Fender Concertone (c. 1978)

Description

Fender have never been particularly renowned for their banjos - while they may be a storied and fascinating company, they've never made a real mark in the world of acoustic instruments. But for a brief period in the 1960s and 70s, high-end resonators were rolling out of the Fullerton factory, thanks to Fender's partnership with Salstrom Banjo Company, a mostly forgotten but fantastic Illinois-based build shop that built remarkable, vintage-inspired instruments for bluegrass three-finger. This one, a Concertone dating from around 1978, shows exactly why people continue to think highly of these instruments and still boasts the bold, bright tone that traditional Scruggs-style pickers go nuts for. This instrument features all-walnut construction for a bright top end and smooth midrange unlike most other resonators, and features a massive, no-hole bell brass tone ring that calls to mind the pre-Mastertone systems installed in early Gibsons. Overall, the Concertone is dressed to the nines, with gold hardware and extensive inlay work in mother-of-pearl and hardwood. This is a real top-of-the-line instrument that's somehow slipped under the radar for decades, but won't hang around our store for long.

Overall wear and tear is minimal; we consider the instrument to be in very good condition, especially for one fast approaching its 50th birthday. Most dents and scuffs center on the resonator, and there is hardly any finish checking. There is mild tarnish and wear on all of the banjo's hardware, especially the tailpiece and the armrest, where the gold plating has begun to wear away. Some of the frosted white of the head has also begun to wear away, although the head is still in good working condition and should not need replacing. Keith tuners that have been installed on the 3rd and 2nd strings, enabling players to try their hand at "Flint Hill Special" and "Earl's Breakdown", among other classic standards. The original 3rd and 2nd string tuners are long gone and are not included in the price of the instrument. There is one functional spike at the 7th fret, and two metal fillings at the 10th and 12th frets, where there may have been spikes installed in the past. The overall set up is excellent, and comfortable in all positions, with a straight neck and low action. Included is the original hard-shell case.

*Please note, per our return policy, all sales on used and consignment instruments are final.*