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I have owned this 19 fret tenor banjo for over 15 years partly because of its solid build and also as it was handmade. I have no info on the luthier except it originated from New York probably around the 1930’s; There is a metal plate on the dowel stamped ‘Dominant’ and ‘Troy, New York’. The 5 piece mahogany neck is the sleekest I’ve ever played, much thinner than original Paramounts and it plays true from fret 1-19. I have totally re-fretted the banjo, set the action low and carved a new bone nut so there is a good lot of  years playing ahead before needing any fret work done again. The neck MOP inlay is a selection of Vega and Paramount designs which works well and the featured headstock is also quite exquisite. The heal has a carved floral design and a diamond inlay on the heal cap. The Grover tuners are in first class working condition holding tuning well and I just set it up with new Ernie Ball strings.

The rim core is most likely maple ply with the outer finished in mahogany and checkered veneer. The rim is fitted with an arch top tone ring and 5 star clear head which projects a powerful sound. I recently fitted a kershner tail piece but have the original vintage waverly kershner type tail piece. The original hooks, nuts, rim shoes are in excellent condition free from rust and tarnish and the other metal parts are brass/nickel plated also in excellent condition.

The resonator is a great piece of work featuring a deep red centre line with herringbone wood inlay either side and maple centre rings similar to the Paramount design. A fine banjo to own and play which comes with a vintage Ludwig case which I have restored.

Banjo is now sold

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This banjo appeared on the internet some time ago as being for sale in the USA. The then owner said he had had it valued by a luthier at $3000, which was mainly attributable to its rarity. It subsequently was sold for considerably less. Later it appeared on Bernunzio Brothers (New York) web site from whom it was purchased from the seller, who carried out the necessary remedial work and upgrade.

Inquiry on the web says that Epiphone banjos did not bear the name ‘Epiphone’ on the peghead until the early twenty’s, but there is no doubt whatsoever that this banjo was built well before 1920. A bit of a conundrum here I think.

The seller has inquired of a number of players and dealers, and no one has ever come across a similar banjo, therefore it’s reasonable to conclude that it is bordering on the unique, if not entirely unique, which undoubtedly must add to the value. Here is an image of the original patented design on 27th November 1917

I am selling this banjo on behalf of the owner, please contact me for any further information. Priced to sell £650 Reduced to £525

Details:

• YEAR:  1915/16
• BUILT BY:  ANASTOSIOS STRATHOPOULO (GREEK LUTHIER,NEW YORK)
• WOOD:  MAPLE & EBONY – ELEVEN PLY MAPLE/EBONY NECK
• UNIQUE TONE RING – PATENT APPLIED FOR C.1916
• STRAIGHT NECK WITH GOOD FRETS
• NEW GEARED TUNERS
• NEW TENSION HOOKS
• NEW RENAISSANCE HEAD
• WEIGHT:  4.8 LBS
• ASKING PRICE:  £650 ONO
• COMES WITH VINTAGE CASE (IN SERVICEABLE CONDITION)