orpheum-N0.1-short-scale-01 orpheum-N0.1-short-scale-02 orpheum-N0.1-short-scale-03 orpheum-N0.1-short-scale-04 orpheum-N0.1-short-scale-05 orpheum-N0.1-short-scale-06 orpheum-N0.1-short-scale-07 orpheum-N0.1-short-scale-08 orpheum-N0.1-short-scale-09 orpheum-N0.1-short-scale-10 orpheum-N0.1-short-scale-11 orpheum-N0.1-short-scale-12 orpheum-N0.1-short-scale-13 orpheum-N0.1-short-scale-14 orpheum-N0.1-short-scale-15 orpheum-N0.1-short-scale-16

Made around 1925 by the Rettburg & Lange Company who built the famous Paramount banjos the build is all quality, nice heavy-duty hard maple rim with fancy veneers as well as a good maple “rim cap” on the bottom. Birdseye-maple 5-piece neck with bound centre maple strip sandwiched between 2 strips of ebony for strength.  21″ short scale fretboard (17 frets), and detailed multi-layer headstock veneer, the inlay positions are fanciful symmetrical decorations made up of flourishes of flora. It has a nut width of 1 1/8th”, a fingerboard width at 7th fret of 1 5/16″ and at the last fret the fingerboard measures 1 1/2″.  The machine head tuners are upgraded geared tuners, nickel plated with solid ebony buttons. The instrument is loaded with the Orpheum-style archtop tonering which is seated on flattened stud appendages that then connect to the outer sleeve where the edge of the head is mounted. This whole contraption is half of what gives the Orpheum’s their magical sound — a projecting, bright but warm tonality with overtones and sustain that compliments rather than detracts from the overall sound. All of the original hooks and ball end nuts are rust free, also fitted with a vintage Waverly ‘top-slide’ tail piece to give extra leverage to the bridge thus improving the overall sound.

This little banjo is a dream to play with low action and well suited for a fiddler or mandolin player wishing to move onto a new instrument. The banjo comes with its original little case in great condition, also if preferred I supply new sturdy short scale banjo cases. The banjo can be played as an open back, or with the attached lathe turned flat style resonator which was original to a Windsor banjo but fits this little banjo perfectly.

For Sale £875

Paramount-Style-C-01

Paramount-Style-C-02

Paramount-Style-C-03

Paramount-Style-C-04

Paramount-Style-C-05

Paramount-Style-C-06

Paramount-Style-C-07

Paramount-Style-C-08

Paramount-Style-C-09

Paramount-Style-C-10

Paramount-Style-C-11

Paramount-Style-C-12

Paramount-Style-C-13

Paramount-Style-C-14

Paramount-Style-C-15

Paramount-Style-C-16

Paramount-Style-C-17

Paramount-Style-C-18

Paramount-Style-C-19

Paramount Style C 19 fret tenor banjo made by the Rettburg and Lange Company New York. The woods used in the instruments do make a difference in sound. Maple tends to be brighter, Mahogany mellower, walnut in the middle. The higher grade banjos have more expensive (and prettier) woods in them such as rosewood, holly, and ebony.  Other banjo makers did the same thing with their banjos, the fancier they are, the rarer the wood and the more carving, marquetry, etc. on the banjos.

The Style C has a natural dark mahogany finish, laminated maple/mahogany rim, laminated mahogany resonator, laminated mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard. The Style C banjo is one of Paramount’s most attractive designs, richly decorated with elaborate wood marquetry and very fancy engraved pearl inlay. The overall look is dark finished mahogany with chain pattern wood edging, wood and celluloid binding, and coloured wood inlay. The mahogany neck is of multi laminate construction with carved heel, carved peg head back and multilayered wood binding with a chain marquetry inlay up the sides. The headstock is decorated with an extremely fancy engraved pearl inlay and the fingerboard has shaped and engraved pearl in a flying bird motif. The neck is straight with new frets and good action. Hardware includes the early Paramount flip tailpiece and the hotdog style armrest. Selling originally for $185, the Style C was a relatively affordable but still upscale professional grade tenor Banjo.

This Style C is in excellent original condition and has a beautiful tone. I have set so many up over the years, each of them have their own individual tone, depending on the head I install or different bridge etc.  I have upgraded the original Jos Rogers goat skin head for a brighter more powerful 11 2/16″ Remo smooth white top head. Which takes me to the detail & condition under the bonnet! The nickel plating throughout this instrument is in first class condition including the tone ring, so worth while showing of if you would prefer a clear head installed (extra). Comes with new TGI tenor banjo hardshell case with green plush lining.

Quick summary

• Original (indestructible) page geared tuners (all working well)
• Hotdog nickel plated armrest
• Paramount swivel tail piece
• Nice Carving to heal & back of neck head stock
• Multi piece mahogany neck featuring holly & died pear wood
• original vintage banjo case

For Sale £1575