May be the best deal on a bluegrass flathead banjo on the Hangout!
This is an older Paragon, all walnut, neck and block rim . Walnut Paragons are not as common as maple. This banjo is from the early 80's. It's hard to know for sure as Mark Platin (Wildwood owner) does not put serial numbers on his banjos. This is the third Wildwood I've owned, none had serial numbers. This instrument has a single co-rod, they went to two in 1985 or so. Therefore, I know this one is from early 80's. You can add the second co-ordinator rod for about $20, I just had no reason to. These banjo's have a slightly wider neck for our friends with bigger hands. Neck is 1.25" at the nut, making this neck 1/16th inch wider than most bluegrass banjos. A sixteenth does not sound like much but it feels like a lot on a banjo neck.
This banjo does have some cosmetic issues: 1) nicks here and there 2) had a 5th string capo, does not now, HOLES ARE NOT PLUGGED 3) the walnut veneer on the resonator has a split. THIS IS A SURFACE TEAR ONLY and does not affect the sound, tone. The veneer crack is stable. At some point, the bottom couple of frets will need to be replaced but they are fine for now.
Bottom line: this a good player banjo at a great price, not structural issues. From the pics, you can see the beauty of the inlays, boxcar binding and finish work, IT'S 30 years old!. I will give buyer a 24 hour hour inspection period, you don't like it send it back and I'll refund your money, buyer pays shipping. Almost forgot, it has an older hard case, not pretty but does the job.
http://www.wildwoodbanjos.com/?page_id=98
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