Extremely rare original five string banjo made by Ed. L. Bailey, an early 20th century Ohio to Brooklyn emigrate, who operated a music store/sought to improve the banjo, and by all accounts sourced his namesake instruments from nearby powerhouse musical instrument firms. We first purchased this banjo locally in 2004, and it has quite literally traveled the world before making its way back to our store in Rochester. Not dissimilar from Fred Bacon's internal resonator design but with a little Weymann thrown in for flavor, the 11" flamed maple rim has a tapered internal chamber, combined with more standard rolled tonering; outfitted with Cobra hooks, and repro No Knot tailpiece. The 26-1/8" scale length maple neck has an extended ebony fingerboard with fancy mother of pearl inlay on the rosewood peghead overlay. Equipped with newer geared tuners. There is some light forward relief, however the banjo excels, with incredible volume and sweetness.