Circa 1918 Orpheum Banjo Rim with newer Mandolin Banjo neck
Circa 1918 Orpheum Banjo Rim with newer Mandolin Banjo neck. With the 10-1/8” rim diameter, this banjo likely came from the Rettberg & Lange factory as a mandolin banjo, but for an unknown reason, someone was inspired to create a new neck. Made of made of maple, walnut, and cherry, it has a peghead shape that is a cartoon of the Gibson designed F-model shape. The peghead is glued on to the rest of the neck and that glue joint is loose. Yet somehow it has stayed at pitch for more than 6 years. The fretboard is rosewood and the tuners are 4-on-a-plate Kluson Deluxe for A-model mandolin. The hooks and nuts do not look original, but shoes, tonering, and tailpiece appear to be correct for the rim. This as-is project is $300 and includes a good condition Morgan Monroe mandolin banjo hard case! Can’t beat that!