Paramount Leader Model Tenor Banjo, c. 1926, made in New York City, natural finish, Indian rosewood resonator, rim and neck, black hard shell case.
A nice if well-used example of the all-rosewood Leader, one of William Lange's classic 1920's Paramount models. While not as fancy as some of the New York maker's other higher end models (although fancy enough!) the Leader embodied Lange's theory that rosewood was the "finest material for tone" and sold originally for $200, a very serious price in the 1920's. The Leader is decorated with very intricate engraved pearl headstock and fingerboard inlays and multiple contrasting wood bindings adorn the entire instrument. Equipped with Paramount's adjustable tension flip-up "patent pending" tailpiece and "hot dog" style armrest. Paramount banjos were a favorite of professional Jazz musicians in the 1920's and are frequently seen in period photographs, especially of African-American Jazz Orchestras. The Leader is one of the classic Paramount models, and still as good an orchestra tenor as has ever been made.
Overall length is 33 3/4 in. (85.7 cm.), 11 1/8 in. (28.3 cm.) diameter head, and 3 1/8 in. (7.9 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 23 in. (584 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.). Well-worn and heavily played, but no major damage or repair. All original except for an old refret and period (late-20's to early '30's) Grover 2-tab tuners-the original Page tuners likely failed early in this banjo's playing career! The internal 5-digit serial number was carefully blanked out long ago, by just enlarging the incised digits in the rim and dowel stick. There is a lot of wear to the resonator back; general wear overall to both finish and plating. Set up with an older Remo plastic head, also with some visible wear. This remains a well-used but very attractive banjo, an excellent player with a superb sound-powerful, penetrating but with that distinctive Paramount tone. Overall Very Good + Condition.
