(The figured black walnut neck and resonator are something you almost don't see any more. BTW, in case you should ever run across one: these banjos were easily competitive in sound and playability with the Gibsons being made at that time, are fully professional in quality, and can sometimes be found relatively cheaply because people just don't commonly associate the name 'Fender' with high quality banjos. When Leo first started putting indentification numbers on his guitars.Īll it tells me is that Fender stopped production in 1979, and it listed for $1325.00 new. Is there a place to trace this serial number to find out more about it? This guitar guide will help you lookup the Fender serial database and show your. The serial is stamped on the back of the peghead (serial number 120863) I want more information on my banjo. I have a Fender Leo Banjo which has a beautiful sound.

Serial numbers are useless as far as dating these instruments because Fender did not. These banjos were produced from the late 1970's to the early 1980's.

I used to see Leo Fender every year at the NAMM. Thanx, Bob, I did.Īnybody know if and where there might be a list of Fender banjo serial numbers that can be used to date this. Pete, did you look at their website? It doesn't have serial numbers but they have approx dates and values. (It also has one of the old 'Reno' fiberglass heads with a 'soundhole' in it!) Anybody know if and where there might be a list of Fender banjo serial numbers that can be used to date this critter?įender says they don't have the information, and although from various clues I'm pretty sure this is a '70s instrument, I'd like to able to date it a little more accurately! Thanx, Pete Pete, did you look at their website? It doesn't have serial numbers but they have approx dates and values. This is one of the high-quality American made (Fullerton CA) banjos featuring a figured American black walnut neck and resonator, rosewood fingerboard and headstock overlay, nickel -might be chrome- plating, and somewhat clunky inlay patters. (It also has one of the old 'Reno' fiberglass heads with a 'soundhole' in it!) Anybody know if and where there might be a list of Fender banjo serial numbers that can be used to date this critter? Fender says they don't have the information, and although from various clues I'm pretty sure this is a '70s instrument, I'd like to able to date it a little more accurately! Just picked up an old Fender Artist, Bluegrass model. Raw Message Just picked up an old Fender Artist, Bluegrass model.

Fender leo banjo serial numbers