C1902 Fairbanks Senator No. 1 Serial #21493

This remarkable 1902 Fairbanks Senator No. 1 Open-Back Banjo is a stellar example of early 20th-century instrument design. Crafted in Boston during the definitive A.C. Fairbanks era, the Senator No. 1 is celebrated for its elegant simplicity, robust projection, and crisp, articulate tone that perfectly suits clawhammer and old-time traditional styles.

Build & Materials

• Construction: Classic Fairbanks spun-over rim
• Hardware: Iconic period hardware, remains securely intact

Sound Profile Robust projection and crisp, articulate tone that perfectly suits clawhammer and old-time traditional styles.

The Details

• Built by A.C. Fairbanks, Boston, 1902
• Serial number: 21493
• Presented in very good condition; beautifully aged wood and clean cosmetics reflecting decades of meticulous care
• Comes with a chipboard case
• From the Marvin Rosenberg Collection

The Marvin Rosenberg Collection This banjo comes from the collection of Marvin Rosenberg — patriarch, attorney, corporate counsel, competitive sports car racer, and lifelong lover of folk and Americana music. For decades, Marvin showed up to jam sessions and bluegrass venues with friends, and that same passion shaped his instrument collection. He sought out player-grade instruments — vintage pieces with real, honest wear from a life of actual use — over pristine collector-shelf pieces, assembling a personal collection of guitars, mandolins and banjos meant to be enjoyed rather than admired behind glass. Each piece was a tool of a passionate musician, chosen with the discerning eye of someone who understood exactly what made it special.

In stock now at Wood & Wire. An exceptional opportunity to own a piece of acoustic history!

* The information presented here was collected from the estate of Marvin Rosenberg and independent research. It is accurate to the best of our ability.