"One Thousand and One Banjos: The Tsumura Collection" by Akira Tsumura, published by Kodansha International LTD, hardcover (1993), Japan. First Edition of this out-of-print, magnificent collection of 3000 vividly detailed photos in full color on the highest quality art paper, UNOPENED AND MINT CONDITION . A massive 904 pages, weighing 19 pounds. Extensive section on four string Jazz Age banjos including Bacon & Day, Epiphone, Gibson, Gretsch, Iucci, Leedy, Ludwig, Majestic, Paramount, Slingerland, Stromberg, Vega, Washburn and Weyman, as well as chapters on mandolin banjos, ukulele banjos, and bowl-back mandolins. There are many pages dedicated to Gibson custom instruments, as well as specifications of banjo tools. Sections on Minstrel era, late Victorian English, English Zither, English Presentation, American Classic, S.S. Stewart, and French banjos, French Mandolin Banjos, Ukulele Banjos, Bowl Mandolins, Also includes much historical information. Any copy (much less an unopened copy) of this 20 year old masterpiece will get harder to find. A rare and unique publication, deemed The "Bible of banjos".
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