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1920's GRETSCH AMERICAN CLAROPHONE 4 STRING TENOR BANJO w/ MAPLE RESONATOR VGC
1920's GRETSCH AMERICAN CLAROPHONE 4 STRING TENOR BANJO w/ MAPLE RESONATOR VGC
1920's GRETSCH AMERICAN CLAROPHONE 4 STRING TENOR BANJO w/ MAPLE RESONATOR VGC
1920's GRETSCH AMERICAN CLAROPHONE 4 STRING TENOR BANJO w/ MAPLE RESONATOR VGC
1920's GRETSCH AMERICAN CLAROPHONE 4 STRING TENOR BANJO w/ MAPLE RESONATOR VGC
1920's GRETSCH AMERICAN CLAROPHONE 4 STRING TENOR BANJO w/ MAPLE RESONATOR VGC
1920's GRETSCH AMERICAN CLAROPHONE 4 STRING TENOR BANJO w/ MAPLE RESONATOR VGC
1920's GRETSCH AMERICAN CLAROPHONE 4 STRING TENOR BANJO w/ MAPLE RESONATOR VGC
1920's GRETSCH AMERICAN CLAROPHONE 4 STRING TENOR BANJO w/ MAPLE RESONATOR VGC
1920's GRETSCH AMERICAN CLAROPHONE 4 STRING TENOR BANJO w/ MAPLE RESONATOR VGC
1920's GRETSCH AMERICAN CLAROPHONE 4 STRING TENOR BANJO w/ MAPLE RESONATOR VGC
1920's GRETSCH AMERICAN CLAROPHONE 4 STRING TENOR BANJO w/ MAPLE RESONATOR VGC

1920's GRETSCH AMERICAN CLAROPHONE 4 STRING TENOR BANJO w/ MAPLE RESONATOR VGC

$ 147.83

Availability: 100 in stock
  • All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
  • Exact Year: 1922-1928
  • Number of Strings: four
  • Model: CLAROPHONE
  • Banjo Type: Tenor Banjo
  • Brand: GRETSCH

    Description

    1920's vintage CLAROPHONE TENOR BANJO ( 4 STRINGS CGDA TUNING) MADE BY GRETSCH AMERICAN. Very good overall condition. Recently acquired. Did not clean or attempt any restoration.
    Total length     29"
    Head diameter   11 1/8"
    Head with ring diameter   11 1/2"
    2 footed bridge - possibly not original - has a price on it written in pencil
    14 resonator holes- all metal rings around the holes are intact
    16 holders for the lugs are intact
    12 of the lugs & nuts are original showing minor corrosion of the nickel
    1 lug has been replaced using original nut
    3 lugs & nuts are missing
    Metal ring is intact & shows minor corrosion of the nickel
    Nut and pegs look to be original in good condition
    Neck fret board itself is 12 5/8" long from inside of nut to outside of ring
    Tailpiece looks to be original
    Neck and fret board does not show wear.  The neck appears to be straight to my untrained eye.
    Possibly original skin head with no noticeable damage
    Fret board has all metal bars & inlays in good condition
    - 17 frets
    Laminated fret board - Not sure if it's rosewood, mahogany, or stained maple
    Minor splitting of wood resonator where it is nailed to lower portion of neck (see picture #12)
    12 pictures posted.  Please do not hesitate to ask for more information.  I think that this banjo may be from an earlier 1920's production due to the shape of the crown, the quality of the wood, and the overall construction of the banjo.  The red star on the crown and some of the inlays being red are possibly an indication that this was a higher end model than those without a maple resonator.  I'd be interested in any comments and information about this banjo.  I did a lot of research about these Clarophone banjos which of course only led to more questions.
    This banjo does not have a case but will be packed in a carefully constructed box, well padded, and insured.  I prefer to ship USPS Priority Mail which is fast, dependable, and insured.  If buyer prefers Fed Ex I will use that service if I can get appropriate insurance. Will ship to only 48 USA contiguous states, and will require signature confirmation of buyer.  Please check out  our feedback to see that  we are a reliable seller with good packing skills and satisfied customers. Thanks for looking.