Vintage mandolin-banjo

**bgjunkie** · Nov-08-2006, 9:06pm

I just bought a Weymann Keystone State Mandoin-Banjo (small pot 7in). It has an adjustable bar attached to the neck and the dowel rod. Does anyone know exactly how it works? Does it allow for adjusting the relation of the next to the pot?

Also if anyone knows how to date one of these, it would be appreciated.

**weymann1** · Nov-09-2006, 2:52pm

I have several weymann banjos. Turning the nut on the bar one way or the other will adjust the neck angle. Weymann's were quality banjos. I won the bid on an old Weymannn mandolute and am waiting for it to arrive. Looks top notch from the pics. dan

**8ch(pl)** · Nov-10-2006, 3:57pm

When you increase the angle of the neck , a shim is put between the end of the neck and the Pot Hold-down ring to take up the space. You should be able to adjust the action to a fixed bridge, the opposite of a mandolin with an adjustable bridge and a fixed neck angle.

**JGWoods** · Nov-10-2006, 6:02pm

My particular set up for mandolin banjos involves lighter fluid, matches and a toilet. Others may do it differently.

**8ch(pl)** · Nov-11-2006, 4:25pm

Should I burn my Fairbanks-Vega mandolin banjo? It has been around since 1918. I have used Mandolin-banjos in Folk and Gospel music settings for many years. I wouldn't dream of taking one to a Bluegrass festival, but then I would never go to a Bluegrass festival.

**JGWoods** · Nov-11-2006, 8:45pm

Originally Posted by (8ch(pl) @ Nov. 11 2006, 18:25)

Should I burn my Fairbanks-Vega mandolin banjo? #It has been around since 1918. #I have used Mandolin-banjos in Folk and Gospel music settings for many years. #I wouldn't dream of taking one to a Bluegrass festival, but then I would never go to a Bluegrass festival.

Heck no- send it to me!
If I had a nice one I might play it, at least give it a try. Based on my 40 years of clawhammer banjo I would try a skin head and stay away from frosted Remos and the like so the tone would be mellowed a bit. I am curious about mando banjos, just haven't come across the right one.

**Ken Berner** · Nov-11-2006, 8:49pm

Glen, You must realize that many folks have no appreciation for vintage instruments. The banjo family will never go away, much to the dismay of those who haven't the skill required to play. I wouldn't even burn a kazoo!

**8ch(pl)** · Nov-11-2006, 9:26pm

Well, like JGWoods said, "Others Mmay do it differently."

**bgjunkie** · Nov-13-2006, 11:06am

Thank for the advice guys. I figure if it doesn't get played much, it will make good wall art. That is the nice thing about instrument hangers, you can enjoy looking even if you don't get to play.

**Jim Garber** · Nov-13-2006, 5:53pm

Of all the mandolin-banjos I have played -- including Vegas and the like -- the only one I could stomach is my 7" rimmed Weymann. You can almost get a melody out of it, esp with that small skin head.

Jim