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Here is a stunning homage to the Fairbanks banjos of the 1890s by master craftsman Doug Unger. Doug made this neck to mate with a Weymann c.1900 top-of-the-line rim (described below) as a personal custom order for dealer John Bernunzio. Every deluxe feature imaginable appears on this neck. The beautifully engraved pearl inlays in the ivoroid-bound Weymann shaped headstock and neck are reminiscent of the best work from Icilio Consalvi (the Italian immigrant who set the standard for instrument engraving on Fairbanks and other Boston-made banjos beginning in the 1890s). You may want to feast your eyes on the detail in the attached photos of the headstock (front and back - with ebony back-strapping) and ivoroid-bound ebony fretboard. Catch your breath a little and observe the unique carving on the Cole-style boat-shaped heel. While you’re looking at the back of the banjo, note the metal-spun Weymann rim. Very few of these Weymann top-of-the-line open back banjos are known to exist, and most have similar marquetry and somewhat varied elegant engraving.
This product is in Fair Condition (Learn More)
Condition Notes: Could benefit from a dowel stick reset, but action and playability are good. (This item is sold As-Is)× This used product is in Fair Condition
Fair condition items are used and have various imperfections that impact the function of the item. They aren’t broken but have minor functional issues and minor to severe cosmetic imperfections. Ideal for budget-conscious players or those willing to give it a little extra care.
Condition Notes: Could benefit from a dowel stick reset, but action and playability are good. (This item is sold As-iS)
Learn more about our condition ratings
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The following specs were provided by our repair and appraisal teams.
For a more detailed description please call (517) 372-7880.
- No SN
- c.2003
- Strung with Aquila Nylgut strings (could take steel strings if desired)
- ~10-½” rim with skin head
- ~26" scale, 1-9/32" nut
- Mother-of-Pearl buttons on 5 mechanical friction pegs
- Vintage Weymann nuts and (probably) hooks
- Metal-spun Weymann rim
- Floral engraving on the outside of the rim
- Decorative engraving on the tension hoop
- Fine wood marquetry on the inside of the rim
- Vintage tailpiece with carved bone flower
- 2-piece neck with sharp V-profile
- Small shim at end of neck
- Pearl engraved maker’s plate on dowel stick (D.L UNGER)
- “BERNUNZIO” inlaid into back of dowel stick (this is a custom banjo built for dealer John Bernunzio)
- With recent hard shell case (green lining)
Doug Unger Presentation Open Back Banjo (c.2003)
Doug Unger Presentation Open Back Banjo (c.2003)
SKU: 60U-222819
Here is a stunning homage to the Fairbanks banjos of the 1890s by master craftsman Doug Unger. Doug made this neck to mate with a Weymann c.1900 top-of-the-line rim (described below) as a personal custom order for dealer John Bernunzio. Every deluxe feature imaginable appears on this neck. The beautifully engraved pearl inlays in the ivoroid-bound Weymann shaped headstock and neck are reminiscent of the best work from Icilio Consalvi (the Italian immigrant who set the standard for instrument engraving on Fairbanks and other Boston-made banjos beginning in the 1890s). You may want to feast your eyes on the detail in the attached photos of the headstock (front and back - with ebony back-strapping) and ivoroid-bound ebony fretboard. Catch your breath a little and observe the unique carving on the Cole-style boat-shaped heel. While you’re looking at the back of the banjo, note the metal-spun Weymann rim. Very few of these Weymann top-of-the-line open back banjos are known to exist, and most have similar marquetry and somewhat varied elegant engraving.
Condition Notes: Could benefit from a dowel stick reset, but action and playability are good. (This item is sold As-Is)
Fair condition items are used and have various imperfections that impact the function of the item. They aren’t broken but have minor functional issues and minor to severe cosmetic imperfections. Ideal for budget-conscious players or those willing to give it a little extra care.
Condition Notes: Could benefit from a dowel stick reset, but action and playability are good. (This item is sold As-iS)
Learn more about our condition ratings
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More Details
More Details
The following specs were provided by our repair and appraisal teams.
For a more detailed description please call (517) 372-7880.
- No SN
- c.2003
- Strung with Aquila Nylgut strings (could take steel strings if desired)
- ~10-½” rim with skin head
- ~26" scale, 1-9/32" nut
- Mother-of-Pearl buttons on 5 mechanical friction pegs
- Vintage Weymann nuts and (probably) hooks
- Metal-spun Weymann rim
- Floral engraving on the outside of the rim
- Decorative engraving on the tension hoop
- Fine wood marquetry on the inside of the rim
- Vintage tailpiece with carved bone flower
- 2-piece neck with sharp V-profile
- Small shim at end of neck
- Pearl engraved maker’s plate on dowel stick (D.L UNGER)
- “BERNUNZIO” inlaid into back of dowel stick (this is a custom banjo built for dealer John Bernunzio)
- With recent hard shell case (green lining)
