Vintage 1930's Bacon and Day Montana Silver Bell Style No. 4 Tenor Banjo with OHSC - Frank Ovanin Collection

Here at Truetone Music, we are fortunate enough to see a lot of interesting instruments coming in through the door.  Every now and then, some have quite the backstory.  That's what we have here - a trio of instruments that belonged to The Banjo Man.

Born in 1914 in Cleveland, Frank Ovanin quickly fell in love with music and learned to play the banjo.  By age 12, he was playing live to help support his family.  After high school, he started touring the country and started to gain notoriety as a banjo player.  By the 1930's, he transitioned to the guitar, mandolin, stand-up bass, violin and virtually anything else with strings.  This led to a variety of gigs, including with the Tell-Tone Trio night right here in Santa Monica!  Throughout the next few decades, Ovanin embarked on a successful recording career, countless TV appearances, and stints in Las Vegas.  This led to playing with legends such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Milton Berle and Sammy Davis Jr.  Over the years, he released several albums, including the Banjo Party, which is still in circulation today.  Thus, to this day, Frank Ovanin is known as "The Banjo Man".

Be sure to check out the photos we've included in this listing, to see him and these instruments, including some with the stars mentioned.  (photos supplied by his family)

Frank Ovanin played a variety of instruments, but only owned a few in his time - he did not have a vast collection.  He kept what he had, and when he passed away in 2002, the instruments went to his family, eventually being inherited by his granddaughter, which is how they ended up here.  Now, for the first time, they are available to be played again.

We are excited to present this vintage Bacon and Day Montana Silver Bell Style No. 4 Tenor Banjo.  Built in the 1930's, this was Frank Ovanin's primary instrument for his entire career - and from what we were told, it was the only banjo he had.  So, not only is this the banjo recorded on the Banjo Party album, but it's also the one that graced the stage with the biggest superstars of the day.  That in itself makes it special, but regardless of the association, it's a rare and incredible vintage banjo.

This model is regarded by banjo players and collectors as one of the finest and most visually striking banjos out there. Known for its exceptional volume and tone, it's prized for its ability to cut through other instruments in a band setting. Bacon & Day banjos were known for their high-quality materials and construction.The Silver Bell series is also appreciated for its beautiful craftsmanship and flashy designs, with intricate inlays and high-quality hardware.  This banjo is sought after due to its exceptional sound, visual appeal, and historical importance.

We just took this one, which is an incredible example of a vintage Bacon and Day banjo.  It's a 4-string tenor, a model you don't see often.  It's all original, except for a single finer tuner screw that was replaced years ago.  The original hardshell case is included.  Considering how much it traveled over decades, it's impressive that the case is intact.  More so, we were amazed at how good of shape the banjo itself is in.  Obviously there is wear, but considering it's nearly 100 years old, we'd rate the condition as excellent.  It has been fully vetted and setup by the tech in our shop that really knows these instruments, and is ready to go.

As a bonus, Frank Ovanin's family has provided us with an actual Banjo Party album by Frank Ovanin - The Banjo Man.  That comes with the banjo.  Also included are some vintage strings and the strap he used.

Altogether, this is quite the package.  It's a rare find that old school banjo fans and vintage aficionados will find incredibly interesting.  It's a one-time opportunity to be the next owner of the Banjo Man's banjo.