Paramount Style C Tenor Banjo

Written by Paul Conlon. Posted in For Sale

There’s quite a bit history about the Rettburg & Lange banjo company from New York dating back to 1897, who later produced the first Orpheum banjos in 1908. In August 1920 the Orpheum Company was granted a US patent for its new “Paramount” banjo and this new instrument (designed by William L Lange) made its first appearance in 1921. In 1922 William took over sole control of the company and changed the title to Wm L Lange. In September of that year he announced (as successor to Rettberg & Lange) six styles of the “Paramount” banjos.

“Paramount” banjos became world famous and were much sought after by all the leading dance-band players. The five spacious floors at East 24th Street accommodated over 250 workers making banjos and included its own plating shop. It was during this period that Wm D Bowen tested all banjos leaving the factory.

This all original tenor banjo has a serial number ‘648’ (both on neck and pot) which dates it at 1921 and so one of the first Paramounts to leave the factory. I have disassembled the banjo and hand polished every part and then reassembled with the addition of a new WeatherKing clear head for added brightness. The muli-layered mahogany neck is straight and the frets show little wear. The banjo plays easy up the fretboard with low action and great sustain. Comes with quality fitted hard case.

Quick summary

  • Original page geared tuners (indestructible brass case/nickel plated)
  • Paramount side mounted nickel plated armrest
  • Paramount tail piece
  • Nice Carving to heal & back of neck head stock
  • Checkered cad yellow purfling throughout neck and resonator
  • Multi piece mahogany neck featuring holly & died pear wood

For Sale: £1350.00

.

[huge_it_videogallery id=”16 “]


 

Clareen Special short scale tenor banjo

Written by Paul Conlon. Posted in For Sale

The original Banjo of the Clareen Banjos range and the most popular. The Clareen Special is an excellent Tenor banjo with a crisp tone. This model is the short scale 17 fret 21 inches/525mm standard neck width at nut – 30mm. The two piece neck of well selected maple has a contrasting mahogany centre strip for stability and appearance. It is fitted with a carbon fibre truss rod for added strength. The rosewood fingerboard and peghead are decorated with the Clareen shamrock, harp & dot mother of pearl inlay and equipped  with quality Schaller geared tuners.

The pot is made from maple with a mounted Clareen Special tone ring, Clareen grooved tension band and waverly style tailpiece, and a brass nickel plated armrest. Clareen Banjos manufactures it’s own Tone Rings and Tension Bands, all other metalware is manufactured in Ireland where possible. The hooks are of mild steel which is also nickel plated suitable for all tuning styles. All the wood is finished in its natural colour as is the resonator and maple rim.

The banjo comes complete with a Clareen custom ABS tenor banjo case. These banjos currently sell for 1475.00 euros plus 110 euros for the flight case.

For sale £780 including Clareen ABS case


Calendar

November 2024
M T W T F S S
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
252627282930