{"product_id":"used-vintage-c-1889-s-s-stewart-5-string-open-back-pony-a-scale-banjo-5643","title":"(Used) Vintage c. 1889 S.S. Stewart 5-String Open-Back Pony\/A-Scale Banjo #5643","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eSteeped in late-19th-century old-time musical tradition, this remarkable circa 1889 S.S. Stewart 5-string banjo is a gorgeous survivor from the golden era of Philadelphia instrument manufacturing. In \u003cstrong\u003eVery Good Condition,\u003c\/strong\u003e especially for it's age, this has some wear on the back of the headstock Built on a compact \"Pony\" or \"A-Scale\" open-back rim framework, this instrument delivers a delightfully intimate, highly responsive acoustic voice that modern reproductions simply cannot replicate. It represents an elite acquisition for old-time frailers, traditional clawhammer players, or discerning collectors seeking an authentic piece of American musical history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eThe structural foundation relies on a beautifully preserved cherry wood rim paired with a premium, traditional calfskin head that yields a warm, plunky acoustic response with rich old-time character. The interior dowel stick features the crisp, original factory stamps verifying its Philadelphia origin alongside the iconic \"SSS\" headstock emblem. To maintain authentic playability while offering a unique visual charm, the instrument retains a beautiful, historic tie-on ivory tailpiece that anchors strings across a low-profile wooden bridge setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eThe select cherry neck offers an incredibly comfortable, played-in feel that encourages long, effortless clawhammer sessions. The dark ebony fingerboard showcases a striking arrangement of mixed historic mother-of-pearl inlays, featuring an artistic combination of stars, circles, and diamonds across the scale. Outfitted with elegant, non-original ornamental ivoroid tuning pegs that function smoothly while enhancing the instrument's period-correct presentation, this rare 1880s masterpiece stands fully inspected and ready for its next musical chapter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBody Shape: Open-Back Pony \/ \"A-Scale\"\u003cbr\u003eHead: Calfskin\u003cbr\u003eRim Material: Cherry\u003cbr\u003eNeck: Cherry\u003cbr\u003eNeck Profile: Traditional Period V-to-C Shape\u003cbr\u003eFingerboard: Ebony\u003cbr\u003eTailpiece: Original Tie-On Ivory\u003cbr\u003eBridge: Wood\u003cbr\u003eTuners: Ornamental Ivoroid (Non-Original Replacement)\u003cbr\u003eFinish: Natural French Polish \/ Oil\u003cbr\u003eNut Material and Width: Bone, 2-1\/8\"\u003cbr\u003eScale Length: 22.5\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eNotice: This is a used item. While we do a basic cleaning and setup before shipping, we are unable to make any modifications to, or guarantees of condition, and or history, outside of what we have personally found, or been informed of by the original owner, which will be included in the description.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy Choose The Acoustic Shoppe?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen you choose to purchase from us, you're not just making a transaction; you're investing in an exceptional experience. As a small business, and an authorized acoustic instrument dealer, we take immense pride in going the extra mile for our customers. We handle warranty concerns on your behalf, provide in-depth brand reviews, offer virtual consultations, and share high-quality content, featuring photos and videos of our products. Our dedicated team, all passionate musicians, deeply understands the significance of finding the perfect instrument. With on-site instrument inspections by our skilled repair tech, personalized recommendations, and a sincere commitment to grasping your unique needs, we ensure that each purchase is the perfect match between instrument and musician. Our focus is on quality and customer satisfaction, not just sales numbers. We genuinely care about bringing your musical aspirations to life, and we find joy in doing so. We're proud to have been voted NAMM Top 100 Dealer for over a decade, a testament to our commitment to excellence in the music industry. We genuinely care about bringing your musical aspirations to life, and we find joy in doing so. Choose us for an extraordinary shopping experience where we know you by name, and every purchase is driven by our love for music and our dedication to serving our valued customers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Acoustic Shoppe","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51959810654525,"sku":"CON-6342423","price":1299.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0883\/3348\/4349\/files\/Used_Vintagec.1889S.S.Stewart5-StringOpen-BackPony-A-ScaleBanjo_5643-1.jpg?v=1783977885","url":"https:\/\/theacousticshoppe.com\/products\/used-vintage-c-1889-s-s-stewart-5-string-open-back-pony-a-scale-banjo-5643","provider":"The Acoustic Shoppe","version":"1.0","type":"link"}