Please click the small image
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Clifford Essex banjos I've seen have also had the curious blank "shield" peghead inlay. I presume an owner's name might be an optional engraving there. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FRETS.COM
Museum
A classic British 5-string banjo
1912 Essex Concert Grand
© Frank Ford, 1999; Photos by FF
A "Whyte Laydie on steroids" - that's what this banjo's owner calls it.
He's right, too. Clearly adapted directly from the famous Fairbanks-Vega Whyte Laydie,
this English banjo is a bit more substantial in every area. The neck is a bit wider,
the shell is a little thicker, the bracket band, tonering, and tension hoop are a
heavier, and even the tailpiece is more robust. But, this is no clunky banjo. To
quote its owner again, "I bought it at Lundberg's in Berkeley and chose it over
a couple of original Whyte Laydies because it sounded better."
Please click the small image
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Clifford Essex banjos I've seen have also had the curious blank "shield" peghead inlay. I presume an owner's name might be an optional engraving there. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I'm particularly fond of the nicely fluted or scalloped tension
hoop, a detail common to other Essex models. I also like the tailpiece, mounted to
the tension hoop, and adjustable in height.
Back to Museum Main Page
Back to Index Page
