Stromberg-Voisinet Custom Model Guitar Banjo, c. early 1930's, probably Chicago, natural lacquer finish, black hard shell case.
This is definitely a rather unique banjo; whether it is the work of a factory in Chicago or an individual luthier using factory parts, it is a fairly deluxe and well-made instrument. It is a full-resonator banjo-guitar with a Stronberg-Viosinet guitar neck mated to a laminated rim with a Chicago style resonator, but without the typical cast pot metal flange of the era. The fingerboard and headstock are covered in pearloid, and the rim is swathed in red-and-black sparkle swirl celluloud.
The resonator has bound edges with marquetry trim on the top and sides and an elaborate inlaid wood floral pattern in the back, and is fitted with a second internal metal 'dish' resonator. The rim looks to be handmade and is fitted with a Gibson-style double co-ordinator rod system, a metal sheathed flathead tone ring, and commercial bracket shoes with handmade laminated metal and celluloid individual flange pieces.
The tuners are typical early-1930's unplated brass-strip Waverlys with black plastic buttons. The tailpiece is the somewhat rare and sought-after 6-string Kershner unique. This is a striking instrument visually, but also a very good sounding and playing guitar banjo and probably one of a kind!
Overall length is 36 in. (91.4 cm.), 11 3/4 in. (29.8 cm.) diameter head, and 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm.) deep. Scale length is 24 1/4 in. (616 mm.).
Average light wear; small piece of binding missing from the neck and two small sections of marquetry missing from resonator edge. Plays and sounds very well. Excellent Condition.
