J. Farris “E&F Tenor Banjay”, Amateur Grade 2-1/2, Circa 1880’s

John Farris was a retailer and banjo maker from Hartford, Ct, who made a number of very interesting instruments, including this banjeaurine-like "Banjay".  It was meant to be tuned to the keys of E and F, and at one time had a bridge support placed between the dowel stick and the head.  The fifth string tuner is particularly interesting, and even this "Amateur" model had nice inlays and an engraved rim.  The no-knot tailpiece is not original.

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