c. 1922 Paramount Style C tenor banjo in excellent condition including its original hard shell case. A well-preserved example of a fine tenor banjo from a peak period of American banjo manufacturing, featuring its original finish and what appears to be its original hardware. This is a superb sounding archtop tenor with great projection and a pleasant resonance, and it holds its tune perfectly thanks to its excellent set of geared Page tuning machines. Premium cosmetic features include mother of pearl dove fretboard inlays, lozenge wood marquetry, and ornate floral carving on the heel and back of the headstock. The laminate mahogany neck has a gentle curved V profile and the angle is spot-on, with action measuring 6/64" and 4/64" from the 12th fret to the bottom of the low and high string, respectively, with optimal break angle over the bridge. Currently setup in Irish tuning (G-D-A-E), but easily convertible to C tuning with the appropriate set of strings.
Cosmetic wear includes general scratching, worming, and rubbing in the finish throughout, particularly on the back of the resonator in the belt buckle zone. A section of marquetry and binding is missing near what appears to be a minor impact crack in the bottom of the resonator. The crack has long been repaired and is in fully stable condition. This banjo was refretted at some point with modern gauge fretwire; frets are level and show only very minimal signs of use.
- c. 1922
- Mahogany rim
- Laminate mahogany resonator
- Laminate mahogany neck w/ rosewood fretboard
- Mother-of-pearl dove fretboard inlays
- White plastic binding
- Lozenge wood marquetry
- 1-1/8" nut width
- 23" scale length
- Lange tone ring
- Geared Page tuning machines, original
- Paramount tailpiece
- 9lbs 2oz
Includes original hard-shell case.
