1919 Orpheum Style 1 Banjo Guitar Natural, Very Good, Original Hard, $1,450.00

Orpheum Style 1 Banjo Guitar ca 1919 | $1450 |The 'big-daddy' of guitar banjos, this Orpheum Style 1 was made in New York City by Rettberg and Lange somewhere toward the end of the Roaring Twenties. The head measures 14 1/4" across. The neck is 3-ply maple set off with ebony, as is the the heel. The fingerboard is ebony with fancy abalone inlay, and the headstock sports an ebony overlay and abalone inlay as well. The tuners appear to be original, and are engraved with flowers and leaves. The tailpiece is likely an old replacement. The Orpheum label remains, as does its serial number.
Scale length is 24 1/2", and width at nut is 1 11/16".
This guitar banjo was played a lot, showing quite a bit of finish wear on the back of the neck, and wear on the fretboard and frets. Two strap loops were added to the rim at some point. Also, it appears someone reset the 'stick', and replaced the fingerboard up to the fourth fret (probably worn out from playing). The metal neck bracket was missing so we replaced it with a period appropriate one. Some of the hoop brackets may be older replacements.
The guitar banjo plays quite well, with smooth action and a comfortable neck. The tone is the best part, with the bright, banjo twang in the upper register, and the low, tubby thump in the wound strings that conjure Pappa Charlie Jackson. A wonderful rare and super-cool period piece. Retains what appears to be its original hard case!