Normally we don’t sell instruments in unrepaired or unplayable condition. However, things can be a bit crowded here so we’ve created the Yard Sale department. These instruments are sold “as is” with no approval privilege. They range from unabashed junk suitable for planters, wall hangings, dart boards or bizarre experiments, to good instruments needing extensive work but suitable for restoration. We will try to describe things as fairly and accurately as possible.
A few more thoughts about these instruments: While these instruments are certainly repairable, we don’t think that there is necessarily much to be gained by buying and then paying someone to do the repairs. If the repair was simple, we’d have already done it. The instruments we offer in the Yard Sale section are intended to provide worthwhile projects for someone doing their own repairs or learning repair. If you want an instrument to play, you are almost always better off buying one that is already playable before you spend the money. If you want a project, that’s another matter.
No photos are available for these instruments, and all Yard Sale instruments are sold “as is.” You are welcome to call for a detailed “in-hand” description. Please give us the reference number at the beginning of a listing when you contact us for more info and to confirm availability.
YARD SALE INSTRUMENTS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE
YS111 – John Juzek 3/4 Violin, 1922
Made in Prague, Czechoslovakia, two piece back with narrow curl, shaded red/orange varnish. Two top cracks including one in soundpost area. Not set up. $200
YS267 – Unbranded Banjo Mandolin, c.1920
12-1/8″ rim, 13-3/4″ scale. Heavy maple rim with wood marquetry around lower edge, raised internal ring so vibrating head diameter is 10-1/2″, mahogany neck with maple center lamination, pearl vine inlaid fretboard, good quality hardware. A few missing hooks, back cap on rim is damaged, neck heel broken and roughly repaired. With original hard shell case. $200
YS304 – Crescendo 3/4 Size Violin
Inexpensive violin made in Korea. Strung and somewhat playable but would benefit from better set up. With case and bow. $85
YS337 – HeadFord banjo ukulele
Made in England, 7-3/4″ head, 15″ scale, mahogany rim, neck and resonator. Excellent condition but needs much set up work (refit hardware, tighten head etc.) With a gig bag. $120
YS338 – Ibanez PF5CENT1202
All laminate construction, cutaway dreadnought body, spruce top, mahogany back and sides, factory Fishman pickup. The guitar is playable and the pickup works. It would benefit from basic set up and there is a rough hole in the side from the original jack. $50