We rarely find such a superb tenor banjo made by Guarnerius in Paris. This is the Stylel N°0 in gold plated hardware made approx in the mid 1920’s. The finest French banjos of the jazz age were made by Garnierius. He was an instrument maker in the tradition of his violin-making ancestors in Italy. He ran a shop in Rue Forest, Montmartre in the heart of the Paris theatre district

Constructed and decorated with the finest quality woods, this model was certainly one of the top-of-the-range models from the Guarnerius brand.

As such, this banjo stands today as a testament to top-of-the-range manufacturing in early 20th-century Paris.

A little history:

The finest French banjos of the jazz age were made under the name of Banjos Guarnierius, or Guarnieri, Luthier. The luthier’s name was G. Guarnieri, first name unknown. His banjos are hand-crafted to the highest standards, with outstanding workmanship in woodwork and marquetry. They use the finest materials, birds eye maple, ebony, boxwood, abalone, mother-of-pearl . They are often fine examples of French design, Art Nouveau in style, typically French. Their sound and playability compare favourably to the best of American banjos.

Guarnieri ran a shop at 5, Rue Forest, in Montmartre, 50 metres from the Moulin Rouge. It appears the shop sold musical supplies (it certainly sold strings) to Paris musicians, but crafted its own banjos. Many of Guarnieri’s banjos carry the address of the shop in pearl on the headstock:

Guarnierius Luthier 5 Rue Forest Paris
Or on a metal plate:
G.Guarnieri Luthier Fabricant 5, Rue Forest, Paris 18

Guarnierius top-line instruments were built to the highest standards, with outstanding levels of craftsmanship in their woodwork and decoration. They also fine examples of French design, Art Nouveau in style, understated but beautifully crafted.

Le Non Plus Ultra

Guarnier’s top line banjos were called Le Non Plus Ultra. These are large, powerful banjos, with an 11 13/16 inch head size, 22 3/8 inch scale and, usually, 18 frets. They all have a brass pot, flange and archtop tonering, and woods such as birdseye maple and mahogany burl. Their decoration is exquisite, with fine wood marquetry, and pearl and abalone work on the headstock which twinkles in the light like jewels. The artistry is superior to most American banjos of the period.

With a powerful, dynamic, rich, balanced sound, beautiful deep tone, good sustain and projection, this banjo is perfect for solo or band performance.