Mandolins, Banjos and Ukeleles at Pioneer Music

We've been Portland's source for nicer banjos and mandolins for almost three decades. We're still actively buying and selling the vintage models, and offer expert appraisal and repair services as well. New Gibson and Deering bluegrass banjos are featured, along with old-timey banjos from respected Michigan builder, Bart Reiter.

If you're looking for the "bluegrass chop" of a fine F style mandolin, or the sweet sustain of a teens Gibson A, more than likely we've got an instrument that fits the "Bill." Great new mandolins from some of the best builders are offered, including Collings, Flatiron, Gibson, Mid-Missouri, and Weber.

Geoff Clarkson, Pioneer customer and mando fanatic.

The ukulele holds a special place here at the store, as we've all been unabashed fans of the uke long before "Jumpin Jim" hit the scene.You'll find nice older ukes here at Pioneer, along with fine handmades. And we don't poke fun of the little fellas either, we usually reserve that for our banjo playin' friends. Most of 'em know we're only kidding. . . .

Selected Inventory as of 9/4/2010

Mandolins

Collings MT Sunburst, New. The classic "A" style mandolin from Collings. One of our best sellers, these deliver world-class sound and playability. $ Please Inquire. Sold

Collings MTO, New. Blonde and beautiful and sounds huge...what more could you want? These oval-hole A style Mandolins are very versatile and have a more "modern" sound than the old Gibson A style instruments. Come in and give it a try! $ Please Inquire. Sold

Eastman 615 , . Nice used F Style mandolin. All solid woods, carved, sunburst. A lot of mandolin for the money! With case. $1,000. Sold

Eastman 815 Mandola, New. Beautiful "F" style mandola by Eastman. Fully carved solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides, scrolled headstock. This is alot of mandola for the money! $ Please Inquire.

Eastman MD505-CS, New. Very nice hand-carved Mandolin from Eastman. These instruments are hands-down the best value in a quality Mandolin. Nice dark sunburst and includes a nice hard case! $ Please Inquire. Sold

Gibson F4 , 1920 circa. Very nice original F4, original hard case. $5,500.

Weber Bridger , New. Oval hole mandolins are becoming quite popular again, due to the interest in folk music of all types. This Weber has a nice open sound that will fit many styles of music. Handmade in Logan, Montana. $1,850. Sold

Banjos

Alabama Susannah/ BowenBros, . Nice heavy Japanese-made 5 string Bluegrass banjo. Mastertone-style, good step-up instrument for the aspiring bluegrass player. With hardshell case. $850.

Bart Reiter Galax, New. With a Whyte-Laydie style tonering, the Galax produces a nice crisp sound that appeals to a wide range of players. $ Please Inquire.

Bart Reiter Round Peak, New. With a 12" pot, the Round Peak has a delicious dark sound that clawhammer style players will love. The tone ring is Whyte Laydie style to add some crispness to the banjo. Come in and check it out! $ Please Inquire.

Bart Reiter Whyte Laydie, . Bart is no longer making this model, so here's your chance to aquire one! These banjos have a bold crisp sound that really punches through the mix. In great shape, set up and ready to play. $ Please Inquire.

Brooks Fretless Nylon 5 String, New. Old-time banjo from Portland builder Brooks Masten. Fretless nylon strung frailer. Must see and play! These are wonderful instruments built by hand right here in Stumptown. Buy Local! $ Please Inquire.

Colin Vance A Scale Open Back 5 St., New. Beautiful Deep-pot Old-time banjo from Arcata Ca. maker Colin Vance. Must see and play. Big dark sound. Ash pot and neck. $ Please Inquire.

Deering Goodtimes, New. Brand new open-back banjo from Deering. Available with or without scoop. The best value in a new open back, US made banjo. Comes with deluxe Deering soft case. $ Please Inquire. Available Soon

Deering Goodtimes 2, New. Brand new resonator banjo from Deering. Made in USA, simple design, great starter or travel banjo. Comes with deluxe soft case from Deering. $ Please Inquire. Available Soon

Enoch Tradesman, New. Open back tradesman in walnut, fretted, scooped at end of neck. $ Please Inquire.

Fielding Banjos Rooster , New. Words are not capable of describing the sound and workmanship of this fine banjo. We are proud to offer Fielding Banjos, made by Will Fielding in the beautiful state of Vermont. This frailing/clawhammer instrument has a big, bold sound and superb playability. Come in and check it out before it's gone! $2,200.

Gibson TB-250 Mastertone , 1964. Exactly one string short of being a REALLY desireable Mastertone, this unmolested tenor is in remarkable original condition. Use it as a tenor, or put your 5-string neck on it. Missing truss rod cover. With original hard-shell Gibson case. $1,750.

Richelieu Plectrum "LiteLaydee", Recent. A wonderful plectrum banjo made in Wisconsin. If you are in the market for a plectrum banjo (and who isn't?) this is the best buy out there. Like new, with hard case. $850.

Vega Tubaphone #3 Plectrum, Circa 1920. A very fine example of a classic plectrum banjo. In great condition, ready to play! With hard case. $1,150.

Vega/Deering Lil' Wonder, . Nice little open back from Deering/Vega. Recent, excellent condition. $ Please Inquire.

Weymann Tenor , Circa 1920. Fancy Weymann tenor banjo in remarkable condition. Conical wooden pot, press-on resonator. Carved heal, fancy inlays, multi-laminated neck, leaf inlays on pot. Professional level instrument from the golden age of tenor banjo! $3,500.

Ukuleles

Collings UC-1, New. All mahogany concert-sized ukulele from Collings. The usual perfect fit and finish plus an open sound that has to be heard! $ Please Inquire. Sold

Gibson Martin Weymann etc VINTAGE, Circa 1930's. We now have a HUGE selection of used and Vintage ukuleles from some of the best makers...you really need to come in and check out the treasure chest! $ Please Inquire.

Harmony Roy Smeck Vita Uke , circa 1930. Vintage Vita Uke. Twin seals. Original friction tuners. Figured mahogany back and sides. $850.

Kiwaya Assorted, New. We have a large selection of Ukes made by Kiwaya of Japan. Sopranos, concerts, pineapple, Roy Smecks, etc. Come in and say ALOHA!! $ Please Inquire.

Martin Style 3 Ukulele, Circa 1950's. AS-IS Martin style 3 mahogany Uke! Played SOOO much it has a hole in the top, just like Willie Nelson's guitar...Needs some help, but we think it's so cool just like it is. Possibly owned at one time by J.D. Clayton, a noted circus musician of yesteryear. (his name written on ancient piece of paper inside instrument) $400.

Martin Style II soprano , circa 1930. A lovely vintage Martin style II Uke. Creamy white top and back bindings and nice mahogany body. Finish in really good shape, original grained ivoroid friction tuners. Hard case. $1,200.

Mya Moe' Tenor Resonator Maple , New. This one is done in gorgeous fiddleback maple with a sitka spruce top. $1,250.

Mya-Moe Tenor Resonator Mango, New. Holy Mango, batman! This is one spectacular looking and sounding Uke. The latest creation from our friends up the Gorge, this tenor uke has IT, whatever IT is. With hardshell case. $1,450.

Ohana Various , New. Sopranos and concerts and tenors...oh my! We now have our Ohana Ukuleles in stock. They range from just over $100 to around $400. They all include a padded soft case or hard case, are nicely made from Mahogany or Koa, and we have sizes from soprano to baritone. Quality much nicer than you would expect in this price range! $ Please Inquire.

Ukiyo Model V (Roy Smeck) , New. Ukiyo's model V (Roy Smeck)is a superb soprano uke based on the classic Vita Uke with symetrical seal silhouette soundholes. $675.

Pioneer Music Co.
6000 SE Stark Portland OR 97215 • 503.224.4047