Mike Ramsey Special Openback Banjo Fretless Conversion, 1992 [USED]

The Mike Ramsey Special Openback Banjo Fretless Conversion is an interesting banjo.  The ebony peghead veneer showcases a central Saturn inlay crafted from abalone and pearl. It was made by Mike for Arnie Naiman, a renowned clawhammer player from Aurora, Ontario, and later modified by Bruce Dowd.

Mike Ramsey started crafting banjos in 1986, transitioning to full-time production in Lebanon, Ohio by 1990. He relocated to a new workshop in Appomattox, Virginia in 1994, followed by another move to Chapel Hill, North Carolina in 2005. Around 2010, he settled in Pittsboro, NC. During a period, he marketed his banjos through Elderly Instruments under the brand name Chanterelle. Mike Ramsey passed away in 2021.

The banjo's maple neck and pot with a brass plate added to the position of the 7th fret for fretless playing. Vintage style tuner knobs, a fiberskyn head and a moon bridge have been added. The pot has been modified to accommodate a calf skin head if required. It has been recently set up by The Twelfth Fret repair department. It plays and sounds great.

There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here

DETAILS: 

• Instrument Model: Special 12'
• Instrument Manufacturer: Mike Ramsey
• Instrument year: Early 1992 approx.
• Instrument Finish: Natural
• Instrument Class: 5-String Openback banjo
• Instrument serial number: 276
• Country of Origin: USA
• Instrument Condition: Very good. Recent setup.
• Right-handed 
• CITIES Documentation Required: No
• Case included:  Yes
• Case original:  No
• Case Type: Gig bag
• Instrument Weight Imperial: 6.65lbs
• Instrument Weight Metric: 3.02kgs
• Scale Length Imperial: 26in
• Scale Length Metric:   660mm
• Nut Width Imperial: 1.265in
• Nut Width Metric: 32.19mm
• Consignment: Yes
• Product ID: 190025

There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here