Silverbell-N0.2--01

Silverbell-N0.2--02

Silverbell-N0.2--03

Silverbell-N0.2--04

Silverbell-N0.2--05

Silverbell-N0.2--06

Silverbell-N0.2--07

Silverbell-N0.2--08

Beautiful 1926 B&D Silverbell N0.1 with extended finger board and elaborate carved heel.

A super short scale 17 fret tenor banjo made by the Bacon Company 1924.

The Bacon and Day company are universally known for their craftsmanship and exceptional build quality of prewar tenor banjos. The Silver Bell with its tremendous cutting power is highly ranked in the Irish banjoist ‘sought after’ list. In my opinion the Silver Bell model is the zenith of craftsmanship and offers great value for money. This little short scale 22 fret tenor banjo (17 frets to rim) are hard to find these days especially in such fine condition. Totally original apart from newly fitted clear Remo head to project the fine sound from the Silverbell 29 perforated hole tone ring . New nickel strings fitted gauging 12,18w,28w,36w, and action set low.

The Silverbell N0.2 model has the beautifully carved heel with MOP inlay on heel cap and an ivoroid bound 21″ scale figured maple 5 piece neck. The maple resonator has 3 concentric maple rings finished in original tobacco stained finish. The nickel plated flange, hooks & nuts are in very good condition including the arm rest which has a little wear through to brass. The overall original lacquer finish to the neck and resonator are in very good condition for an instrument of its age as is the polished nickel plated metal parts. There is a beautiful tone to this banjo and the action is set low perfect for playing Irish trad or jazz.

Banjo Details

• Built in the USA 1926 (SN: 17331)
• 22 fret ebony extended fingerboard with diamond cut pearl inlay position markers.
• Dark stained birdseye maple neck with 3 ply veneers, rim and resonator with dark stain finish.
• Fancy design pearl inlaid head-stock with the Silverbell name.
• Original B&D armrest.
• Oettinger adjustable 4 finger tailpiece.
• Original Grover Tab 2 tuners with ivoroid buttons and MOP inlay at rear of headstock.
• Nickel plated flange with f shaped cut outs.
• Comes with original snug fit vintage B&D case in good condition.

For Sale £1850

(Banjo on consignment | currently in my possession)

Parajim-CE-25

Parajim-CE-09

Parajim-CE-29

Parajim-CE-24

Parajim-CE-18

Parajim-CE-16

Parajim-CE-03

Parajim-CE-22

Parajim-CE-27

Parajim-CE-14

Parajim-CE-12

Parajim-CE-05

Parajim-CE-04

Parajim-CE-20

Parajim-CE-07

Parajim-CE-23

Parajim-CE-30

Parajim-CE-10

Parajim-CE-08

Parajim-CE-17

Parajim-CE-33

Parajim-CE-21

Parajim-CE-32

Parajim-CE-15

Parajim-CE-02

Parajim-CE-19

Parajim-CE-06

Parajim-CE-11

Parajim-CE-01

Parajim-CE-26

Parajim-CE-31

Parajim-CE-28

Parajim-CE-13

About the Banjo

A quality built 19 fret tenor banjo using the best woods and reproduction Paragon banjo parts. The banjo was built in 2014 by Jim Patton using the exact build plans as Essex banjos in the 1930’s so every detail is as accurate as the original. The figured maple neck is multi-laminated both in the centre and under the fret board for strength and stability. Ebony fretboard with white side binding and fancy mother of pearl position markers. The ebony headstock is also identical to the original Mother of pearl design bearing the name of the owner Parajim (instead of Paragon). Jim Barcoe had plans to begin manufacturing these Paragon replica’s and had a total of 3 built, but sadly passed away in 2018. This banjo is with currently me which is on consignment from his son to sell on his behalf.

Banjo details

The neck is 32mm width at the nut and has a scale length of 23.5″. The lathe turned rim is made from rock maple capped top and bottom with rosewood. The rim design has 24 drilled holes to channel the sound waves from the tone ring. The shoes are mounted on the side skirt, similar to the vega artist design and the flange has the circular hole design. Fitted with white smooth top 11″ med crown head, which if preferred can be swapped over for clear or renaissance head. The scalloped tension ring, tailpiece, tone ring and flange setup are all original Paragon parts. The multi layered mixed laminated resonator design is very tastefully made and is concaved to match the Paragon design. The banjo has all of the sound characteristics of the original model which you will hear in the video. Comes with a newer type Clareen hardshell case.

For Sale £3800

(Banjo on consignment | currently in my possession)