If you love the punch and attitude of a true 1920s tenor, this May Bell by Slingerland 4-String Tenor Banjo brings exactly that kind of energy. Built in Chicago sometime between 1922 and 1926, this instrument is in Good Condition with some wear on the back of the neck, the bass side of the fingerboard, and refinished resonator. Maple construction, and perloid dot inlays with crosshatch on the fingerboard detail give it a look that is unmistakably vintage without feeling fragile or fussy.

This banjo has the crisp, cutting response you expect from a maple rim paired with a brass hoop tone ring. The 23 inch scale length keeps everything tight and quick under the fingers, while the maple bridge with ebony cap adds snap and definition to each note. The Remo faux animal skin head helps round out the top end just enough to keep it from sounding harsh, giving it a balanced but still assertive voice. It is well suited for traditional jazz, early swing, Irish tenor styles, or anyone who wants that classic percussive banjo sound.

The neck feels straightforward and comfortable, with a 1 3/16 inch nut width that makes chord shapes and melodic lines easy to navigate. Planetary tuners have been added for dependable tuning stability, even though they are not original to the instrument. Nickel-plated hardware and maple throughout keep the build simple and honest. This May Bell tenor is not just a display piece. It is a playable example of Chicago banjo history from the height of the tenor era.

SPECS

Type: 4-String Tenor Banjo
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Maple Inlay Perloid Dot Inlays with Crosshatch
Scale Length: 23"
Nut Width: 1-3/16
Tone Ring: Brass Hoop
Resonator: Maple
Rim: Maple
Bridge: Maple With Ebony Cap
Head: Remo Faux Animal Skin
Hardware: Nickel Plated Tail Piece
Finish: Gloss Black Finish on Resonator
Tuners: Planetary Tuners - Not original

Notice: This is a used item. While we do a basic cleaning and setup before shipping, we are unable to make any modifications to, or guarantees of condition, and or history, outside of what we have personally found, or been informed of by the original owner, which will be included in the description.

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Slingerland

(Used) 1920's Slingerland Maybell 4-String Tenor Resonator Banjo #3487