(Maccaferri) Mastro
"Banjo"

In his efforts to cover all bases with his plastic instruments Mario Maccaferri, alongside Ukuleles, Guitars, Violins and the like, also produced a Plastic Banjolele under the Mastro branding with a "man made skin" Banjo head. I have seen alternative Mastro "Skins" with pictures that are even less politically correct.

I have done what I can to restore this Maestro, I have replaced the bridge and strings, I have tried to re-glue the headstock and fretboard where they are coming apart but the glue didn't take. I'm reluctant to go too far as I don't want to end up with glue everywhere. It is playable; just, but the neck has bowed a bit over time so the action is very high and the skin is a bit slack too, but I wouldn't like to try and tighten it.

I think that age has done mine no favours but when it was new it was probably a better musical instrument that it has been given credit for.