1920s Clarophone (Gretsch) 4-String Banjo-Mandolin Mod

Overview: This has Clarophone branding at the headstock but was made in the Gretsch factory in New York in the 1920s. The headstock shape, volute at the back of the headstock, and black-circle "air vents" around the rim are dead giveaways as to the make. I've modified it to turn it into a 4-string instrument (rather than 8) as it's kinder to the neck joint, easier to keep in tune, and more fun to play this way. It has "mini tenor banjo" vibes rather than plunk-plonk banjo-mandolin vibes.

Tone: It's got a mellow, easy sound, but with plenty of volume.

Feel: The neck is pretty deep and big but, as I learned on a chunky mandolin neck, I find it right at home.

Interesting features: The non-removable resonator gives it a slick look but made neck attachment an issue as the original "neck brace" was to just stick a thin nail into the dowel. I (sheepishly) drilled a little window so I could fit a neck bolt to tighten all of that up. It's dumb but it works very well. The rim is sturdy ply-maple, the hardware is all good quality, and the neck is a hefty, two-piece maple job with a cool, ruddy, rosewood-like board.

Repairs included: I gave it a level/dress of the frets, side dots, modded the tuners, fit a new bone nut, fit a new ebony/bone saddle bridge, replacement tailpiece, and set it up. It's playing spot-on fast and is ready to go.

• Weight: 3 lbs 6 oz
• Scale length: 13 1/4"
• Nut width: 1 1/8"
• Neck shape: big mild V
• Board radius: flat
• Head diameter: 10"
• Depth overall at rim: 2 1/4"
• Rim wood: ply maple
• Tonering: none
• Bridge: ebony/bone
• Fretboard: rosewood-like (gum?)
• Neck wood: maple 2-piece
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 32w-9
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: lower/smaller

Condition notes: Cosmetically, it's in pretty good order and has only mild wear and tear to the finish for its age. The tailpiece, bridge, and nut are replacements. I've modified the tuners and modified the way the neck is tightened to the rim. The foam under the string-ends at the tailpiece is just to damp overtones and may be removed as desired.

It comes with: Sorry, no case.

Consignor tag: JW