From the private collection of Sound Investments USA LLC
This Montana Special B&D tenor Silver Bell banjo is in incredible playing condition and suitable for a collector. This sweet thing was professionally set up with new strings 9/17/23 and will arrive ready to play.
Soft Mute or “Soft Pedal” This banjo has the earliest version of the B&D soft pedal mute fitted, which provides some novel sonic effects
19 frets
23-23.5” scale
SN# 22588
Neck at the perfect angle for fast action …EVEN and LOW action up and down the neck. I would have liked to completely disassemble this one and polish every piece, but she looks pretty darn good with most of the banjo polished ½ the chrome deep cleaned. The frets were cleaned and polished. This one has the rarer “Grover Pat Pend. Pick Holder attached. What an awesome addition to this one. I am unsure what the “Special” is for in the model’s name..
Bacon & Day Montana Special Silverbell # 1 Model Tenor Banjo (1928), made in Groton CT, serial # 22588, natural blonde and ivoroid finish, white holly neck and resonator, laminated maple rim, original black hard-shell case. This banjo is an early example of one of Bacon & Day's crowning creations: the Montana Silver Bell. This is the model that introduced the signature design element of engraved and painted celluloid to the Bacon line, which became one of the classic B&D trademarks. The model originated as a unique signature instrument for early 1920s cowboy entertainer "Montana," but by the mid-1920s was expanded into a full line with several distinct models, all in the white holly and ivoroid livery he favored. While all Silver Bell banjos are fancy, the Montana models with their unique white celluloid décor are distinctive even by Bacon standards. This banjo is the #1 style is a flamboyantly flashy instrument. The Montana decorative package includes elaborate engraving in the ivoroid headstock, fingerboard, and heelcap, painted in with a deep red and delicate concentric rings on the resonator back. The tuners are original Planets with Mother of Pearl buttons, and the tailpiece is the individually adjustable 4-claw Oettinger. The patented B&D “
SOFT PEDAL” also referred to as the mute pedal is all there and working perfectly, allowing both the intended quick muting and the characteristic "wah-wah" effect often employed by Roy Smeck, a longtime Silverbell endorser. I attached a video that will upload in a day showing only the B&D SOFT PEDAL and how it works. The market for such fancy tenor banjos was roaring in the late 1920s, but the Montana models are still far from common. The B&D Silver Bell is generally considered to be one of the finest tenor banjos ever created as well as the flashiest,
Bacon & Day Silver Bell #1 Model Silver Bell Montana Special Plectrum Banjo (1928), Groton CT, she sports a shaded maple finish, black hard shell case. Company founder Fred Bacon was a 5-string player himself, but by the time he and David Day had the Silver Bell design on the market, most working banjoists were tenor or plectrum players; at least those who could conceive of affording a $140.00 banjo! While they were listed in B&D catalogs as standard models comparatively few Plectrum banjos were actually made. bound ebony fingerboard are adorned with fancy shaped pearl inlay. The tuners are the earliest geared "spike" Grovers with ivoroid buttons. The early "carved ring" style resonator back is subtly figured maple and has no name plate fitted. The tailpiece is the original 4-string Oettinger. This banjo is very loud and quite crisp but with a warmer ring than some resonator instruments. The neck profile is a bit deeper than some with a very comfortable feel; the neck has a noticeable soft "V" contour in the lower positions and gradually becomes more rounded above the 5th fret. This instrument sounds great in any Plectrum mode, a lovely player's instrument in well-maintained condition. The plating also shows only relatively minor wear. The frets are original and have some light wear in the lower positions.
Please note the handling fee is for shipping insurance only and local pickup is welcome