Daisypicker
Aug-09-2004, 3:17pm
I have an Orpheum No.1 Banjo Mandolin which came to me when my Uncle passed away several years ago. I expect that the insturment was made 1910-1930 time frame. The name is inlayed on the peghead and the only other identification is the number 17 burned inside rim close to the neck joint. #Any information will be greatly appreciated.
JGWoods
Aug-10-2004, 9:50am
Orpheum Banjos (http://bluegrassbanjo.org/orpheum.html) are discussed here. Your mandobanjo was built very much the same.
A discussion on mandolins and banjos (http://listproc.ucdavis.edu/archives/banjo-l/log0301/0198.html) from the Banjo-L list.
Banjo Mandolins, or Mandolin Banjos, or Banjolins, or whatever you want to call the hybrid, are not a popular combination. It's more of the bad side of both worlds. Best to pick what you want to play - banjo or mandolin, or like me both, and get one of each rather than making a go of the mandobanjo.
best,
gw