House of Staphoplo "Superb" Model Banjo Ukulele, made by Epiphone, c. 1926, made in Long Island City, NY, black lacquer finish, maple neck and rim, black tolex soft shell case.
A really fantastic-sounding if relatively plain-looking banjo-uke. Very heavy full machined metal tonering/flange assembly on maple rim with resonator. Wide flat neck with typical Epiphone rounded "paddle" headstock.
This instrument was made not long after the Staphopolo operation moved to Long Island City in 1925, and prior to their using the trade name "Epiphone" on all of their instruments, around 1928. It bears an oval multicolor label on the back of the headstock reading "House of Staphoplo (trade mark) makers of SUPERB banjos, Long Island city NY USA".
This is the banjo-uke equivalent to the highly regarded Epiphone Recording Banjo line, and is extremely solidly made. Very loud with a surprisingly full and powerful tone and could easily hold its own in a small jazz band!
Overall length is 22 1/2 in. (57.2 cm.), 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm.) diameter head, and 2 3/4 in. (7 cm.) deep. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.).
All original with noticeable checking and some chipping to the lacquer finish. Solid maple resonator back has shrunk somewhat and has several repaired cracks, but instrument is fully stable and plays perfectly.
Comes in period alligator-grain soft case that has seen better days, but is functional for storage. Very Good + Condition.
