1923 Bacon Style C "Orchestra" Openback Tenor Banjo

This is an earlier Groton-made Bacon tenor banjo. This style of instrument immediately superseded the Vega and Lange-made Bacons which were also in production just before this guy. Being a Style C "Orchestra Model" banjo, it's quite plain compared to other Bacons and has a non-tonering rim and simple, unadorned build. It's very similar in spec to Vega's Style N (student/entry-level) tenor for the same period.

Still, it's well-built and plays and sounds great after a mild round of repairs. Someone else already fit 4:1 geared pegs at the headstock which is far better than the 1:1 original friction pegs it would have come with from the factory. If you're searching for a short-scale, mellow-voiced, easygoing tenor banjo, this is it. If you're looking to punch-out with high volume over a brass band, you might want to look elsewhere.

Repairs included: a fret level/dress, cleaning, various minor adjustments, and setup.

Weight: 4 lbs 5 oz

Scale length: 20 3/4"

Nut width: 1 3/16"

Neck shape: medium V

Board radius: flat

Head diameter: 11”

Depth overall at rim: 2 3/4"

Rim wood: mahogany

Tonering: none (shaped rim top)

Bridge: maple/ebony vintage

Fretboard: ebonized maple (faded)

Neck wood: mahogany

Action height at 12th fret: 1/16” overall (fast, spot-on)
String gauges: 32w, 20w, 13, 9 for CGDA tuning

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: smaller/lower

Condition notes: it's all-original save for the geared tuners which are much more recent. It has a serial number that dates to 1923. The tailpiece is original except for a little repair work which has modified it slightly. There's a little wear to the fretboard and a hairline chip-out crack above the nut in the headstock veneer. There are signatures from college life all over the old skin head. There's various light wear and tear throughout the finish of the body and neck.

It comes with: no case, sorry.