*US dollar exchange varies daily
From around 1875, the A. C. Fairbanks company became a major banjo manufacturer and was based in Boston. The Fairbanks Whyte Laydie was introduced in 1901, at the peak of Fairbanks' success. However, a catastrophic fire in 1904 destroyed the factory and a few weeks later the company was sold to Vega for under one thousand dollars and rights to use four patents.
The Fairbanks Whyte Laydie features a natural finish on the maple neck and pot. This gave the banjo its name, but the real innovation was the Whyte Ladyie tone ring and bracket band, reducing the number of holes drilled and adding mass to the pot.
The head diameter is 10.25 inches and the scale length is 26 inches.
This 1902 Fairbanks No. 2 Whyte Laydie banjo is in good playing condition, with about 20 percent wear on the frets and a straight neck. Most hardware is original, except for a modern no-knot tailpiece and 50's era Grover pancake tuners. The original black leather case is included.
