Wm. Lange Resonator Model Banjo Ukulele, c. 1928, made in New York City, natural lacquer finish, laminated walnut resonator, laminated mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard.
An unusual and medium-fancy fancy banjo-uke from the Wm. Lange company, builder of the Paramount and Orpheum banjo lines. Lange made banjo-ukes under a variety of brand names but few standard designs; nearly every one we see is different! This one is a very professional quality instrument with a heavy rim and full resonator but no flange.
Both rim and resonator side have inlaid marquetry strips, the resonator top edge is bound as well. The fingerboard is wood-bound with very unusual brass heart-shaped inlays; whimsical and very typically Lange but we have never seen this before! The rosewood-veneered headstock face also has two of these inlays. Heavy notched hoop, Paramount cobra hooks and nuts; Grover Champion-style banjo friction tuners. An unusually high-quality banjo uke that was likely a custom order model.
Overall length is 22 1/4 in. (56.5 cm.), 8 1/16 in. (20.5 cm.) diameter head, and 3 1/8 in. (7.9 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.).
Appears all original except recent repro tailpiece; possible overspray on headstock and part of resonator back. Two small repaired cracks to the resonator back on the treble side. A very good-playing and sounding high-grade banjo uke. Generally Excellent Condition.
