1919 Orpheum #1 5-String Banjo

$1,550.00

Wonderful and very original vintage banjo that is ready to play!

Out of stock

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Description

Excellent condition  :  11-3/8″ rim
SN: 7181 on dowel  :  SN: 724655 on Rim
Raised Head  :  Bird’s-eye Maple
1-1/8″ width at nut

This 1919 Orpheum #1 is a fairly rare 5-string banjo! Usually Orpheum banjos from this period are seen as Tenors or Plectrums.
Almost all the hardware is original. Looks like a newer no-knot tailpiece. Tuners look to be original 5-star with a geared 5th peg. These tuners may be more recent, but look like they’ve been on forever.

Headstock has blackened pearwood overlay with “Orpheum No. 1” inlay at top and elaborate delicate pearl and abalone floral inlay for the rest of the peghead face. Bone nut.
Blackened pearwood fingerboard has baroque pearl inlays. Neck is 3-pc Maple with Ebony stringers as separators. Maple and black purfling accent lines seen below peghead overlay, below fingerboard, and heelcap. Maple rim capped with Maple at bottom.

This is a rare and very cool banjo that is easy to adjust and easy to play.
Comes with Hard Case.