Instruments of Others

These are some e-mails I've received from

owners of Majestics and their instruments.

What a joy to find your homepage on the Internet. I was willed a mandolin several years ago from my Uncle,(after my Aunt's demise). They lived on Long Island New York. Because I play musical instruments, and the fact that I'm a sentimental nut, I just could never part with it -- even though I never could play the mandolin.

But I've been searching the Internet on-and-off over the past several years, and I never had any luck with any online mandolin "experts" being able to tell me anything about this instrument
Anyway, the label on the inside reads:

GAETANO PUNTOLILLO
Fabbricante di Strumenti (Fabricated Instrument?)
ARMONICI
Napoli - New York
ANNO 1914 (the "14" in hand written).

It looks like a mother-of-pearl butterfly inlay as well, but I'm no expert.
Also, my congrats on your discovering more about your family tree, as I know how time-consuming and tough that can be. At 45, I've been doing the same thing and I discovered that my mother's great, great parents were carriage makers on one side, and cigar makers on the other.
Thank you for your time, and thank you for posting your information on line.
Regards,
Frank Biganski

Hello My name is Michael. I live in Piscataway NJ and I told you my grandmother bought one of your Banjo's. Finally got a good digital camera. Here are the pictures. Let me know what you think about it.

Hi Anthony,

I just found your website and was delighted to read about the history of the Majestic banjo. My name is Mike Currao, born and raised in Brooklyn, and currently live in Punta Gorda, Florida. I have played tenor banjo most of my 60 years of life having been taught by my Dad over 50 years ago. At age 8 I learned to play banjo on a 1926 Majestic and have been playing it ever since. During my 40 years of professionally playing the banjo, guitar and mandolin, I have played many brands of banjo, including Paramount A's through F's, Vegas, Bacon & Day and Gibsons. And you know what, they are all gone, tried them and sold them all, because non of them compared to the Majestic that my father eventually willed to me. I just thought that my interest you. My Dad probably bought it directly from your grandfather because he was born and raised in the Broome Street area. Presently, I am teaching tenor banjo to intermediate and advanced players and I am really enjoying it. I did the whole circuit playing banjo, from cruises to Dixieland to the philharmonic. It was and still is a great life when the banjo is involved. Drop me a line sometime and let me know where I could get some inside coated 10 7/8 heads, if possible. Thank you and keep up the good work.
Mike Currao

Anthony,
Vinnie Mondello here in Texas, an I repair 4 string banjos.
I found your site interesting,and have repaired many Majestics, Low end to top.
Excellent instruments.
I Am also following in my Grandfather and Fathers footsteps, from Boston,both who were affiliated with Chas and Elmer Stromberg, and Vega Fairbanks.
My webpage is at:
http://www.4stringbanjos.com
I will be adding you to my link page,and am excited to find your site, while surfing tonight.
Thats more info on Majestic than I was ever able to compile.
I will make sure to show you each time I have something.
There is one I have on my "For Sale" page right now, thats a friends.
Cheers,And keep on pickin.
Vinnie
Vincent Mondello
BanjoHaven
http://4stringbanjos.com
11900 Metric Blvd.Suite"J"

Hi Anthony.
This is fantastic! Finally a link to the family and the Majestic builders and thanks "Vince at 4 string banjo" for telling me about this page.
My name is Michael Koch and I live and "make a lot of noise" with my Rosewood "Majestic De luxe" tenor in Reno, Nevada. Agree with Gunther in Germany and other owners, incl. Mr. Tsamura in Japan. There is something special about the Majestics. Not only due to "mystery or so little is known..." No! They are incredible instruments to! Instruments always admired for their beauty and outstanding craftmanship as well! Boy! Do you have something to live up to!
Anybody. Feel free to contact me on" info@jensonandhealy.com
Anthony. Wish you all the best and good luck!. Here's some pictures of my banjo.
Michael Koch

I have an old guitar which I bought from an elderly gentleman some years ago, who once played in a jazz band. It says majestic on the top but is stamped with 'Germany' underneath the name. The instrument is quite 'jumbo' sized, very plain with an oval shaped sound hole. The belly of the guitar is arched, both back and front. It also has a case. Both are showing signs of wear and tear.
Yours faithfully
Susan McBurney
West Yorkshire,
England

Susans guitar on the left is similar to but not identical to my uncles guitar pictured on the right.