Paramount Style C Tenor Banjo
There’s quite a bit history about the Rettburg & Lange banjo company from New York dating back to 1897, who later produced the first Orpheum banjos in 1908. In August 1920 the Orpheum Company was granted a US patent for its new “Paramount” banjo and this new instrument (designed by William L Lange) made its first appearance in 1921. In 1922 William took over sole control of the company and changed the title to Wm L Lange. In September of that year he announced (as successor to Rettberg & Lange) six styles of the “Paramount” banjos.
“Paramount” banjos became world famous and were much sought after by all the leading dance-band players. The five spacious floors at East 24th Street accommodated over 250 workers making banjos and included its own plating shop. It was during this period that Wm D Bowen tested all banjos leaving the factory.
This all original tenor banjo has a serial number ‘648’ (both on neck and pot) which dates it at 1921 and so one of the first Paramounts to leave the factory. I have disassembled the banjo and hand polished every part and then reassembled with the addition of a new WeatherKing clear head for added brightness. The muli-layered mahogany neck is straight and the frets show little wear. The banjo plays easy up the fretboard with low action and great sustain. Comes with quality fitted hard case.
Quick summary
- Original page geared tuners (indestructible brass case/nickel plated)
- Paramount side mounted nickel plated armrest
- Paramount tail piece
- Nice Carving to heal & back of neck head stock
- Checkered cad yellow purfling throughout neck and resonator
- Multi piece mahogany neck featuring holly & died pear wood