Folk music supporter, collector, philanthropist and friend to many, Robert Dinerman passed a little over two years ago in Cincinnati OH. I was lucky enough to meet Robert and his wife Gretchen at a house party and folk sing along in the Chicago area in 1996.
We became friends and Robert and Gretchen hosted me each autumn for a string of arts-in-education performances in Cincinnati OH area schools, nursing homes and other venues. Later on the great autoharpist Ivan Stiles joined the show. Robert and Gretchen also hosted a series of epic house parties and jam sessions in their beautiful home overlooking the Ohio River on Cincinnati’s east side, inviting area musicians and dignitaries to participate. Robert is the fella in the center of the picture with the long-neck banjo.
A portion of Robert's collection of instruments is now available for a limited time at Hogeye Music, 1920 Central Avenue, Evanston IL. Phone 847.475.0260 or visit www.hogeyemusic.com for information and to preview photos.
- VEGA-FAIRBANKS #7 STYLE 5-STRING BANJO • SOLD • This hybrid has a circa 1919 Vega-Fairbanks Style R stake and pot (#43850) with a Whyte Laydie tone ring, and a custom made #7 style neck of unknown origin. The Curly Maple neck is a wonderful copy of the #7; inlays are absolutely stunning. Considered to be in EXCELLENT condition and residing in a recent TKL hard case, the price is $5000.
- PETE SEEGER STYLE LONG NECK BANJO • This hybrid has a circa 1922 Vega-Fairbanks Style M stake and pot (#46547) with a Tubaphone tone ring, married to a bound two-piece Curly Maple neck custom made by an unknown source. The fretboard is ebony, a Shubb fifth-string capo is present, and all tuners are geared. Considered to be in EXCELLENT condition and residing in a Reunion Blues gig bag, the price is $4000.
- VEGA-FAIRBANKS 5-STRING BANJO, #26853 (1910) • We believe this amazing instrument to have been custom made for the person whose name appears on a small plaque attached inside the pot. Marked #7 on the stake and inside rim, the tone ring is Whyte Laydie. The neck is a jumble of mixed inlays from other models, and the bottom of the pot is covered with dazzling abalone inlay. The tuners are older geared replacements. Otherwise, dimensionally this banjo is your typical VF #7. Considered to be in EXCELLENT condition, this rare beauty resides in a newer gig bag. Please call for pricing.
- GLAD MORNING MUSIC AUTOHARP • Little information is readily available concerning Gordon Baker and his music company. Situated in Amelia, Ohio, and in existence until his death in 2007, it is apparent from the design and workmanship of this instrument that the man was a thoughtful innovator and a highly-skilled woodworker. This unique harp is constructed with a solid mahogany back, solid cherry rims, and what appears to be a laminate birch top. The 17 chord bars, buttons, and the chord bar holders are of cherry. Incredible sounding, housed in the original “Glad Morning” embroidered gig bag, and in LIKE NEW condition, the price is $1,100.
- GIBSON JUBILEE 12-STRING GUITAR, #844048 (1969/70) • Three Jubilee Model guitars (two six-string and one twelve-string) were prepared by the Gibson folks to mark their 75th anniversary. Our 12-string has twelve frets to the (solid spruce top and mahogany) body. Fretboard and bridge are rosewood. Considered to be in “as-is” condition because of its need for a neck reset (otherwise in EXCELLENT condition), this rare find is bargain priced, with the original hard case, at $975.
The instruments are ready to try out at Hogeye Music, 1920 Central Avenune Evanston IL Phone 847.475.0260. To view photographs visit www.hogeyemusic.com.