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A little piece of history

19 fret tenor banjo from 1920’s made by the Puntolillo Company, New York. Around 1924 Puntolillo began building S. S. Stewart branded banjos and did so for several years, the Stewart Wondertone models are Puntolillo products. Before the big 20’s tenor banjo boom he was making open back 17 fret models under the names The Bell and Princess and they had a different tone ring design than Puntolillo’s later 1920’s 19 fret tenor banjos.  In the 20’s, of course, he had his own Majestic line and also produced banjos named Regina and Symphony. I suspect his instruments were an inspiration for the Clifford Essex Paragon as some models have the same vertical holes through the rim.

It’s archtop tonering patent was issued in 1920 to Gaetano F. Puntolillo and it is this which gives this instrument its unique tonal qualities. I would put this banjo on a power with most professional level banjos, it has a sweet sustain with bass resonance and a rich soft tone. His work is more creative, even fanciful, than many builders of his period. People have asked me from time to time to recommend a good quality tenor banjo and of course this could open a never ending debate. Of lately I have been setting up, servicing and restoring quite a few of the Majestic brand banjos for customers and they are truly individually, little understated treasures. If Puntolillo was alive today I would market his instruments.

Banjo details

Flat bar archtop tone ring with side holes seated on metal grommets. In addition to the tone ring the maple wooden rim is fitted with a nickel plated spun-over all in one flange which adds to the tonal values of this fine tenor banjo. It is in incredible condition for an early 1920’s vintage instrument which has been very well cared for over the decades.

The nine piece neck is constructed from select Brazillan rosewood with multi-layered pear wood and maple centre, with cream binding and triple wood laminate along the rosewood fretboard, which is perfectly straight with nice low playing action. The position markers have nice floral shaped mother of pearl inlays and very little wear to the original vintage frets. The head stock is very tastefully decorated in beautiful mother of pearl floral inlay bearing the name Majestic Deluxe. The side walls of the stock head is horizontally multi-laminated in ebony, maple highlighted with a nice white binding edge. The original tuners (same type used on Epiphone banjos) are in perfect working condition and hold tuning well.

The rim construction is 3/4 inch thick maple multiply laminate with outer rosewood veneer, housing the 20 circular shoes, hooks & nuts which remarkably resemble the Bacon & Day type. This lends me to think that Puntolillo bought various parts from Fred Bacon’s banjo company. The neck is attached to the rim by a centre 1/2″ circular bar. The construction of the multiply rosewood resonator is beautiful, centred maple circles and intricate wood marquetry along the edge. The banjo is fitted with a new Remo 10 – 15/16″ renaissance head. Other great features are the original Presto tail piece and arm rest which is attached to the tension rim. Woodwork and nickel plating throughout are in excellent condition and comes with a original vintage hardshell case. The sound of this tenor banjo is incredible, words can’t honestly describe it, drop by to test it for yourself you’ll be intrigued!

For Sale £2300 (not negotiable)

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1928 Paramount Aristocrat Tenor banjo from the Rettburg & Lange Company, New York.

The neck is made from 5 piece walnut with centre maple and aqua blue dyed pear wood either side. The top laminates are matching maple and dyed pear wood with an ebony fretboard. The head stock is decorated in beautiful mother of pearl inlay floral design with ornate shaped MOP position markers along the fret board. The neck is straight and action is low, it has the original frets with little wear to them. The model features the page 8 geared tuner type and in perfect working order.

The rim is constructed from multiply maple covered in walnut veneer which houses the metal supports holding the tone ring in place. The outer shirt is plated in gold as is the flange with cut out circles. There are 28 shoes, bracket hooks and nuts, Paramount swivel tailpiece, flat bar armrest, fitted with a Remo clear head for a bright clear tone. The scale length of the neck is 23″. The resonator is made from laminated maple and walnut veneers with circular maple rings inlaid in the back with centred strip matching the neck. Set up with a new renaissance head, maple/ebony tip bridge and new nickel strings. A very nice banjo to play, great looking and with a beautiful tone…

The metal parts throughout have been recently replated in gold and the lacquer finish on the neck has been redone. The darker areas on the upper neck are most likely rub through stains with have been lacquered over.

comes with original Paramount vintage solid case with inner zipped dust cover and 2 x internal strings/accessories pockets.

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