Lange Triple X 17 Fret Tenor Banjo
A little bit of history behind the Triple X
The Triple X range of short scale tenor banjos where manufactured by the William Lange Company famous for producing the Paramount range of banjos. These early models were built between 1924 – 1926 and available in tenor, plectrum, 5 string and short scale with versions in 4 styles namely A, B, C, D & professional. The 17 fret short scale were the most popular Triple-X banjos as they were introduced in the days of the tenor banjo ‘tango’ craze in the mid-1920s. Triple-X Model B’s were quite a step up from the Model A’s (made from maple), at least in appearance. The headstock inlay may arguably be similar in sophistication (or even slightly less so) but the fretboard inlays are quite beautiful and almost at the level of the Professional. The neck is constructed from mahogany with either maple or pear wood centre strip.
The Triple-X Banjo Tone
If there is one thing the Triple-X banjo is known for is its unique, balanced, and harmonious tone. They were scientifically constructed with tone production in mind. The Lange Triple-X tone-ring system is nothing like anything that was produced before 1924. The tone chamber has twenty separate 7/8 inch (internal) diameter tone tubes that support a hollow rolled tone ring on which the banjo head is stretched over producing a clear bell tone. These tubes rise above the banjo pot about one inch high and carry forth down through the pot into the sound chamber, being flush with the pot. The mahogany pie crust resonator amplifies the sounds from the tone chamber adding to the unique sound, and can be removed if you prefer playing as a openback banjo.
About this banjo
I acquired this little tenor about a year ago from an owner from County Cork which at the time was in poor condition and needed a lot of restoration. I’ve been restoring it over a period of months and I can confidently say it has passed my expectations as the final outcome shows. The neck is perfectly straight, slim to hold and action set low. The geared tuners all work smoothly and the banjo plays like a dream. I set it up with a new clear head to show off the unique tone tubes and inner nickel plated 2″ rolled band. If you are looking for a musical companion to enjoy playing at home or to take to a session this is a chance to grab a little bit of history.
Features
- Mahogany/pear wood centre neck with figured maple binding
- Beautiful mother of pearl (MOP) inlay to headstock and fret board position markers
- Geared tuners
- New Remo clear head & replacement nickel stewmac hooks (original nuts)
- Vintage case
- New strings and handmade ‘Hunter’ bridge
- Fitted with a rare Waverly slide tail piece
For Sale £850
This video was recorded playing in a room with a wooden floor
This video was recorded playing in a room with a tiled floor