Weymann 2 Orchestra Tenor Banjo

Written by Paul Conlon. Posted in For Sale


The Weymann tenor banjo models are among my favourite banjo to play, for tonal quality, rich sustain, neck profile and simply how it feels to play. They are so underestimated that their profile needs to be known more on the Irish Trad music circuit.

About the banjo

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 2, 19 fret tenor banjo shows off several of the key Weymann features. First, the tiger maple 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 2 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 megaphonic_draftconical 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 seven-piece laminated figured maple reinforced with ebony veneer through the center and additional reinforcement of wood veneer (red died pearwood) between the neck and finger board.with the bound  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 all in perfect working order.

Rim is also made of beautiful figured tiger maple, upper edge and bottom bound with rosewood. There is a natural ebony armrest mounted to the hoop, another stylish unique Weymann feature. The top tension hoop is inlaid with non-tarnishable silver flash compound. Notched hoop, twenty brackets, all metal parts nickel plated.

The Weymann Style 2 Orchestra Model is a very well built professional level instrument. It plays well, has a nice feel to the neck for playing trad or jazz style and has a distinctive bright, vintage tone. Comes with original tan leather hardshell case with green velvet lining in great condition

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Dave Boyle Tenor Banjo

Written by Paul Conlon. Posted in For Sale


Hand made in 2013 by Dave Boyle, 19 fret tenor banjo. Maple construction with nickel plating, in mint condition. The banjo is 8 years old but virtually unplayed, as you can see from the photos.

About the Banjo

The Tone Ring

A lot of attention is paid to the tone ring. It is probably the single most important component of the banjo. Dave used bell bronze of the highest quality. It comes as a tube which is done by continuous casting. It is a flawless material with no voids or inclusions and is perfect for machining. It is proof turned and parted off into rings ready for a lathe. Dave turned them himself into the finished tone ring. The quality of the material and the design of the tone ring gives maximum resonance and tonal quality.

Wooden Rims

Having tried different types of wood Dave came to the conclusion that well seasoned sycamore gave the best results for the rims. It is made of 18 blocks glued together and turned into the finished rim. It is lightly fitted to the tone ring and doesn’t restrict the vibration. It has proven to be very successful.

Full Flange

The flange is made of high quality mazac (zinc based alloy). The mould for the flange was designed and made in Dave’s workshop. It is cast by Kilmainham Art Foundry and finally finished & machined by Dave himself. The flanges are unique to DB banjos, with the exception of a limited number supplied to Clareen Banjos for their Setanta model.

 Picture of Barney McKenna playing his custom made gold plated DB banjo. (picture courtesy from www.daveboylebanjos.com)

 

For Sale £3495 Now reduced to £2995 (Includes Mike Mullin hand made case)

For more info on Dave Boyle Banjos please visit https://www.daveboylebanjos.com/banjos


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