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Vintage 19 fret tenor banjo made by the William Lange Company, famous for making Paramount & Orpheum banjos in the 20’s & 30’s. Really nice introduction/upgrade if you are thinking of investing in a vintage banjo. This particular model was later named the ‘Banner Blue’ model and most likely dates around the early thirties. Features a 3 piece mahogany neck which is as straight as it left the factory, low action and easy to play. Frets are all good with the first 5 just replaced. The multiply rim has a rolled brass double archtop tone ring which gives plenty of sustain and volume. The rim is seated on a heavy cast nickel plated flange that adds plenty of weight to the instrument. I’m actually quite surprised the sound quality of this banjo compared to more expensive vintage banjos. The tuners have been upgraded to the geared type and a new Clareen head fitted. Also the hooks and nuts have been replaced with newer nickel plated ones. The laquer/varnish all around is in good condition and the banjo comes with a fitted vintage case.

For Sale £550

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Hand built in the late nineties in Oregan, Wisconsin, USA, Richelieu 19 fret tenor banjo model 2102 in excellent condition. The Richelieu banjos are sought after for both build quality and the quality of sound. This is the first time I’ve played a Richelieu and I’m really impressed with the build quality. This model doesn’t need any fancy abalone to be a show piece, just look at the slender tiger maple 3 piece neck, the fine finish to the maple rim and quality maple resonator. The taper of the neck and the clarity of tone over the entire fingerboard and ease of playing is unequalled. I fitted a clear head on this one to show off the ‘Lady Lyte’ tone ring system which gives this banjo its powerful sound and excellent tone. The banjo is medium-heavy weight and comes with a Canadian made quality fitted hard case with navy velour interior.

quick summary:

• 3 piece tiger maple neck with centre ebony strip, black face plate with Richelieu ‘R’ MOP logo
• Ebony 19 fret sound board with dot position markers and good frets
• 4 to 1 gear ratio Schaller planetary tuning pegs
• figured maple multiply rim housing the Richelieu patented white lady style tone ring system
• adjustable truss rod, neck adjusting rods.
• fancy floral cut flange
• maple resonator
• nickel plated brass clamshell tail piece
• new nickel strings gauge 12 | 18w | 28w | 38w

Banjo is for sale £1450