Paramount Style B Tenor (c. 1923)

Description

We rarely carry tenor banjos here at the Denver Folklore Center - so when one makes its way through our store, our customers can safely assume it's something special. This beautiful Paramount Style B certainly fits the bill; it's a New York-built William Lange product from around 1923, placing it just after the dissolution of Rettberg & Lange and firmly within Paramount's Jazz Age golden years. Those may sound like big shoes to fill, but the Style B is equal to the task, with a full-bodied and punchy tone up and down the neck, thanks in no small part to its massive archtop tone ring and all-maple construction. The Style B has a bit more in the way of visual appointments than Paramount's more basic models, with extensive inlay work on the headstock and neck, as well as hardwood inlays on the resonator. This is a great option for collectors and pickers alike.

This instrument arrived in our store in very good condition, especially when taking its age into account. Overall playing wear is fairly minor, with most scuffing limited to the back of the resonator and some mild to moderate finish damage on the headstock. The hole for the second string's tuning peg has become slightly too large due to wood shrinkage; a small amount of paper has been added to shim the hole and prevent the tuning machine from rattling or coming loose. All hardware (including the tuners, tailpiece, and armrest) is original, as are the inlays. Included in the price is the original hard-shell case, which is missing its handle and is accordingly in good to fair condition (replacement handles available upon request).

*Please note, per our return policy, all sales on used and consignment instruments are final.*