Details
The Fairbanks Whyte Laydie No. 7 has been considered one the most desirable vintage open-back banjo models since the days when Gryphon was founded. Although the Whyte Laydie models were continued when Vega later revamped their banjo models, the earlier Fairbanks versions are distinctly different in small ways, and sound different as well. The shell is slightly thinner, and when combined with a good skin head and larger 11 3/4+" head size like this one, the result is warmth and bottom end you don't expect from a vintage open-back strung with steel strings. Of course, for those using the contemporary equivalent of gut strings, the large skin head has even greater tonal advantages.
This example was made 1907 and it has the original varnish finish on the wood parts, with original gold friction peg tuners with pearl buttons. The dowel stick hardware is original and tension hoop and bracket band have apparently been replated (gold tuners and nickel rim parts are not unusual on these early models). The 30 hook & nut sets don't all match but all nuts are closed ball end. All the pearl is original, fantastic engraving on headstock inlays. A beautiful example of early 20th Century American banjo style. Includes a 1920s hardshell case.
Specs
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Fingerboard
Ebony
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Neck material
Maple
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Nut width
1 1/4"
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Scale length
27 7/8"
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Tuners
Gold Friction Pegs w/ Pearl Buttons
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Year
1907
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Diameter
11 13/16"
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Tone ring
Whyte Laydie
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Case type
Hardshell
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Serial number
24019
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SKU
FAIWHYTELAY-24019
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UPC
142111
