1920s Paramount (Lange) Style B Melody Banjo

Proper melody or "tango banjos" like this 15 1/4" scale fella are pretty dang rare. They're like tenor banjos but have an even shorter scale length and can be used either for CGDA tuning or mandolin GDAE tuning. I use them for the latter when they're in the shop as I think it suits the format best and I love 4-string mandolin-type instruments of all sorts.

This is a full-on Paramount Style B with all the fittings and trim and a full-size rim and resonator but with a short, adorable neck. It's in great shape and, after a bit of work, plays effortlessly and sounds a treat.

Repairs included: a fret level/dress and setup.

Weight: 8 lbs 15 oz

Scale length: 15 1/4"

Nut width: 1 3/16"

Neck shape: slim-medium soft V

Board radius: flat

Head diameter: 11 1/8"

Resonator diameter: 13 1/4"

Depth overall at rim: 3 1/4"

Rim wood: maple

Tonering: archtop/complicated

Bridge: repro Grover-style

Fretboard: rosewood

Neck wood: mahogany

Action height at 12th fret: 1/16” overall (fast, spot-on)
String gauges: 32w-9 extra-light mandolin strings

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: low/small

Condition notes: it's entirely original except for the bridge where the hardware is concerned. The finish has either been oversprayed or it's been refinished throughout, however. It looks really authentic in coloration so I'm guessing the former. This was really typical in the '80s and '90 for these guys when trad-jazz folks got a hold of them for band use. That said, though, it looks gorgeous.

It comes with: an old chip case.