Richelieu_branding

Richelieu_front_view

Richelieu_incase_view_2

Richelieu_rim_view

Richelieu_heal

Richelieu_slim_neck

Richelieu_logo

Richelieu_back_view_2

Richelieu_rear_headstock

canada_made

Richelieu_rear_view

Richelieu_armrest_view_2

Richelieu_tuners_view_2

Richelieu_case_view_2

Richelieu_rim_view_2

Richelieu_clamshell_tailpie

Richelieu_clear_head

Richelieu_tone_ring

Richelieu_incase_view

Hand built in the late nineties in Oregan, Wisconsin, USA, Richelieu 19 fret tenor banjo model 2102 in excellent condition. The Richelieu banjos are sought after for both build quality and the quality of sound. This is the first time I’ve played a Richelieu and I’m really impressed with the build quality. This model doesn’t need any fancy abalone to be a show piece, just look at the slender tiger maple 3 piece neck, the fine finish to the maple rim and quality maple resonator. The taper of the neck and the clarity of tone over the entire fingerboard and ease of playing is unequalled. I fitted a clear head on this one to show off the ‘Lady Lyte’ tone ring system which gives this banjo its powerful sound and excellent tone. The banjo is medium-heavy weight and comes with a Canadian made quality fitted hard case with navy velour interior.

quick summary:

• 3 piece tiger maple neck with centre ebony strip, black face plate with Richelieu ‘R’ MOP logo
• Ebony 19 fret sound board with dot position markers and good frets
• 4 to 1 gear ratio Schaller planetary tuning pegs
• figured maple multiply rim housing the Richelieu patented white lady style tone ring system
• adjustable truss rod, neck adjusting rods.
• fancy floral cut flange
• maple resonator
• nickel plated brass clamshell tail piece
• new nickel strings gauge 12 | 18w | 28w | 38w

Banjo is for sale £1450

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

.