original but very nice! This case, which was ordered for almost $600 alone, was built specifically for this instrument and is top quality. Please see photos!

Repairs/Modifications: Nothing visible besides the updated tuning machine for the 5th string. There are also railroad spikes installed for capo-ing the 5th string at the 7th and 9th frets. 

Neck Details: Neck is straight, there is some interesting wear to the finish on the back of the neck between the area of the nut and the 5th fret, which has been made visible in the photos and is somewhat perceptible by feel, although hardly. 

Action: .080 on the 5th string, .120 on the first, measured at the 12th fret

Fret Wear: These frets are in really awesome shape, almost no wear, must have been a re-fret sometime not too long ago.

General Cosmetic Condition: This banjo is in really great shape for its years, and any wear that it shows has been acquired through time and natural processes, and therefore looks pretty cool in our opinion. There is some wear on the back of the neck from playing contact where the lacquer and gold paint has been worn through down to the primer coat, and a couple places around the body and back of the instrument where similar wear has occurred. This should all be visible in the photos. Also, most areas of wear have reacted with the elements over time and exhibit an interesting green tinge, almost sort of a patina affect that we think adds another degree of charm to this naturally antiqued instrument. Most metal components of the instrument are showing a usual degree of aging, especially the tailpiece, which has rusted on the surface but seems structurally un-compromised. All around, this is a super unique and playable instrument with a definite 'road worn" type mojo about it that we find to be very attractive.

The photos pretty much say it all for this one, this is without a doubt a super unique and rare banjo! It plays just awesome, sounds impeccable, and obviously looks pretty darn cool if you are one who appreciates the vintage vibe. We are sure there is someone out there who this banjo will call out to and we look forward to hearing from you if you happen to be that person. Please feel free to contact us with any questions!