EPIPHONE OPEN BACK TENOR BANJO (short neck 17 fret)
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)