1917 Orpheum No.1 Tenor Banjo

This is one of the earliest made Orpheum banjos from the Rettburg & Lange Company. This little beauty is almost 100 years old so it has quite a bit of history behind it. This particular N0.1 model has the rare 12″ birdseye maple rim with the archtop tone ring. 5 piece maple & ebony neck with the stylish Orpheum fancy enlay to the headstock. Ebony fret board with pearl inlay position placements and what looks to be original frets with plenty of bite left. Tuners have been upgraded at some point with quality geared tuners similar to the 5 star type and the tailpiece has been upgraded with a nickel plated adjustable Kershner type. There is also a little pick hold attached and wire type armrest.The hooks and nuts are also new.

The banjo has been very well looked after, has a straight neck with low playing action. The sound is bright and has a deep long lasting resonance from the tone ring. Comes with original case in good condition and also has a clip-on aluminium resonator, although it will not fit the vintage case when attached. So grab a piece of history from a very much sought after short scale banjo.

.

This banjo is now sold

.