A 19 fret tenor banjo from 1920’s made by the Puntolillo Company, New York. Around 1924 Puntolillo began building S. S. Stewart branded banjos and did so for several years, the Stewart Wondertone models are Puntolillo products. Before the big 20’s tenor banjo boom he was making open back 17 fret models under the names The Bell and Princess and they had a different tone ring design than Puntolillo’s later 1920’s 19 fret tenor banjos.  In the 20’s, of course, he had his own Majestic line and also produced banjos named Regina and Symphony. I suspect his instruments were an inspiration for the Clifford Essex Paragon as some models have the same vertical holes through the rim. It’s archtop tonering patent was issued in 1920 to Gaetano F. Puntolillo and it is this which gives this instrument its unique tonal qualities. I would put this banjo on a power with most professional level banjos, it has a sweet sustain with bass resonance and a rich soft tone. His work is more creative, even fanciful, than many builders of his period. People have asked me from time to time to recommend a good quality tenor banjo and of course this could open a never ending debate. Of lately I have been setting up, servicing and restoring quite a few of the Majestic brand banjos for customers and they are truly individually, little understated treasures. If Puntolillo was alive today I would market his instruments.

Banjo details

5mm flat bar arch top tone ring seated on nickel plated brass hoop. This is one of his 1921 patented tone rings which I believe gives these Majestics their unique sound. The rim is constructed from maple with rosewood veneer and wood marquetry side binding. Spun over rim flange with 24 hooks and nuts and ball end shoes (similar to Bacon & Day type). This lends me to think that Puntolillo bought various parts from Fred Bacon’s banjo company. The neck is attached by a 1/2″ surgical steel circular bar with the outer sleeve being nickel plated.

The seven piece neck is constructed from select Brazillan rosewood with multi-layered green stained pear wood and maple. Cream binding and triple wood laminate along the rosewood fretboard, which is perfectly straight with nice low playing action. The heel features multi-layered woods matching the fretboard. The banjo has just been given a complete refret.

The position markers have identical mother of pearl inlays as that of a Paramount style C as does the head stock which is very tastefully decorated in beautiful mother of pearl floral inlay bearing the name Majestic. The side walls of the stock head is horizontally multi-laminated in ebony, maple highlighted with a nice white binding edge. The original Grover tab 2 tuners (same type used on Epiphone banjos) are in perfect working condition and hold tuning well.

The construction of the multiply rosewood resonator is beautiful, with intricate wood marquetry designs to the back and along the edge. The banjo is fitted with a new Remo 10 – 14/16″ clear head and Rioga 1/2″ maple|ebony bridge. Other great features are the original Kershner tail piece, a hot dog armrest similarly found on Paramount banjos. Woodwork and nickel plating throughout are in excellent condition and comes with a original vintage hardshell case in great condition. It is in incredible condition for an early 1920’s vintage instrument which has been very well cared for over the decades. The sound of this tenor banjo is incredible, words can’t honestly describe it, drop by to test it for yourself you’ll be intrigued!

Technical details

• Nut width = 27mm
• Scale length = 58.3cm
• Nut to 7th fret = 19.7cm
• 12th fret width = 34mm
• Head size = 10 – 14/16″ Remo clear
• String action 12th fret -0.80 approx 2mm