I have decided to part with my 1925 paramount Leader in excellent condition. I recently had my 1919 Clifford Essex Paragon restored and that has become my main squeeze. The Leader was middle of the rage in 1925 selling for $200, a hefty chunk of change. I respectfully quote from Mandolin Brothers:
This extremely handsome, and tastefully decorated, middle-of-the-line Paramount (“William L. Lange”) tenor banjo shows normal signs of use and wear including light scratches and dings on the back and sides of the Brazilian rosewood veneer resonator. The metal parts are in excellent condition but for some minor nicks and marks along various edges, oxidation and wear from the arm on the armrest. The fingerboard has normal relief and is straight with low action and no buzz. - it plays easily and comfortably and with its brand new Renaissance 11 1/8" diameter amber head, it sounds exactly the way a fine tenor banjo should sound - crispy, clean and clear with great volume and projection. It has the original "Improved, Paramount, Pat. Pend" quick-release tailpiece and the original arm rest.
This banjo’s headstock retains its original four brass (the good ones) Page brand tuners, each stamped "Page 'Geared' Pegs, Patent Pend'g." I have cleaned and re greased the tuners and they are now good for another 80 years or more. This model features the Brazilian rosewood resonator and neck with the crème-black-crème center stripe on the neck and the twin concentric rings of light colored wood purfling on the back of the resonator with three-plies on the side. The head plate is considerably inlaid with a festival of bells and flowers; the fingerboard is inlaid with large design inlays on frets 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15 and 17. This is a fine looking professional quality performance tool, and one that, properly cared for, can likely provide its new owner another 80 years of stage, screen and radio use.
These pictures were taken some time ago and do not show the new Renaissance head nor the final neck set up. New picture will follow. A contemporary hard shell tenor case that has been modified to provide a snug fit is included.
And no, I am not interested in trading for your collection of Cigar Box Banjos or a mandolin made from toothpicks. ...
I can also deliver the banjo at the AZ Banjo Blast in May.
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