Description
VG(+) condition / Serial number: 15709
Archtop / Maple banjo
1 3/16″ width at nut / 21 1/4″ scale length
This century-old Orpheum No. 1 Tenor Banjo has a rich sound and deep history. The instrument is in pretty nice shape and would be listed as “excellent” or “excellent +” but at some point the black binding was re-glued imperfectly along the fingerboard, resulting the frets slightly pushing out against the binding.
Beautifully intricate cut for the peghead shape with a thick dyed pearwood veneer. Orpheum No 1 and elaborate floral pattern inlaid in mother of pearl in peghead. Fingerboard inlays are elaborate and intricate.
Three-piece Maple neck with two Rosewood stringers running the length. The fingerboard shows a similar pattern of stacking, with fingerboard Maple and Rosewood strip. The heelcap also shows layers of what looks to be dyed pearwood with a layer of Maple and Rosewood. The same artistic wood layering is under the peghead veneer as well. Two Rosewood lines are also seen on the dowel stick.
This pot shows typical design by William Lange, the designer of many famous banjos. 24 brackets. 11 3/4″ rim. The rim is understated elegance with the inside and outside layer showing heavy birdseye figure. The bottom of the rim is dressed with a Maple cap. Slotted tension hoop with original Cobra hooks and very unique nuts that tighten each hook. The nuts are machined very well. Original friction tuners with original buttons. Appears to be all original hardware.
Comes with original case.
