JOHN GREY TENOR BANJO

This British made  pre war (c. 1930s) 19 fret tenor banjo is a real stunner. It features a walnut neck with heavily inlaid headstock and elaborate fretboard inlays and  a scalloped tension hoop similar to the Clifford Essex Paragon. The resonator boasts stunning ornate and multi- coloured metalwork called Benares as does the rim. It has a substantial tone ring and a Silver Bell style stamped flange resulting in a great tone from this instrument. All hardware with the exception of 4 odd hooks and nuts is original including the 'John Grey and sons London'  engraved armrest, tailpiece and geared tuners. I personally feel that it has one of the most tastefully shaped headstocks I've seen and that the neck is one of the most comfortable I have ever played. Straight neck, perfect frets and superb action. This one has just had a gentle clean and a set up with new irish tenor banjo strings. The head is a good quality calf skin head which sounds great. Comes with a period hard case which could be original but can't be sure. This instrument comes from the famous collection of Akira Tsumara and is featured on page 134 of his book: 'Banjo - The Tsumara Collection (1920 -1940)' Price: £1100

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