Epi-A-01 Epi-A-03 Epi-A-04 Epi-A-05 Epi-A-06 Epi-A-07 Epi-A-08 Epi-A-09

Another one of the ole time favourites on the Irish tenor banjo scene the Epiphone ‘A’ Recording 19 fret tenor banjo. This is a early 1925, X style flange model featuring the 2nd generation tone ring where the tone ring rests on a cast metal scalloped hoop seated on the 3/4″ ply rim. The fine American walnut neck is reinforced by three veneers of holly and ebony. This particular model has an darker, chocolate brown appearance rather than the lighter golden walnut hue. 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 neck is straight on this banjo and the action plays beautifully, set low from fret 1 to 19 and a dream to play. 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.

The resonator is made from 6 ply American walnut with inlays of holly to match the neck. this model has been upgraded with a Oettinger tail piece, which helps with the downward pressure on the bridge and enhancing the overall tone. Also comes with the original Epiphone armrest which was not fitted at time of photo session. The tuners are the Waverly geared type which all work fine and hold tune well. Comes with the original Epiphone vintage case which is in good restored condition.

SOLD

Please email me if you have a interest in other vintage Epiphone models.

Bacon-07

Bacon-04

Bacon-02

Bacon-05

Bacon-06

Bacon-01

Bacon-03

Bacon Style C Short Scale (17 fret) tenor banjo custom built. I acquired this lovely little short scale neck sometime ago with future plans of attaching it to a hybrid body. This project has turned out better than anticipated, my good friend Patsy Tomann from Lurgan custom built a new 3/4″ rim made from solid block rock maple, complete with brass hoop tone ring. All of the rim parts are newly supplied by the Balsam Banjo Works (Pisgah Banjos) in North Carolina, USA  i.e the double pointed shoes, 1″ bolts, flat hooks and ball end vega style nuts. They are pure brass and nickel plated adding extra weight and sound quality to this little open back tenor banjo. Fitted with new Remo renaissance 11″ head and Kershner style tailpiece, Gibson style armrest, new nickel 12,17,28,38 gauge strings and top of the line Goldtone geared tuners.

The Bacon neck was manufactured in the late 20’s and in superb condition with original lacquer which is smooth and unchipped. There are a few of the short scale Bacon necks but this one is about 3 up from the basic model with nicer mother of pearl inlay and 5 piece neck (3 x centre strips) and ebony heel cap. The neck is joined to the rim with double coordinator rods which is beneficial for adjusting string action/height. The action is currently set nice and low and the sound is bright (not tinny) and sustaining. A perfect little banjo for moving from fiddle or mandolin and comes with a new Deering padded gig case. It is fairly priced considering the quality parts and I reckon a wee treasure to own.

SOLD