1931 CE Paragon 17 fret (short scale) tenor banjo with newly made repro neck. Clifford Essex didn’t make short scale CE tenor banjos so here is a perfect opportunity to own one. The banjo was originally a plectrum model and has been converted to short scale using some of the original neck parts. The work was carried out by Edinburgh Luthier Jock Westwater, Jock is known for his fine exquisite luthier work and has reproduced many Epiphone, Paragon and Paramount replicas.

The Clifford pot assembly is all original and in great condition, the banjo has great cutting power and is so easy to play with nice low action. The new neck is made from maple with centre ebony strip and original heel cap. The tuners are also original Grover gear type and holding tune well. Comes with a hard case…

SOLD

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A good friend Mick Maguire from County Meath called by to give the Paragon a test run.

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All original Epiphone ‘A’ Recording 19 fret tenor banjo. X style flange model featuring the 3rd generation tone ring where the tone ring rests upon 26 metal spacing segments that are embedded  on the 3/4″ ply rim. American walnut neck is reinforced by three veneers of holly and ebony. The fingerboard is genuine Gaboon ebony, mounted on three veneers of contrasting woods, bound on the side with white pyralin. The neck is decorated with diamond style position markers and the head plate is ebony with an elaborate inlaid design of mother of pearl. The original tuners are Grover type all working perfectly. Straight neck with low playing action right up the fret board. I have used nickel strings 12, 17, 28, and 38 gauge and is perfect for playing Irish trad. The sound of these banjos has to be heard to be believed, the tone is vibrant, powerful and far reaching, yet when played lightly moving the pick away from the bridge it has a low lilting sweetness and sonorous in quality. I have fitted one of my own hand made 5/8″ walnut and ebony tipped bridges.

The resonator is made from 6 ply American walnut with inlays of holly to match the neck. Original Epiphone clamshell tail piece, and armrest, comes with the original Epiphone vintage case which is in good restored condition. The overall condition of this banjo is in excellent shape including the original lacquer.

SOLD