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Iida (pronounced EE-da) Custom made Mastertone 19 fret tenor banjo. This particular ‘model 237’ was built in Japan around the late 70’s and is one of their top of the line range. Current Masterclone banjos are very similar to Epiphone or Samick, but cost 50% more. They are very well built banjos using quality woods and cast metals and project a nice punchy bass resonance with sweet sustain. The photos show a clear head fitted but these banjos sound much nicer with a renaissance head which I recently fitted and as seen in the video. Gold plated clamshell adjustable tail piece, new strings and handmade celtic bridge.

Model 237 – From the 1976 catalog was a top-of-the line flatheads. Cast bell-brass tone ring, gold plated, solid maple resonators, 14-ply maple rim, rosewood fret boards, MOP inlays using Gibson’s RB-Granada Hearts and Flowers pattern, 2-way truss rod, maple neck, and checker-board wood marquetry before the ivoroid grained binding. The design borrowed heavily from the RB-800 of the day, but with a Cremona finish. Comes with original brown leatherette covered hard case with plush blue velvet interior

• Gold plated metal parts
• Clamshell tail piece
• Genuine mother of pearl inlay
• Bell brass tone ring
• 14 maple ply laminated 1/2″ rim
• 2 piece tube & plate flange
• curly maple resonator
• Deluxe wood marquetry
• 5.1 gear ratio tuners
• Original case

Priced to sell £925

1927 Bacon & Day Silver Bell N0.1 four string tenor banjo made in Groton, CT. The Bacon and Day company was the collaboration of David Day, former plant manager of the Vega Banjo Company and Fred Bacon. Designed for their cutting power in the 1920’s jazz era, they are loud, but have great tone. This Silver Bell has an ivoroid bound 23″ scale figured maple 5 piece neck and birds-eye maple resonator finished in a beautiful sunburst finish. The neck is 100% straight with low playing action and has been recently completely refretted. Ivoroid-bound 19 fret ebony fingerboard with varied inlay pattern, “B&D / SILVER / BELL” and fancy pearl leaf inlays on headstock overlay. It weighs in at 8.2 pounds. The overall lacquer finish to the neck and resonator is outstanding for an instrument of its age as is the polished nickel plated metal parts, Silver Bell tone ring, 24 brackets, Oettinger adjustable fingers tailpiece, and an eye catching f hole flange. 5 star geared tuners with cream ivoroid buttons. The nickel plated flange, hooks & nuts are in mint condition including the wrap around close fit arm rest.
This banjo is original and has the matching serial numbers on both neck dowel piece and rim. Their is a beautiful tone to this banjo and the action is set low perfect for playing Irish trad or jazz. Comes with original vintage B&D hard shell case with plush inner purple velvet interior and leather carrying handle. Hard to find one of these treasures in immaculate condition.

Priced to sell £1750