1927 Slingerland May Bell Style B Banjo

With mahogany resonator. Henry Slingerland won a music school in a card game on a gaming boat on Lake Michigan in 1912. The school grew to make a very popular line of professional banjos under the name May Bell, soon to become the largest in the world. The Jazz Era of the 1920’s was a golden era for banjos. Gibson’s Mastertone banjos started in 1924. Picture this Style B driving the rhythm of flappers dancing in speakeasies in the Chicago area. Prohibition was from 1920 to 1933 a real boon to musicians of the era.

These plectrums are well regarded for their tone and the marquetry on the mahogany resonator. The scale is 26.25”, 22 frets, three piece mahogany neck, 24 lugs, has the original nickel plated Grover Pancake tuners and a period correct 11” calf skin head. The tailpiece is a vintage Oettinger Pat. Pending for ball end, loop end or even tie on strings.

Almost all banjos we’ve seen in the last 40 years have switched parts. Sometimes its hard to tell. The neck has been rebound but this was bought from a older enthusiast and it seems to fit. Good thing we have our chief luthier Steve Morgan on board who plays and really knows banjos. Comes with a new Deering hard case but the banjo doesn’t fit in the case with the resonator attached. This is tuned to Chicago tuning DGBE so any guitar player can play it. Plectrum tuning is normally CGBD. It’s great for Irish music or to add texture to your next recording. The tuners and tailpiece are high value parts. So our price looks like a bargain.