Top of the line 19 fret tenor banjo in new like condition. This particular banjo was custom built by Andy Perkins from Kent in England. It features the ‘Tree of Life’ mother of pearl inlay from top to bottom of the fretboard and also features the 40 hole brass archtop tone ring that increases the high frequencies sought after by many tenor banjo players. The action is set low and has a 5/8″ bridge installed to increase the volume and power but still its bark is softened by a newly fitted renaissance head. Its very easy to play and will hold well in any session. Has the more expensive 5 star geared tuners which have a smoother control and hold tune perfectly. The banjo comes with a quality heavy duty hardshell case.
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
