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1923 Vintage Paramount Style D 19 fret tenor banjo. A very rare collectable from the makers Rettburg & Lange and one of the early models to leave the factory in 1923 bearing the serial number 2454. The banjo is in fine original condition with no repairs or breaks, and has been carefully kept with its original case for over 95 years. You can feel the quality of workmanship of this instrument when you lift it into your hands, and the sound is most powerful with great sustain and resonance.

About the banjo

The banjo is made from holly wood which you will only find on the higher level professional models and the metal parts are mostly silver plated. As seen from the photos the banjo has beautiful inlaid wood marquetry throughout including the elaborate wood carving to the heel. Has the original ‘indestructible’ page geared tuners which hold the banjo tuning well. The head stock has ornate mother of pearl floral patterns which also bear the name branding ‘Paramount Style D’ and floral carvings to the back of the head stock. The 5 piece holly neck is laminated with pear wood and centred checkered wood marquetry. The side binding of the neck has checkered wood in a contrasting colour and a ebony/holly heel cap. The fret board is made from rosewood with paramount design MOP position markers, good frets and straight neck and low playing action.

The maple rim is decorated with checked wood marquetry and supports the archtop tone ring. The resonator is also made from holly and highly decorated with wood binding to match the neck. The silver plating is in good condition for 95 years old and as you can see from the photos the centre metal hoop and tension hoop are hand engraved. Fitted with original swivel lock tail piece and flat bar arm rest, Remo white smooth top head and new strings. The pictures tell the rest of the story. If you are looking for a ‘rare in Ireland’ top branded vintage banjo, then look no further.

For Sale £2250

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A very rare short scale tenor banjo from the famous Rettburg & Lange Banjo Company in New York. Most likely a special commission made banjo which has been kept in first class condition throughout its lifetime. The Style B has a neck and resonator made from walnut and a maple rim which is standard with all models. The 5 piece neck is nicely profiled made from walnut with centred maple/walnut laminates for strength and stability and has an ebony heel cap. The head stock is nicely finished with mother of pearl bearing the branded name Paramount Style B. The neck is perfectly straight and action is set low and plays throughout every fret without buzzes. The rosewood neck has mother of pearl inlay markers and the side is bonded with checkered wood marquetry. As seen from the photos the banjo has been very well looked after with original lacquer and no sign of bucket markings or dents or dings. The resonator has a beautiful walnut grain with side strips similar match to the neck marquetry and circular rings to the rear.

I decided to install a clear head as there is no rust or pitting evident throughout the nickel plating thus showing off the beautiful condition of this banjo. Most importantly the sound from this little gem is amazing as you would expect from the paramount brand. I have stripped this instrument down and hand polished every part (as I do with all my banjos) and its as new looking as it left the factory. Everything is original from the hooks and nuts, page 8 paramount geared tuners, hot dog arm rest, swivel tail piece, archtop tone ring. Comes with its original paramount case in good condition. The serial number is 9667 which makes it a 1927 build.

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