S.S. Stewart Cello 5-string banjo, S/N 62758, Circa 1898
Stewart introduced his cello banjo (or bass banjo, since he referred to the same banjo using both terms) to be used in the banjo orchestras he was instrumental in starting. These banjos have a 16” head and a 28” scale length, and are tuned a full octave below a regular banjo. Most examples have only rudimentary ornamentation, but this example, made around the time of Stewart’s death, has the same ornamentation as his “20th Century” model banjo, introduced around the same time.
