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Hello fellow Banjo Reddits! I have a fender 5 string banjo which is a couple of years old ( around 2010-11).
I got it as a gift and unfortunately I need to sell it because I have too many instruments and too little money. The problem is that I don't know which model i've got! I can't find anything on the banjo except the serial number: CD11030597. It hasn't helped me figure out the model. I know it is some sort of beginners banjo, and my internet research makes me guess it's a Fb-54 because it looks just like it ( the same markings on the top by the Fender brand and the same markings all the way down to the head).
But I would really appreciate help because I don't want to sell it and fool someone about the model. Is it possible it could be some other model? Is there some easy way to tell? I am grateful for any help! If this is against any rules please delete my post, I am very new to Reddit and apologize if my question posted in the wrong subreddit.
Raw Message Just picked up an old Fender Artist, Bluegrass model. This is one of the high-quality American made (Fullerton CA) banjos featuring a figured American black walnut neck and resonator, rosewood fingerboard and headstock overlay, nickel -might be chrome- plating, and somewhat clunky inlay patters.
Serial # B-1523. (It also has one of the old 'Reno' fiberglass heads with a 'soundhole' in it!) Anybody know if and where there might be a list of Fender banjo serial numbers that can be used to date this critter? Fender says they don't have the information, and although from various clues I'm pretty sure this is a '70s instrument, I'd like to able to date it a little more accurately! Just picked up an old Fender Artist, Bluegrass model. This is one of the high-quality American made (Fullerton CA) banjos featuring a figured American black walnut neck and resonator, rosewood fingerboard and headstock overlay, nickel -might be chrome- plating, and somewhat clunky inlay patters. Serial # B-1523.
(It also has one of the old 'Reno' fiberglass heads with a 'soundhole' in it!) Anybody know if and where there might be a list of Fender banjo serial numbers that can be used to date this critter? Fender says they don't have the information, and although from various clues I'm pretty sure this is a '70s instrument, I'd like to able to date it a little more accurately! Thanx, Pete Pete, did you look at their website? It doesn't have serial numbers but they have approx dates and values. Pete, did you look at their website?
It doesn't have serial numbers but they have approx dates and values. Thanx, Bob, I did. All it tells me is that Fender stopped production in 1979, and it listed for $1325.00 new. BTW, in case you should ever run across one: these banjos were easily competitive in sound and playability with the Gibsons being made at that time, are fully professional in quality, and can sometimes be found relatively cheaply because people just don't commonly associate the name 'Fender' with high quality banjos. (The figured black walnut neck and resonator are something you almost don't see any more. Nearly all the available walnut has been either used up or bought up by gunstock makers.) The only hiccup on the one I just got is that they went a bit too heavy with the spraygun on the face of the headstock, leaving it slightly wavy instead of dead flat. Sounds great and plays perfectly, though.
Fender Banjo Serial Number Identifier
Pete, did you look at their website? It doesn't have serial numbers but they have approx dates and values. Thanx, Bob, I did. All it tells me is that Fender stopped production in 1979, and it listed for $1325.00 new. BTW, in case you should ever run across one: these banjos were easily competitive in sound and playability with the Gibsons being made at that time, are fully professional in quality, and can sometimes be found relatively cheaply because people just don't commonly associate the name 'Fender' with high quality banjos. Try $450 for a 70s vintage mahogany Leo in mint condition. Fantastic instrument, sounds like a Steinway when I lay picks into it.
BTW, in case you should ever run across one: these banjos were easily competitive in sound and playability with the Gibsons being made at that time, are fully professional in quality, and can sometimes be found relatively cheaply because people just don't commonly associate the name 'Fender' with high quality banjos. Try $450 for a 70s vintage mahogany Leo in mint condition.
Fantastic instrument, sounds like a Steinway when I lay picks into it. Well, like a Steinway with a multiply rim and lesser quality tone ring (if pianos has such). Atermarket tone rings make a noticeable difference to a Leo, in my experience. I'd expect a new three-ply pot would help also (i understand people are now making multi-plies of better quality and claim no discernable differences to three-ply - or block construction for that matter, Goldtone i think saying this).
But, otherwise, in a Fender Leo you do have essentially a Steinway in banjo construction. Banjos more than most instruments are the sum of their parts. (when well assembled and adjusted) robb. Just picked up an old Fender Artist, Bluegrass model. This is one of the high-quality American made (Fullerton CA) banjos featuring a figured American black walnut neck and resonator, rosewood fingerboard and headstock overlay, nickel -might be chrome- plating, and somewhat clunky inlay patters. Serial # B-1523. (It also has one of the old 'Reno' fiberglass heads with a 'soundhole' in it!) Anybody know if and where there might be a list of Fender banjo serial numbers that can be used to date this critter?
Fender says they don't have the information, and although from various clues I'm pretty sure this is a '70s instrument, I'd like to able to date it a little more accurately! Thanx, Pete Unfortunately, the serial numbers of the 60's and 70's-era Fender banjos weren't issued chronologically, so you really can't estimate the date from the serial number. I have an Artist I bought new in 1972, and although its serial number is in the 4200's (with no letter prefix), I've heard of older ones with higher serial numbers. Unfortunately, the serial numbers of the 60's and 70's-era Fender banjos weren't issued chronologically, so you really can't estimate the date from the serial number.
Fender Banjo Serial Number Search
I have an Artist I bought new in 1972, and although its serial number is in the 4200's (with no letter prefix), I've heard of older ones with higher serial numbers. Thanx for the input.
I used to see Leo Fender every year at the NAMM Show, and we spoke about the Fender banjos several times, but it never occurred to me that I should ask him if there was any rhyme or reason to the serial numbers.
