chevin mercedes guitar banjo

1930s CHEVIN NILMELIOR MERCEDES GUITAR BANJO The Tsumura Collection (1920-1940), p189 A 6-string banjo from the days of the Bal Musette, capable of providing rhythm and base lines to accompany the accordion and the rest of the band. Bal Musette was about excitement colourful musicians, flashy instruments, crazy dances. This instrument, covered in chrome, bright red and green plastic, shining jewels, was designed to flash light and colour from the stage. It is a one-off top-of-the-line instrument built for a Bal Musette star, Mercedes. The banjo has the Chevin Nilmelior tone ring system, carved heel, engraved chrome plated body, hoop and flange, SB tuners, and elaborate vine decoration on the fingerboard. It is a giant banjo, with 12 5/8 inch head and 15 inch resonator and 25 ½ inch scale. Designed to be tuned like a guitar, the guitar banjo was used by black ragtime and blues musicians in the early 20th century. Including the Reverend Gary Davis, Jango Rheinhart, Johnny St Cyr and Sylvester Weaver. It then disappeared from view but has come back into fashion in recent years in country style American bands like The Old Crow Medicine Show.