1960's Merlin
Long Neck 5 string
An interesting design, and a rare piece of banjo history.
I traded for it with a nice fellow (Thanks Zach) because I had always had a passing interest as I do when I see other "outside the envelope" builds.
Made between 1963-1964 at the Merlin factory in Chicago. Only about 140 of these ever made.
I know of Tenor, 5 string, and long neck 5 string. Also some fancier models with more elaborate inlay and metalwork.
You can find history on them, if you know how to search.
Although they came with an aluminum neck back, which as I read about them, was not great when it was cold , or hot to the hands someone crafty, made a super nice rosewood back for it. Well Done!
Rim is made of fiberglass.
When it arrived, it had some issues I wanted to handle, such as a loose fingerboard and back piece.
I traded for it with a nice fellow (Thanks Zach) because I had always had a passing interest as I do when I see other "outside the envelope" builds.
Made between 1963-1964 at the Merlin factory in Chicago. Only about 140 of these ever made.
I know of Tenor, 5 string, and long neck 5 string. Also some fancier models with more elaborate inlay and metalwork.
You can find history on them, if you know how to search.
Although they came with an aluminum neck back, which as I read about them, was not great when it was cold , or hot to the hands someone crafty, made a super nice rosewood back for it. Well Done!
Rim is made of fiberglass.
When it arrived, it had some issues I wanted to handle, such as a loose fingerboard and back piece.
Thanks for looking and sharing
VM
VM