2013 Warren Yates BT-1949 5-String Banjo – Used

Warren Yates banjos are made by Warren and a small crew in Hickory, North Carolina. Warren is about as deep into the highly treasured vintage Gibson bluegrass banjo sound as you can get, and he plays bluegrass banjo and has made an excellent instructional DVD as well.

This BT-1949 model is based on a Gibson banjo that was played by Earl Scruggs, and while it has the traditional “double-cut” headstock with hearts & flowers inlay, the fingerboard is based on post-WWII Gibson flatheads with “bow-tie” inlays.

Like many of Yates banjos, the finish on the curly maple is lightly distressed with a low-gloss “speed neck” finish on the neck barrel. Thick 3-ply maple shell, Warren’s own 20-hole flathead tone ring, everything about this banjo has been tweaked for authentic tone. We think you can tell when a small production builder actually plays the instruments he makes, and everything about this Yates BT-1949 has that “real deal” feel to it. There’s only very light fret wear, and no signs of any repairs or changes. Comes with the original hardshell case with Yates logo on the lid.