Paramount Style A

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Paramount Style A 19 fret tenor banjo from the famous Rettburg & Lange factory New York.  This particular Style A is in excellent condition with original gloss lacquer finish both on neck and resonator as shown in the photographs. This banjo is quite unique for a style A as the pot assembly rim has the same wood marquetry of the Style D model as seen in the photos. The paramount etching on the headstock is not present and it is pre serial dated, so it was built before William Lange dated his Paramounts. Also the original tuners are very early ‘Grover spring friction’ type which is the first ever I’ve seen on a paramount. They don’t hold tuning well but I decided to keep them on for the photo shoot and will upgrade them with quality vintage Grover geared tuners (same type fitted on Paragon banjos).

The nickel plating throughout is also in excellent shape for a banjo of 90 years old. The ‘Style A model’ were made from quality rock maple tone wood, and with ageing the patina of the lacquer turns to beautiful amber tones. The banjo has a perfectly straight neck and I have set the action low and good original shape frets. Fitted with 12, 17, 26, 36, nickel strings and setup for trad playing. Fitted a new Remo white smooth top 11 – 2/16″ head which produces great crisp sustaining tones from the arch top tone ring. All of the hooks and nuts are all original Paramount. Comes with original black leatherette hard shell vintage case finished with inner blue lining, double box pocket and dust cover. The banjo has been very well cared for throughout its lifetime as seen from the photos, if you require any more info please let me know.

Banjo details

• The headstock has mother of pearl inlay with elaborate floral designs
• Maple neck with centre walnut strip and purfling on the sides of the neck
• Rosewood fretboard with diamond MOP inlay position markers
• 23″ scale length neck from nut to bridge
• 24 bracket hooks & nuts supporting archtop tone ring
• Round hole flange plate
• Paramount swivel lock tailpiece
• Paramount flat bar adjustable armrest
• Remo white smooth top 11 – 2/16″ head
• Fancy wood marquetry wood banding on rim

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