Custom Paramount Leader Tenor Banjo (1924), ser. #1252, original black hard shell case.

Paramount Leader Model Tenor Banjo (1924), made in New York City, serial # 1252, natural varnish finish, Indian rosewood resonator, rim and neck, original black hard shell case. This is a nice example of the all-rosewood Leader, one of William Lange's classic 1920's Paramount models. While not as fancy as some of Paramount's other higher end banjos (although fancy enough!) the Leader embodied Lange's theory that rosewood was the "finest material for tone" and sold originally for $200, quite a sizeable price in the 1920's. The headstock and fingerboard carry very intricate engraved pearl inlays and multiple contrasting wood bindings adorn the entire instrument; at this early production point Paramount's inlay work was exceptionally fine. This early model Leader has the rarely-seen first version of the Paramount tailpiece and the early flat style armrest, and the vastly superior original Page geared tuners with milled metal casings- unfortunately replaced a couple of years later with cast versions that are very fragile and often now missing. The Leader was a popular model in the 1920's, but all 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.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.). This banjo is in good original playing condition overall, with some wear and finish work but no major repairs or changes. All hardware is original and complete; it is set up with a plastic head and newer bridge. The very thin original varnish finish is fairly well worn off the back of the neck, and there is an overcoat of French polish to the back and sides of the resonator that is somewhat sloppy but not obnoxious. The originally high, very narrow Paramount frets have been taken down over the years but are still playable, and there is some noticeable divoting to the fingerboard in the first position. The original engraved pearl inlays are better preserved than many, and this banjo looks lovely and has the expected powerful sound in spades. Overall Very Good + Condition.