Author Archive

Weymann Style 2 Orchestra Tenor Banjo (1925)

Written by Paul Conlon. Posted in For Sale

Weymann banjos were built by H. Weymann and Sons, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Originally produced with the name ‘Keystone’ in early 1900, in 1924 the Weymann name appeared and was used until 1934. Weymann instruments are known for high-quality construction and unique features.

This Weymann Style 2, 19 fret tenor banjo shows off several of the key Weymann features. First, the tiger maple resonator is press-fit, and doesn’t use screws to attach; this is to reduce rattling. The Weymann Patented Tone Resonator for the Orchestra banjo Style 2 is made with a curve instead of the usual sharp corner which throws the sound waves forward greatly increasing the carrying power for the player. It is fastened to the rim by felt covered spring clamps which eliminate objectionable vibrations found in screw or metal catch fastenings found on other banjos.weymann_orchestra_01

The outer edge of the resonator is rounded, which helps project the sound.  The ‘Megaphonic’ rim is composed of ten laminated layers with a megaphonic_draftconical interior,  and all the brackets pass through it so the inner and outer surfaces are smooth. All brackets are encased and countersunk so the outer surface is perfectly smooth. The neck and the distance between the fingerboard and strings is fully adjustable to suit the player through the use of the combination neck brace and adjuster by a simple turn of the nut in the center of the brace. The neck is seven-piece laminated figured maple reinforced with ebony veneer through the center and additional reinforcement of wood veneer (red died pearwood) between the neck and finger board.with the bound  fingerboard inlaid with fancy shaped pearl pieces. The headstock overlay carries a “Weymann” logo of inlaid pearl letters with an elaborate floral design, and mounts the company’s patented recessed geared tuning pegs all in perfect working order.

Rim is also made of beautiful figured tiger maple, upper edge and bottom bound with rosewood. There is a natural ebony armrest mounted to the hoop, another stylish unique Weymann feature. The top tension hoop is inlaid with non-tarnishable silver flash compound. Notched hoop, twenty brackets, all metal parts nickel plated.weymann_orchestra_02

The Weymann Style 2 Orchestra Model is a very well built professional level instrument. It plays well, has a nice feel to the neck for playing trad or jazz style and has a distinctive bright, vintage tone. All original and complete, set up with a new 5 Star mylar head and new bridge and nickel strings. Comes with original Weymann hard shell case with green velvet lining.

For Sale: £1150

Nechville Classic Heli-Mount Tenor Banjo

Written by Paul Conlon. Posted in For Sale

Every aspect of a Nechville banjo has been designed for acoustic superiority, convenience, comfort and aesthetics. You’ll benefit from the finely crafted details and artistic approach that goes into all Nechville instruments, and you’ll have plenty of reasons for pride when owning a Classic.

When you pick up a Nechville Classic tenor banjo, you will be immediately struck by a sensation of high quality. You’ll wonder why your left hand slides so smoothly and effortlessly over the ebony and fancy maple neck on the Classic. You’ll notice that the wide polished frets are smooth and comfortable to the touch. You’ll discover that the silky smooth and durable Nechville finish makes your left hand slide faster. You’ll especially be pleased next time you bring your banjo in from the cold, because the finish on the Classic WILL NOT CRACK like traditional Lacquer finishes.

The carefully crafted 7 to 12″ compound radius of the fretboard surface helps with noting the accuracy and clarity of tone. This neck’s shape gives you the slimmest feel with maximum structural integrity for strength of tone. Not only is it easier to form chords and left hand positions, but you’ll get clean distinctive and full bodied musical notes without buzzing or other sonic interference common in traditional banjos. The Classic’s slightly wider profile gives you plenty of room for chokes and slides while the fat frets form a secure foundation for the string’s anchor point on the fretboard, translating into incredible musical power from every note and frets the last twice as long before needing a fret job.

In Nechville’s quest for uncommonly great sound and function, we have incorporated the time tested combination of a bell bronze pre-war style tone ring and 3 ply hard rock maple steam bent rim. In order to coax every bit of tone from Nechville’s own proprietary ring. Nechville machines the rim to acoustically superior dimensions and caps it with a stainless steel mounting ring. Unique “Cyclotronic tone spheres,” roll on top of this ring under the tone ring to allow easy tightening of the Heli-Mount head. Plus it mounts the tone ring in a non-dampened way, allowing for unrestricted resonance and beauty of tone.

You can be confident that Nechville has paid attention to even the smallest details. Every part of the Nechville has been designed for acoustical superiority, convenience, comfort and versatility. For example, you’ll benefit from the adjustable radiused neck attachment. It is as solid as a rock and keeps the banjo in tune, yet when you want to change action height or remove the neck for travel, it happens in a snap. Nechville’s Enterprise bridge is compensated with an efficient geometry that is more sophisticated than we have time to explain. Nechville tailpieces save you time in string changes while mounting strings in a straight line which is scientifically proven to be more sound efficient.

Nechville’s exotic wood Comfort armrest is a favorite feature of Bela’s. He actually likes the Comfort armrest so much that he uses it on several of his acoustic banjos. It simply makes playing more enjoyable. Feel secure that the sturdy case that comes with the Classic will protect your investment for years to come. I’ve added this interesting video featuring the master luthier himself Tom Nechville who will explain the concept of this amazing invention.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=836-LhGDKag

Find out more about the Heli-mount patented design here 

Comes with a newly fitted hardshell case. This banjo is in new condition and current price from USA is £3750 plus postage and UK tax so grab an absolute bargain

For Sale: £1975


Heli-Mount Features Include:

  • Patented Heli-Mount Frame
  • Adjustable Radiused Neck Attachment
  • Stainless Steel Two Way Truss Rod
  • Extra Wide, Long Lasting Frets
  • Nechville’s Supreme Quality Finish
  • Remo Clear Medium Crown Head
  • Side Position Dots
  • Nechville In-Line Tailpiece
  • Nechville Enterprise Bridge
  • Detailed Owner’s Manual (Also Available for Download)
  • Heli-Mount and Allen Wrenches,
  • Lifetime Warranty

Classic DLX Features:

  • AAA Premium Tiger Stripe Maple Neck and Resonator
  • Fast, Durable Finish
  • Black Eclipse Heli-Mount Technology
  • Slightly Wider, Comfortable Neck Profile
  • Side Dot Markers
  • Premium Black Binding with Black/White Stripe
  • Artistic Diamond Wing inlay
  • Planetary Style Tuning Pegs
  • 20 hole Bell Bronze Tone Ring
  • Nechville’s Exclusive Cyclotronic Rolling Rim Pot System.
  • 3 Ply Maple Rim
  • Nechville In-Line 3 Way Adjustable Tailpiece
  • Compensated Custom Enterprise Bridge
  • Select Ebony Fingerboard with Compound 7-12″ Radius Shape
  • Extra Wide Long Lasting Frets
  • White Remo Frosted Medium Crown Head
  • Premium Hard Shell Case with Adjustment Tools and Manual

Calendar

November 2024
M T W T F S S
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
252627282930