Please note: All instruments that have stock numbers followed by an asterisk (*) are in stock at our San Diego store. Please call Tom or Janet @ (619) 280-9035 for further information.
ca. 1920s A.V. & Co. Challenge: (exc-) An excellent sounding, obviously British made banjo from the early 20th Century whose history has been lost to the ages. The banjo experts of our acquaintance just shrug their shoulders and say." It sounds great, and plays nicely too, but I have no idea of its origin, other than to say that it's obviously British." So Mssrs. Coulson, Marcus, Cooper, et. al cannot say more other than to praise its fine tone and easy playability. We like this one! It will make a great player for someone, or a mystery addition to a collection. With hard case. $650 Stock#UBB29341 photoBUY NOW
New! Deering Goodtime: These USA made open back instruments offer a lot of banjo for the novice player, or for the player who wants an easy-playing, light weight instrument to pack to jams and festivals. All Maple construction with geared tuning machines and packed with fun! (msrp: $499) $CALL Stock#NBB29623*
ca. 1880s Dave Forty & Co. English Banjo: For folks who have never seen or played an English banjo, they are unique and have a fine tone that is quite subtle. First, an English banjo has 6 tuning machines, 3 on a side like a classical guitar. This was done not only because banjo gears were not readily available, but also to give the peghead visual symmetry. Only four of the tuning machines are used to tune the strings that flow over the nut and down the fingerboard. A fifth string goes from the tuning machine, into a small tube that runs through the neck and emerges at the fifth fret. The beautiful rim contains a smaller sized skin head that is adjustable from the top (wow! the first top-tension banjos!). The tone is exceedingly sweet, and although not as loud as their American counterparts, still provides a wonderfully warm tone. With Chipboard case $350 Stock#UBB25934 photo
Just In! 1890 Fairbanks Electric: (Exc) This is a beautiful example of an early Fairbanks Electric with its 10 1/2” spun-over rim and the “scalloped” tonering that would later become the basis for the famous “Whyte Laydie” model. In excellent original condition with a later era 5th string peg, this 119 year old banjo has a sweet plunky tone that is sure to please. With gig bag. BuffaloBros. price $2000 Stock# UBB30150 photo
Just In! New! Gold Tone CEB-5 Cello Banjo: Much has been written about this behemoth but it must be played to be fully appreciated. Built with a 14” maple rim, a simple brass tone ring and tuned an octave below standard banjo tuning, this amazing instrument has a wonderful thunderous voice. Its short scale neck is clad with an ebony fingerboard that is inlaid with delicate mother of pearl and is wider than standard to accommodate easy fingering of its heavy gauge nylon strings. This unique banjo sounds equally well when played clawhammer or three finger style. With hard shell case. List $1250 BuffaloBros. price $935 Stock# NBB29977 photo
New! Gold Tone BC-350: 12" rim, open back with brass hoop tone ring. Terrific old-timey sound. With gig bag. BuffaloBros. price: $749 Stock#NBB27442 photo
Used Ome Jubilee: This great frailer has a big 12” rim with a simple brass tone ring. The mahogany neck is topped with an ebony fingerboard complete with frailing scoop and the fingerboard and headstock are inlaid with a whimsical assortment of mother of pearl and abalone stars and moons. This is a beautifully made banjo with a fine traditional sound, that although previously owned, looks brand new. With hard case $1500 Stock# UBB28703 photo BUY NOW
1894 S.S. Stewart American Princess: We hope none of the Banjophiles out there will be offended if we say that this turn-of-the-Century mini Stewart is 'cute'. Despite its cuteness, it is every bit one of the great sounding spunover rim open back five strings that S.S. Stewart is so well known for. The Stewarts all has nicely decorated fingerboards and pegheads, and the beauty of this one truly matches its tone. It is a rare and wonderful thing. With gig bag. $1000 Stock#UBB29651* photo BUY NOW
ca. 1898 S.S. Stewart 20th Century: Built to celebrate the coming of the 20th century, this sweet sounding spun-over rim banjo is a delight to both the ear and the eye. Its ebony clad headstock is carefully inlaid with a “fleur-de-lis” of mother of pearl and brass wire and its fingerboard sports assorted mother of pearl moons, stars, fans and diamonds. This fine old banjo has an 11” rim and is all original except a new no-knot style tailpiece and a new Fiberskyn head. With chipboard case. BuffaloBros. price $800 stock# UBB29214 Photo
ca. 1900 S.S. Stewart Special Thoroughbred: A gorgeous example of the S.S. Stewart line of turn-of-the-century banjos.This exquisite example features not only the delicate fretborad inlay pattern that is he hallmark of S.S. Stewart instruments, but also features plenty of peghead inlay that is perfectly pulchritudinous! With hard case. $1500 Stock#UBB29333 PHOTO BUY NOW
S.S. Stewart "Dixie Wonder": For those 'in the know' about the banjos of the early 20th Century (and late 19th century), they know that S.S. Stewart, that venerable maker, never made a Dixie Wonder model. However, S.S. Stewart did make a model sold at Sears & Roebuck called the Dixie Wonder and sold under the Supertone brand. So, what we have here is either a marriage of a Dixie Wonder rim and an S.S. Stewart neck. OR, one of those "grab anything we can to make a banjo" depression era (the first one, not the current one) instruments that many makers made just to have something to ship to their clients. With hard case. $550 Stock#UBB28906 photo
1930 Vega Tubaphone: During the first depression, Vega, just like other makers, simplified their line. Thus there was only one model of Tubaphone five string being produced, and it had very simple ornamentation. This is an original five string from 1930. It retains the traditional Vega peghead, but the fretboard inlay is much simpler, the neck has no carving, and the Maple is plainer than the 1920s versions. Fortunately, they kept all the tonal features exactly the same. The patented Tubaphone tone ring still produces that great old time sound with those ringing highs. Ring de Banjar indeed! With hard case. $2500 Stock#UBB29019 photo BUY NOW
New! Wildwood Troubadour: Meticulously built by the folks at Wildwood Banjos in Bend, Oregon, the Troubadour has a laminated block maple rim, a maple neck and an ebony fingerboard. The neck and rim are decorated with a tasteful wood purfling and ivoroid binding and the fingerboard is inlaid with delicate mother of pearl bird and flower designs. With its Tubaphone style tonering, the Troubadour produces a warm tone with plenty of volume. With hard case. List $2415 BuffaloBros. price $1799 Stock# NBB29295 photo
Used Wildwood Troubadour: (Exc) Great sound and setup with a Sampson bridge. With hard case. BuffaloBros. price $1500. Stock# UBB24866* photo BUY NOW
New! Deering Goodtime 2 Special LEFT HANDED! Just the thing for all you lefty beginning banjo players! See our lefthanded page for more information on this great banjo. BuffaloBros. price: $698 Stock# NBB26022 photo
New! Deering Goodtime 2: The great Deering Goodtime, here with a resonator for all the aspiring Bluegrass pickers. $529 Stock#28869*
New! Deering Goodtime 2: The great Deering Goodtime, American made 3 ply Maple rim, and geared tuning machines, with a resonator too! $529 Stock#30151
New! Deering Goodtime 2: $529 Stock#30152
New! Deering Goodtime Special: The Deering Goodtime 2, upgraded, improved, taken to the next level, whatever your means of expression, this special model has a nickel plated steel flathead tone ring for a brighter, punchier, louder sound. Certainly a more traditional Bluegrass style tone. With a nickel plated flange, Vega style armrest, 4 guitar-type tuners, and a geared 5th string peg, this is a fine instrument for the neophite Bluegrasser or experienced picker who wants a festival instrument. With gig bag. BuffaloBros. price: $709 Stock#NBB27937*
Used Deering Boston: The Deering Boston is an affordable instrument for those who appreciate the clear ringing tones offered by the steel rim style tone chamber. This system creates extraordinary volume and is ideal for both parking lot picking and in the recording studio. This example has been beautifully maintained and should afford the player years of enjoyment at an attractive price. With hard case. $1100 Stock#UBB29275 photo
New! Deering Terry Baucom Signature Model: The latest from the folks at Deering is this walnut 5-string resonator designed and setup to meet the exacting specifications of the Duke of Drive, Terry Baucom. It features a red maple rim fitted with a newly designed and lightened tone ring (7 oz. lighter than the ‘06 tone ring) that give a more resonant sound chamber and a clarity of note and balance of tone and volume up the entire neck. According to Mr. Baucom ,”It has a tone that if you didn’t see me playing it, you’d think it was an older banjo that had been played for awhile. Just think what it will sound like in 2 years!” This one was hand picked from the batch at the Deering factory. With hard case. List price $4629. Buffalo Bros. price $CALL Stock# NBB29258 photo
Just In! New! Deering Golden Era What a great banjo! Built with Deerings’ new Terry Baucom tonering and rim, this beauty delivers a traditional flat head sound with plenty of POP! Guaranteed to cut through in a crowd. The highly figured maple neck and resonator are finished in a gorgeous gloss sunburst and bound with crisp white binding. The fingerboard is inlaid with a traditional “hearts and flowers” pattern. With custom Deering hard case List $4661 Our price $CALL Stock# NBB29988* photo
New! Deering Golden Wreath: Another great offering from Greg and Janet Deering! Built as a faithful reproduction of the classic banjos of the 1930’s, the Wreath has a mahogany neck and resonator (now bound with ivoroid binding), an unplated 20 hole sand cast bell bronze tone ring, and a 3 ply maple rim which combine to give it a warm yet punchy tone. Beautifully made right here in San Diego County! With hard case. List $4529 BuffaloBros. price $CALL Stock# NBB27279 photo
New! Deering Golden Wreath: With hard case. List $4529 BuffaloBros. price $CALL Stock#NBB27379 photo
Used Fender Leo 5 string: A terrific sounding Bluegrass banjo with a sand cast flathead tone ring. Lots of volume and excellent tone in an instrument named for someone whose name is synonymous with electric guitars. With hard case. $1250 Stock#UBB28702* photo
Used Gold Tone OB 250: Excellent quality import banjo with a bell brass flathead tone ring, three-ply maple rim, one piece zinc flange and an ebony fingerboard. Great tone with plenty of punch. The perfect companion for the next Bluegrass festival! With hard case $850 Stock# NBB21482 photo BUY NOW
Used Gibson BlackJack: Flathead tone ring, Maple rim, and worn gold plating. Formerly owned by one of the top players in Bluegrass. Shows the normal handling of 4 years on the road with a hard working Bluegrass band, but is set up to play perfectly. Sounds pretty dang good too, neighbor! with hard case. $3000 Stock#UBB29917*
New! Nechville Classic LC: Think Classic light. For those of you who don't like to wear a back support while playing the banjo, this tonering-less version of the Neckville Classic is a lighter, gentler choice. We don't know how he did it but, Tom Nechville has managed to build in great tone with plenty of volume even without the tonering. List $2400 BuffaloBros. price $CALL Stock# NBB26060* photo
New! Nechville Classic Deluxe: Engineering wizard, Tom Nechville has redesigned the banjo to be infinitely and easily adjustable and still maintain a great traditional tone. The Classic Deluxe has a figured maple neck and resonator, a radiused ebony fingerboard and Toms’ proprietary “Heli-Mount” rim and ball bearing “Cyclotronic Tone Ring System”. This is a fine sounding and playing banjo with a clear and balanced tone. With hard case. List $3750 BuffaloBros. price $CALL Stock# NBB27244* photo
New! Ome Primrose Custom: Superb Bluegrass Special from our friends in Colorado. With several of the folks here at Buffalo Bros. being pickers, we tend to gravitate towards certain instruments, and THIS is definitely at the top of the heap. As with all of Ome's creations, this is visually exquisite. Gold plated, with an outstandingly intricate fingerboard inlay, the visual appeal is unequalled. Sonically, it has everything the Bluegrass player could desire, super sharp and crisp highs and plenty of well defined bass. It plays like a dream. A real treat for any picker. With hard case (msrp: $5790) BuffaloBros. price: $CALL Stock#NBB25978* photo
New! Ome Phoenix Bluegrass: An incredibly great sounding Bluegrass banjo with amazingly clear sparkling highs and plenty of resonance on the bass tones to propel the Bluegrass band at those breakneck speeds they so often attain. If you desire to enter the knuckle-busting championships this year, you couldn't find a better cannon for your arsenal. All the tone comes from the patented "Megatone 200" tone ring and the Maple rim and resonator. And what beautiful Maple it is! Highly flamed Maple for the resonator that is beautifully matched to the flame Maple neck. The fretboard displays a super fancy, yet delicate inlay pattern, unique to the upper end of Ome banjos. A superb 5 stringer in every respect. With hard case. $CALL Stock#NBB26799* photo
New! Ome Sweetgrass: Here's a yet to be discovered treasure that some Bluegrasser will find and never let go. The Ome Company is perhaps the most under-appreciated banjo maker in America Today. Their instruments belong in every player's hands. Beautifully appointed with hand select hardwoods, and tone that rivals any of the hallowed vintage instruments so highly desirable in the marketplace. THIS is a player's instrument! With hard case. $CALL Stock#NBB29052 photo
New! Stelling Sunflower: We are proud to offer Stelling banjos at Buffalo Bros. These fine Bluegrass banjos are hand built by Geoff Stelling and his crew in Afton, Virginia (though Geoff started out right here in San Diego) . At the core of every Stelling banjo is a Tony Pass “Lost Timber” rim and the proprietary Stelling flathead tone ring. The Sunflower has a figured maple resonator and neck and is finished with a rich gloss sunburst finish. The ebony fingerboard and headstock is inlaid with a traditional flower design in mother of pearl. Like all Stelling banjos, the Sunflower has a powerful voice with good bass and lots of volume. One customer described it as a banjo killer.....banjo! With hard case List $4300 BuffaloBros. price $3440 Stock# NBB26210* photo
New! Stelling Sunflower: Meticulously built banjo from the Stelling Banjo Works. Extremely powerful with Stelling’s proprietary compression fit flat head tone ring. The Sunflower has a sweet but impressively loud voice and is especially clear up the neck, with no loss of volume. With hard case List $4300 BuffaloBros. price $3440 Stock# NBB27414 photo
Used Stelling Masterflower: (exc) For those who love the elegant look of Walnut, the neck and resonator of this immaculately maintained Masterflower will be your dream come true. Built on the Tony Pass 600TS "old wood" rim, with the Stelling cast tone ring and the same inlay pattern as the Sunflower, this one has tons of tone and a kick like a mule. The bound peghead and purfling on the resonator are an added bonus to the outstanding appearance of this classic five. With hard case. $3500 Stock#UBB24968* photo BUY NOW
Used! Stewart MacDonald BG: (exc) The Stewart- MacDonald Company in Athens, Ohio, has guitar, banjo & mandolin kits that can be assembled by folks with reasonable woodworking skills. The quality of the parts supplied are good and the resulting quality of the instrument is solely dependent on the skill of the person assembling the banjo. This one was put together by a fellow in West Virginia, who in our opinion, should be building banjos for a living instead of selling insurance or working at Starbuck's or whatever he does to receive a weekly paycheck. The craftsmanship is first rate here with the finish (the hardest part) being smooth and even and well done. The neck is straight, playable, and the fretting is excellent. This is one you can buy and take it home ready to play for less than the price of the kit, finishing supplies, sandpaper, etc. With hard case. $1000 Stock#UBB25943*
Used Tennessee Crafters Flathead Deluxe: (exc) A true Bluegrass Classic in every sense of the word. The folks at Tennessee Crafters, under the watchful eye of Mark Taylor, know how to build Bluegrass instruments. In the heart of the Bluegrass country, with a lineage that stretches back to Dobro playing legend, Tut Taylor, they have the feel for making them right. This gold plated, beautifully inlaid 5 string Deluxe model features a cast flathead tone ring that with make you sit up and take notice, even if you are across the parking lot at a festival. Great piercing high end, plenty of solid D string bass, and that edge that has the ability to sterilize birds at 100 yards! With hard case. $3000 Stock#UBB14125*
ca. 1975 Vega FB-5: (exc-) The Vega company was purchased in the early 70s by C.F. Martin & Co. the famous guitar makers. Basically, Martin took over the venerable Vega company and assembled banjos from the inventory that Vega had on hand to fill the need created by the Folk Boom that started in the '60s. This model has the Martin/Vega label inside and is part Little Wonder and part Folk Ranger with a resonator and flange thrown in to appeal to the Bluegrass crowd. (remember... this was the era when Earl Scruggs was a Vega endorsee ). The banjo has a significantly bright tone and the neck is very playable as well. A good choice for a student who wants an affordable better-than-entry-level banjo, or a festival instrument for more advanced players. With hard case. $1000 Stock#UBB29560*
1934 Gibson MB-1 Mandolin Banjo: (EXC-) This is the ultimate jug band instrument (loud and obnoxious) ! Great jug bands such as The Pinkham Orchestra, always had the good taste to NOT use one! Set up with a new skin head and ready to play with good action and great tone, this old Gibson mando-banjo has a 10-1/2” Maple rim and Maple resonator. It is in excellent condition with a repaired crack in the neck heel. With original hard case. $1000. Stock# UBB20148. PHOTO
ca. 1950s Kay Tenor: (VG++) These student priced Kay tenors were a real bargain back in the day. Exceptionally playable, with a bright, cheerful tone. Today's Celtic players take great delight in finding an instrument of this quality in this extremely affordable price range. With Chipboard case. $150 Stock#UBB25799
ca. 1924 Orpheum No. 1 Plectrum: (exc-) Collectors and players alike can start calling now to purchase this wonderful vintage plectrum banjo. This open back beauty has a terrific tone. Aficionados of vintage banjos as well as players who love the vintage sound with all attest to the greatness of the Orpheum instruments. The exquisite inlays on the fingerboard are Orpheum's unique mixture of abalone, mother of pearl and snail shell. Yes, you read it right, snail shell. Apparently after the French were done dipping the little guys in garlic and wine, the shells were scooped up and shipped to Orpheum to decorate the fretboards of their banjos. Strange eh? With hard case $1000 Stock#UBB27152 photo
Just In! 1928 Vegaphone Professional: (Exc) From the Jazz age comes this fine old Vega tenor banjo with its Tubaphone tone ring, 4 piece flange and pie sectioned maple resonator. In excellent original condition this sweet, punchy sounding banjo is poised to offer another 80 years of musical delight. With original hard case. BuffaloBros. price $1500 Stock# UBB29984 photo
1921 Vega Style N tenor: (exc-) All right, back off all ye five string devotees and stop thinking "ooh if I could make a neck in woodshop and attach it to that Style N body.............). No, no, no, this is a special 17 fret terrific sounding TENOR banjo for all our Celtic style friends out there. The open back, small Vega tone ring has that wonderful snappy sound that drives the ensemble to dizzy heights. Perfect for that Saturday night ceili. With gig bag. $350 Stock#UBB29756 photo BUY NOW
1924 Vega Whyte Laydie tenor: (exc) Gather 'round ye Celtophiles! This is your dream banjo. A mid-1920s Vega with the hallowed Whyte Laydie tone ring. These scalloped tone rings from the early quarter century have that unique tone that not only rings out with supreme clarity as it should, but also has rich sounding overtones as well. The shorter 17 fret neck is superb in its playability. If you're looking for one of these, this is THE one! With original hard case. $1200 Stock#UBC29170 PHOTO
Please note: All instruments that have stock numbers followed by an asterisk (*) are in stock at our San Diego store. Please call Tom @ (619) 280-9035 for further information.
Looking for something special? We can't possibly list all we have ~ so please ask!