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Weymann banjos were built by H. Weymann and Sons, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  Originally produced with the name ‘Keystone’ in early 1900, in 1924 the Weymann name appeared and was used until 1934. Weymann instruments are known for high-quality construction and unique features.

This Weymann Style 1, 19 fret tenor banjo shows off several of the key Weymann features.   First, the resonator is press-fit, and doesn’t use screws to attach; this is to reduce rattling. The Weymann Patented Tone Resonator for the Orchestra banjo Style A is made with a curve instead of the usual sharp corner which throws the sound waves forward greatly increasing the carrying power for the player. It is fastened to the rim by felt covered spring clamps which eliminate objectionable vibrations found in screw or metal catch fastenings found on other banjos.

The outer edge of the resonator is rounded, which helps project the sound.  The ‘Megaphonic’ rim is composed of ten laminated layers with a conical interior,  and all the brackets pass through it so the inner and outer surfaces are smooth. All brackets are encased and countersunk so the outer surface is perfectly smooth. The neck and the distance between the fingerboard and strings is fully adjustable to suit the player through the use of the combination neck brace and adjuster by a simple turn of the nut in the center of the brace. The neck is two-piece laminated mahogany shaded dark with the bound ebony fingerboard inlaid with fancy shaped pearl pieces. The headstock overlay carries a “Weymann” logo of inlaid pearl letters with an elaborate floral design, and mounts the company’s patented recessed geared tuning pegs.

Rim is made of mahogany, upper edge and bottom bound with rosewood. There is a natural rosewood armrest mounted to the hoop, another stylish unique Weymann feature. The top is inlaid with non-tarnishable silver flash compound. Notched hoop, twenty brackets, all metal parts nickel plated. The neck is joined mahogany, reinforced with ebony veneer through the center and additional reinforcement of wood veneer between the neck and finger board. The heel is capped with rosewood.

The fingerboard is rosewood with beautiful inlaid pearl positions; ivory celluloid bound edge with position dots on side of the neck.

The Weymann Style 1 Orchestra Model is a very well built instrument, with mahogany for the resonator, neck and rim, ebony fingerboard and headplate, and an 11 inch head.   In original condition, it plays well and has a distinctive, vintage tone. All original and complete, set up with a 5 Star plastic head and new bridge and nickel strings, sounds and plays great. Comes with original Weymann hard shell case with plush blue lining.

For Sale £1080

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Ludwig Bellevue Model Tenor Banjo, c. 1926, made in Chicago, natural lacquer finish, walnut neck and resonator, ebony fingerboard, brass rim with gold plating.

A beautiful example of Ludwig’s mid 1920’s craftsmanship, the Bellevue occupied the middle of the Chicago company’s banjo line but is an extremely ornate banjo. The engraved hardware is gold plated over a gunmetal rim, an unusual color scheme specific to this banjo. As with all higher-quality Ludwigs, the neck and resonator are figured walnut. Neck is bound and features numerous maple and ebony laminates both horizontally and vertically, with very fancy pearl inlay in the ebony board and ebony veneered headstock with engraved inlay and script logo. Features newly installed gold-plated geared tuners.

Resonator edges are multi-laminate as well, and decorative rings are inlayed in the back. Hoop and rim engraved with floral designs, tailpiece engraved “Ludwig USA”. Fitted with the Ludwig banjo action adjustor which is two screws at the base of the neck. These early bottom-tension metal rim Ludwigs are very high-quality banjos, much rarer than the later (post 1927) top-tension versions, and feature all brass parts (no pot metal pieces).

Overall length is 34 in. (86.4 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter of rim, and 3 1/4 in. (8.2 cm.) deep. Scale length is 23 in. (584 mm.)

Minor finish scratching and plating loss. There is also a repaired heel crack which will not cause any problems. Would be worth getting french polished to bring up the beautiful walnut grain.

The neck is straight and plays perfectly up the fret board.

Comes with original Ludwig case with the inner brass ‘Ludwig Badge’ but will need restored to serviceable condition.

For Sale £750