Ludwig “Dixie” tenor banjo, circa late 1920s/early 1930s that utilizes a “top tension” system, is in excellent condition with original hard shell case.
This is one of Ludwig’s low middle-line models having the full dish wooden resonator with a colorful wood marquetry stripe around the side and ivoroid binding around the perimeter of the back. The back, sides and neck are built with walnut (with some nice swirly figure on the back). Gold sparkle inlays on fretboard and gold sparkle inlays on headstock. Usually the Ludwigs can suffer from varnish checking, but not this one the finish is in great condition.

The banjo, which is fitted with its original skin head is in first class condition and I have left fitted as a prospective buyer may wish to keep all of its originality. I will supply a plastic head if you wish to change over sometime in the future (fitted free). The machine heads are like gold dust ‘4 geared plant tuners’ and very much sought after for fitting on other banjos. The neck is straight and the action is set low, I have tuned the head to perfect intonation. It produces a bold and powerful tone, and yet it is traditional sounding because of having the skin head, but its melodious sound brings one instantly back to the jazz age. The banjo is for sale and modestly priced at £550 including original Ludwig case.

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This little beauty was built by the William Lange Company in New York who built the Paramount and Orpheum banjos back in the 1920’s. It is all original (apart from a couple of up-grades) and is in excellent condition for a 95 year old instrument.

Banjo details

2.5” deep rim laminated to 5/8” inch thick, veneered both inside and outside in bird’s-eye maple. Head edge has inlaid brass-hoop style tone ring. The original calf skin head has been upgraded with a Weatherking 11.5” renaissance head. The tailpiece is the original Paramount ‘Dial and Flip’ type that controls break angle. Outer side of rim has a heavy nickel plated band, on which are seated 30 cast nickel-plated shoe brackets. Original and complete nickel plated open-end nuts and flat hooks. Top and bottom of rim ornamented in coloured inlays. Three-piece selected maple neck with centre mahogany strip. Ebony fingerboard spanning 17 frets with fancy cut floral pearl inlay, the peghead has corresponding inlay and Langstile logo badge. Fingerboard side-wall in black purfling and original frets with little wear. There is a powerful cutting tone and bass residues from this banjo with the combination of the renaissance head and ebony tipped bridge. The action is low which makes this instrument a dream to play.

Featured

• New strings gauges 12 steel, 18 nickel wound, 28 nickel wound, 36 nickel wound.
• Original vintage case in good condition which has been refurbished inside with black fur.
• 5” Weatherking Renaissance head.
• New maple 3 leg bridge with ebony insert.
• Up-graded vintage planet tuners (£120)
• Straight neck with low action.
• Tenor Banjo serial N0.307

The banjo is for sale including original hardshell case £780

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