Ludwig Bellevue Tenor Banjo

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Ludwig Bellevue Model Tenor Banjo, c. 1926, made in Chicago, natural lacquer finish, walnut neck and resonator, ebony fingerboard, brass rim with gold plating.

A beautiful example of Ludwig’s mid 1920’s craftsmanship, the Bellevue occupied the middle of the Chicago company’s banjo line but is an extremely ornate banjo. The engraved hardware is gold plated over a gunmetal rim, an unusual color scheme specific to this banjo. As with all higher-quality Ludwigs, the neck and resonator are figured walnut. Neck is bound and features numerous maple and ebony laminates both horizontally and vertically, with very fancy pearl inlay in the ebony board and ebony veneered headstock with engraved inlay and script logo. Features newly installed gold-plated geared tuners.

Resonator edges are multi-laminate as well, and decorative rings are inlayed in the back. Hoop and rim engraved with floral designs, tailpiece engraved “Ludwig USA”. Fitted with the Ludwig banjo action adjustor which is two screws at the base of the neck. These early bottom-tension metal rim Ludwigs are very high-quality banjos, much rarer than the later (post 1927) top-tension versions, and feature all brass parts (no pot metal pieces).

Overall length is 34 in. (86.4 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter of rim, and 3 1/4 in. (8.2 cm.) deep. Scale length is 23 in. (584 mm.)

Minor finish scratching and plating loss. There is also a repaired heel crack which will not cause any problems. Would be worth getting french polished to bring up the beautiful walnut grain.

The neck is straight and plays perfectly up the fret board.

Comes with original Ludwig case with the inner brass ‘Ludwig Badge’ but will need restored to serviceable condition.

For Sale £750