{"title":"Banjos","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"vintage-1930s-bacon-and-day-montana-silver-bell-style-no-4-tenor-banjo","title":"Vintage 1930's Bacon and Day Montana Silver Bell Style No. 4 Tenor Banjo with OHSC - Frank Ovanin Collection","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0789\/2433\/files\/VINTAGEacoustic-guitars_1_28a7476f-982e-4a48-885c-0e4861c9112c_600x600.webp?v=1709146117\" alt=\"Used And Vintage Acoustic Guitars\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere at Truetone Music, we are fortunate enough to see a lot of interesting instruments coming in through the door.  Every now and then, some have quite the backstory.  That's what we have here - a trio of instruments that belonged to The Banjo Man.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBorn in 1914 in Cleveland, Frank Ovanin quickly fell in love with music and learned to play the banjo.  By age 12, he was playing live to help support his family.  After high school, he started touring the country and started to gain notoriety as a banjo player.  By the 1930's, he transitioned to the guitar, mandolin, stand-up bass, violin and virtually anything else with strings.  This led to a variety of gigs, including with the Tell-Tone Trio night right here in Santa Monica!  Throughout the next few decades, Ovanin embarked on a successful recording career, countless TV appearances, and stints in Las Vegas.  This led to playing with legends such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Milton Berle and Sammy Davis Jr.  Over the years, he released several albums, including the Banjo Party, which is still in circulation today.  Thus, to this day, Frank Ovanin is known as \"The Banjo Man\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBe sure to check out the photos we've included in this listing, to see him and these instruments, including some with the stars mentioned.  (photos supplied by his family)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrank Ovanin played a variety of instruments, but only owned a few in his time - he did not have a vast collection.  He kept what he had, and when he passed away in 2002, the instruments went to his family, eventually being inherited by his granddaughter, which is how they ended up here.  Now, for the first time, they are available to be played again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are excited to present this vintage Bacon and Day Montana Silver Bell Style No. 4 Tenor Banjo.  Built in the 1930's, this was Frank Ovanin's primary instrument for his entire career - and from what we were told, it was the only banjo he had.  So, not only is this the banjo recorded on the Banjo Party album, but it's also the one that graced the stage with the biggest superstars of the day.  That in itself makes it special, but regardless of the association, it's a rare and incredible vintage banjo.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis model is regarded by banjo players and collectors as one of the finest and most visually striking banjos out there. Known for its exceptional volume and tone, it's prized for its ability to cut through other instruments in a band setting. Bacon \u0026amp; Day banjos were known for their high-quality materials and construction.The Silver Bell series is also appreciated for its beautiful craftsmanship and flashy designs, with intricate inlays and high-quality hardware.  This banjo is sought after due to its exceptional sound, visual appeal, and historical importance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe just took this one, which is an incredible example of a vintage Bacon and Day banjo.  It's a 4-string tenor, a model you don't see often.  It's all original, except for a single finer tuner screw that was replaced years ago.  The original hardshell case is included.  Considering how much it traveled over decades, it's impressive that the case is intact.  More so, we were amazed at how good of shape the banjo itself is in.  Obviously there is wear, but considering it's nearly 100 years old, we'd rate the condition as excellent.  It has been fully vetted and setup by the tech in our shop that really knows these instruments, and is ready to go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a bonus, Frank Ovanin's family has provided us with an actual Banjo Party album by Frank Ovanin - The Banjo Man.  That comes with the banjo.  Also included are some vintage strings and the strap he used.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAltogether, this is quite the package.  It's a rare find that old school banjo fans and vintage aficionados will find incredibly interesting.  It's a one-time opportunity to be the next owner of the Banjo Man's banjo.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Bacon And Day","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47052633932019,"sku":"83BCD000","price":3999.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0789\/2433\/files\/1-Img24567.jpg?v=1749495551"},{"product_id":"pre-owned-deering-eagle-ii-5-string-banjo-9-of-40-natural-banjo-with-ohsc","title":"Pre Owned Deering Eagle II 5-String Banjo Limited Edition 9 of 40 Natural Banjo With OHSC","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Used And Vintage\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0789\/2433\/files\/vintage_and_used.png?v=1742598156\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-complete=\"true\" data-processed=\"true\" data-hveid=\"CAIQAA\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" class=\"Y3BBE\"\u003e\n\u003cspan data-complete=\"true\" data-sfc-cp=\"\" class=\"T286Pc\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNumber 9, Number 9. For those who love a great banjo here's this wonderful Deering Eagle II that is # 9 of 40 made! This limited production run model brings you the very best from Deering Banjos. This is perfect for a player who wants an instrument with impeccable tones and construction and is quite versatile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt with a 3-ply violin-grade maple rim, maple neck, and resonator, it delivers professional-grade construction throughout. The signature Twenty-Ten Tone Ring, Deering's patented brass design, produces a balanced, rich midrange with both a responsive bass and treble. This banjo is equally at home with any style whether it's clawhammer, bluegrass, and beyond.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ebony fingerboard features intricate inlays, while the hardware includes a True Tone Tailpiece and Planetary tuners for reliable tuning stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis excellent banjo was crafted in the USA and is in great condition and comes with its original hard case. The techs in our shop have set it up to play perfectly.  Serious banjo players will appreciate a limited top-notch model like this.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSerial Number: 00009\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Deering","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48520267235571,"sku":"83DEE001","price":3299.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0789\/2433\/files\/1-Img37661.jpg?v=1771372381"},{"product_id":"pre-owned-1962-vega-jerry-van-dyke-vegavox-deluxe-iv-tenor-banjo-blonde-with-ohsc","title":"Pre-Owned 1962 Vega Jerry Van Dyke Vegavox Deluxe IV Tenor Banjo Blonde With OHSC","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Used And Vintage\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0789\/2433\/files\/vintage_and_used.png?v=1742598156\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eFans of vintage instruments, especially banjo enthusiasts, may flip out about this:  here we have a 1962 Vega Vegavox Deluxe IV tenor banjo that was made for and owned by the legendary Jerry Van Dyke.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThis is a great example of a high-end four-string tenor banjo, crafted in Boston by the Vega Company.  The Deluxe IV models have exquisite design elements, including intricate wood carvings that showcase the expert level craftsmanship. The decorative resonators are not only visually appealing but also enhance the overall sound quality of the banjo.  Additionally, the engraved gold-plated hardware is a nice touch, helping to make this banjo stand out.  And of course the back of this banjo is straight up amazing.  We'll pause now so you can review and inspect the photographs to see all of this for yourself.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eOne of the features of the Vega Vegavox Deluxe IV is its innovative Vegavox tone ring system. It was engineered to produce a rich sound, with deep bass tones, a warm mid-range, and overtones that resonate beautifully. It brings a significant advancement over previous models, and sounds amazing.  The neck is constructed from premium maple, with a carved heel that isn't just there for looks - it enhances playability. The ebony fretboard is adorned with pearl inlays, also adding a luxurious touch to the appearance.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis is not just a musical instrument - it's a banjo collector's dream.  It embodies the spirit of mid-20th century music culture along with popular culture.  Vega custom-made these luxurious banjos for prominent musicians and performers, in this case for Jerry Van Dyke.  It makes it a highly sought after piece.  The combination of historical significance, exceptional craftsmanship, and unique design features makes this 1962 Vega Vegavox Deluxe IV a true treasure.  \u003cspan\u003eJerry Van Dyke, who frequently incorporated the banjo into his early live stand-up acts and television appearances (such as on The Dick Van Dyke Show and the The Andy Griffith Show), adds a whole \u003c\/span\u003enother\u003cspan\u003e level of collectibility to it.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003eThis vintage banjo is in excellent condition, considering that it's over 60 years old now.  As far as we can tell, everything is original - and the original hardshell case is included.  Setup to play perfectly by the banjo expert in our shop, it's ready to go.  This is quite the find.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSerial Number: 102222\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Vega","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50526573625587,"sku":"83VEG000","price":5499.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0789\/2433\/files\/1-Img48683.jpg?v=1787608782"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.truetonemusic.mom\/collections\/banjos.oembed","provider":"Truetone Music","version":"1.0","type":"link"}