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J.B. Schall was active as a banjo builder and teacher in the Chicago area in the 1880s and 90s. He built banjos under his own name and some other brands like Waldo and V. Kraske. The Imperial brand banjos seem to be the most well known banjos he built. They are less fancy aesthetically and do not feature the engraved metal headstock overlays and fingerboard inlays that some of his banjos have. This one features an interesting headstock shape, metal heel cap, patented dowel stick adjuster, plus most of the features you see on open back banjos from this time period. Includes a gigbag.
This product is in Fair Condition (Learn More)
Condition Notes: Could benefit from a dowel stick reset or shim neck and some fretwork (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 or shim neck and some fretwork (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
- Interesting banjo from J.B. Schall
- No SN
- 1890s
- Mahogany neck with traditional dowel stick
- Neck is nice and straight, but doesn't have an adjustable truss rod
- Dowel stick stamped "IMPERIAL" with a caplet shape around logo
- V-shaped neck profile
- Neck appears over-sprayed
- 20-fret ebony fingerboard
- Pearl dot inlays
- Railroad spike installed in 9th fret
- Spun-over metal-clad wood rim
- ~10-15/16" skin head
- "Simple" tension hoop
- 20 bracket hooks (one is missing)
- A few replacement nuts
- Newer No Knot tailpiece
- Replacement bone nut
- Replacement Planetary-style tuners and 5th-string peg
- Metal heel cap
- Metal dowel stick adjuster stamped "PATENTED / AUG. 18,91."
- Built in Chicago U.S.A.
- Nice player grade banjo!
- With gigbag
Imperial (by J.B. Schall) Open Back Banjo (1890s)
Imperial (by J.B. Schall) Open Back Banjo (1890s)
SKU: 60U-223065
J.B. Schall was active as a banjo builder and teacher in the Chicago area in the 1880s and 90s. He built banjos under his own name and some other brands like Waldo and V. Kraske. The Imperial brand banjos seem to be the most well known banjos he built. They are less fancy aesthetically and do not feature the engraved metal headstock overlays and fingerboard inlays that some of his banjos have. This one features an interesting headstock shape, metal heel cap, patented dowel stick adjuster, plus most of the features you see on open back banjos from this time period. Includes a gigbag.
Condition Notes: Could benefit from a dowel stick reset or shim neck and some fretwork (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 or shim neck and some fretwork (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
- Interesting banjo from J.B. Schall
- No SN
- 1890s
- Mahogany neck with traditional dowel stick
- Neck is nice and straight, but doesn't have an adjustable truss rod
- Dowel stick stamped "IMPERIAL" with a caplet shape around logo
- V-shaped neck profile
- Neck appears over-sprayed
- 20-fret ebony fingerboard
- Pearl dot inlays
- Railroad spike installed in 9th fret
- Spun-over metal-clad wood rim
- ~10-15/16" skin head
- "Simple" tension hoop
- 20 bracket hooks (one is missing)
- A few replacement nuts
- Newer No Knot tailpiece
- Replacement bone nut
- Replacement Planetary-style tuners and 5th-string peg
- Metal heel cap
- Metal dowel stick adjuster stamped "PATENTED / AUG. 18,91."
- Built in Chicago U.S.A.
- Nice player grade banjo!
- With gigbag
