Lark in the Morning

B&D Silver Bell Ne Plus Ultra No. 8 Banjo (Replica)

Name: B&D Silver Bell Ne Plus Ultra No. 8 Banjo (Replica)
Brand: Lark in the Morning
SKU: BAN106
Price: 475600.0 JPY
Availability: InStock

SKU:BAN106

¥475,600

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This replica of a Bacon & DaySilver Bell Ne Plus Ultra, reproduced by the respected luthier Wayne Fairchild, is a strikingly ornate 4-string open-back banjo bearing the top-of-the-line designation in the historic B&D lineup. The craftsmanship on display is undeniable. From the filigree-cut brass pot to the elaborately inlaid ebony fingerboard, everything about this instrument signals that it was built to impress.

Construction & Materials

The pot is finished entirely in warm brass with an open-back design and a decorative scrollwork cutout around the rim, giving it an unmistakably Art Deco character. The tension hoop, hardware, and tailpiece are all brass-toned and coordinate beautifully throughout. The dark ebony fingerboard features large, ornately engraved rectangular inlays at multiple positions, consistent with the intricate decorative style associated with the Ne Plus Ultra grade. The cream headstock carries the B&D Plus Ultra VIII Silver Bell designation in stylized painted lettering and is fitted with four planetary-style tuners.

Sound & Playability

As an open-back 4-string tenor banjo, this instrument is well suited to Irish traditional music, classic jazz, and parlor-style playing. The open back produces a warm, focused tone with a natural mid-range presence that carries well in acoustic settings. The tenor configuration and scale length make it approachable for players already familiar with tenor guitar or mandola tuning.

About This Instrument

Bacon & Day produced some of the most elaborately appointed instruments of the 1920s and 1930s. The Ne Plus Ultra designation represented the absolute pinnacle of their production, reserved for instruments with the finest materials and most detailed ornamentation. Wayne Fairchild, inducted into American Banjo Museum’s Hall of Fame, gave this replica the attention it deserved.

Care & Maintenance

Store this banjo in a stable environment away from extreme humidity and temperature swings. Wipe down the brass pot and hardware with a soft dry cloth after playing to prevent fingerprint oxidation. The head tension should be checked seasonally and adjusted gently as needed. If the instrument requires any neck or fret work, we recommend consulting a qualified banjo luthier familiar with vintage instruments of this period.