Coleman’s March - Banjo Mandolin

Recently picked up this Banjo Mandolin at auction. I know little about it…it has ‘Grafton’ inlaid in the headstock…I’ve seen reference to ‘andybanjo’ re Grafton…but I gather that this outlet no longer operates. If anyone can enlighten me further that would be appreciated. Recorded straight onto iPad.

[@joseluiselvirad]

Buen trabajo John, enhorabuena, like 7

[@johnwilliamson6846]

Gracias.

[@TheIrishMandolin]

Hi John... "Andybanjo" was the trading name of Andy Perkins who was arguably the UK's biggest dealer in banjos, operating out of premises in Faversham, Kent. He ceased trading some years ago - a combination of it being the right time to retire and the fact that he wasn't in the best of health. He dealt in second hand banjos as well as new ones and, if you knew him and asked politely, he would undertake some "servicing" while you wait. (A good opportunity to play a few of the banjos which he had in stock.) I remember a few occasions when I visited the shop and he offered to pick me up from Faversham station (I don't drive) and give me a lift to his Aladdin's cave. As a banjo player himself - well known to many of us who were active in the session scene through his regular trips to South East London sessions - he was very discerning as to the brands he sold. He didn't bother with shoddy banjo-shaped-objects that sound like "a goat piddling in a can" (as my grandad used to say of anything that didn't sound right). Instead, he traded in highly-regarded brands - high-end Gold Tones and the complete Grafton "Clipper" range being a particular speciality. I've had a few Grafton banjos in my time and they sounded the business (even if, I - the player - didn't; hence my focus on mandolin which is a much more forgiving and mellow instrument). That's quite a remarkable banjo-mandolin you've got. Often they can sound quite shrill and overbearing. However there's a mellowness to yours which suggests that a) it's very well-made in the first place and b) it's been very well set up. A keeper?

[@johnwilliamson6846]

Thanks Aidan. Very informative, much appreciated. When I record at home it is usually in a room with a vaulted ceiling, so with my tenor banjo I tend to insert a little padding behind the skin to reduce the ‘pop’ and volume when playing and recording. I did the same with the B-M in this recording. It is solid and well set up…and barely used. All things considered, yes, I’m likely to keep it!

[@MountainHomeJerrel]

This is wonderful! It has a warm, gentle voice. Thanks for sharing this.

[@johnwilliamson6846]

Thanks, Jerrel…when playing/recording at home for YT videos I place a little bit of ‘padding’ behind the banjo skin, which softens the sound a little…in a positive way, I think. Hope all is well with you.

[@frithjof.eberlein]

Same with me. I used to put a scarf in my mandolin banjo otherwise it was to loud. @@johnwilliamson6846

[@mccypr]

Thanks! 🤶🎅🏻🙂😎

[@johnwilliamson6846]

My pleasure. Thanks for commenting. Happy Christmas 🎄

[@davidmcgowan103]

Has a sweet tone 🎶

[@johnwilliamson6846]

Thanks you, David.