The Banjos - 1970s Ventura 5-String Resonator Banjo

This was another eBay acquisition and was bought from a person who had little or no working knowledge of banjos or stringed instruments in general. Consequently, repairs were required to put the instrument into proper working order. Fortunately, the seller was ethical and paid for the bulk of the repairs as he felt he had represented it to be in good condition and wanted it to be right; thank heavens for sellers like this!

The various components, as restored, are in very good shape and it turned out to be a very attractive, though basic model, instrument. It is also a very heavy instrument, due mainly to the solid brass tone ring, which translates into major sustain. The neck is equiped with the 5th-string "spikes" for playing with a capo at the 2nd and 4th frets as well. The neck is straight and the banjo seems to retain its tuning even after relatively long period of disuse. The body has the normal surface scratches you'd expect from any lightly used instrument and the back of the neck is free from any dents or dings that might detract from the natural feel. The metalwork could use some minor polishing but I have chosen to leave that alone for the time being as nothing appears to be corroded or actually in need of any maintenance of this sort.

It is still more instrument than I am capable of exploiting so, until it starts limiting me in some way, it's all that I need!

The tone and playability of this instrument make it perfect for "Bluegrass" music since the resonator makes a pretty big sound.

And now for the pictures (click to enlarge):

So concludes the presentation of my 1970s Ventura 5-string resonator banjo. Feel free to contact me with any questions and/or comments.

*8o)

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Changes last made on: Sunday, November 3, 2013 at 5:02pm