Abbotts and GP Matthews

We are not famous for our banjos here, or have very much to do with them beyond fixing them and identifying them for folk. We do need to find a new home for these two - both a little bit special and not the type you will find at car boot sales. We have decided to offer them as restoration projects as banjo specialists and players will have a better idea of how they wish to do it.

First up is the Abbotts - a 5 string banjo but with the drone peg and nut absent. It has a tremendous tone and stays in tune as we bang out Wild Horses a few times a day. This is an 11 inch skin, a fairly recent replacement. From my scant knowledge, I assume this to be a Chalton Street model, therefore 1930s or slightly before, by all means chime in and correct me. It'd make a decent plectrum banjo as it is, or a sensitive restoration could get it back to best. This one has a hard case to accompany it.

Next up is a very rare fretless George P Matthews. This requires a great deal more recommissioning, and we know about the one in Justecordes in Paris at 1475 Euro, but it has been for sale for years, so remain realistic! Jacken Elswyth has a few videos of a restored model - they sound great fun.

We would dearly like to find a new home for these as a pair or individually if that is required, and have a Clifford Essex Popular in a similar state that can go with either or both of them.

We are open to offers for these - 100% of the proceeds will be given to the widow of the recently deceased owner of these instruments.