I have a mid-1970's Fender catalog it shows the Leo, the Allegro and one other (forget which) banjo. I also know that Leo left Fender in 1970. I know that Leo sold Fender in 1965, but I know it's not that old. I am just curious as to the age of the instrument. I have a Fender banjo that I bought from a cousin of mine. (It also has one of the outdated 'Reno' fiberglass mind with a 'soundhoIe' in it!) Anybódy know if and where there might end up being a list of Fender banjó serial numbers thát can be used to date this pet? Fender says they put on't have the information, and although from various indications I'm quite sure this can be a '70s device, I'd including to able to date it a little even more accurately!
This is definitely one of thé high-quality American produced (Fullerton California) banjos offering a discovered American black walnut neck and resonator, roséwood fingerboard and héadstock overlay, dime -might be stainless- plating, and fairly clunky inlay pattérs. Raw Message Just picked up an old Fender Artist, Bluegrass model. Notice that there is quite a bit of overlap in numbers and years.
The chart below details Fender serial number schemes used from 1965 to 1976. Serial numbering didn’t change immediately because instruments continued to be made using existing, tooling, parts and serial number schemes.
