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VINTAGE R H LANE "MODEL W" BANJO, EARLY 70's, GOLD HARDWARE, ORIGINAL CASE, USA
Estimated price for orientation: 10 000 $
Category: Banjos
Class:
Description Brand: R H Lane Exact Year: 1970 Banjo Type: Plectrum Banjo Model: Model W Number of Strings: 5 Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
This "Model W" banjo was aquired from a church member whos husband passed away. It was custom made for her husband in the early 1970's in Atlanta, Georgia by Robert H Lane. Mr. Lane was known for his intricate inlays on different items such as pool tables, furniture and musical instruments. To my knowledge Mr. Lane only built aproximately 4o of these custom banjo's in his career. The banjo is in very good condition with some tarnish. Some of the extras that Mr. Lane added to this particular banjo was gold plated hardware and special inlay work catered towards the original owner. The case is original as well.The following description is from the old R H Lane website; Lane Banjos were made in the 1970's and 80's but were discontinued after about 40 were made. Unlike the guitar, mandolin, or fiddle - which need wood, a bending iron, a form and wood working skills - a banjo requires those elements plus a multitude of metal parts. All those parts have to be cast, machined, polished and plated, and it is difficult to find a foundry who will supply small quantities of castings. When the local foundry went out of business, so did the production of Lane Banjos.Some time later, that incredible picker Raymond Fairchild bought one of the earlier models, liked the sound and contacted Lane Banjos about making a custom-engraved, gold-plated extravaganza to be named the "Whoa, Mule" banjo. After agreeing on a fair price, the banjo was constructed and delivered. Having found a source of quality bronze parts for the metal work, it was decided to again offer Lane Banjos on a limited scale. There are six standard models to select from. But if someone with unlimited funds wants something incredible - like the B, C or the J models - all one has to do is contact RH Lane Decorative Arts, negotiate a price, put down a healthy deposit and the elusive banjo will be duly made. Satisfaction Guaranteed!Now page on and see the finest banjos ever offered.The Lane banjos are made of the finest materials with the most exacting workmanship ever offered. The resonator fits so well that it will actually stay on without the bolts, though it's not recommended. All are made of bell bronze using the Gibson old top tension arrangement. Since the resonator flange is made of bronze you never will have to fear of any stripping. Available in walnut with flat head or arched top. Also available in satinwood for those that want a spectacular grain. And the sound--we are talking the pre-war sound here true believers!!!!All to be nickel plated but engraving and gold plating is available but that would be an additional huge wallop.
Description
| Brand: | R H Lane | Exact Year: | 1970 |
| Banjo Type: | Plectrum Banjo | Model: | Model W |
| Number of Strings: | 5 | Country/Region of Manufacture: | United States |
This "Model W" banjo was aquired from a church member whos husband passed away. It was custom made for her husband in the early 1970's in Atlanta, Georgia by Robert H Lane. Mr. Lane was known for his intricate inlays on different items such as pool tables, furniture and musical instruments. To my knowledge Mr. Lane only built aproximately 4o of these custom banjo's in his career. The banjo is in very good condition with some tarnish. Some of the extras that Mr. Lane added to this particular banjo was gold plated hardware and special inlay work catered towards the original owner. The case is original as well.
The following description is from the old R H Lane website; Lane Banjos were made in the 1970's and 80's but were discontinued after about 40 were made. Unlike the guitar, mandolin, or fiddle - which need wood, a bending iron, a form and wood working skills - a banjo requires those elements plus a multitude of metal parts. All those parts have to be cast, machined, polished and plated, and it is difficult to find a foundry who will supply small quantities of castings. When the local foundry went out of business, so did the production of Lane Banjos.
Some time later, that incredible picker Raymond Fairchild bought one of the earlier models, liked the sound and contacted Lane Banjos about making a custom-engraved, gold-plated extravaganza to be named the "Whoa, Mule" banjo. After agreeing on a fair price, the banjo was constructed and delivered. Having found a source of quality bronze parts for the metal work, it was decided to again offer Lane Banjos on a limited scale. There are six standard models to select from. But if someone with unlimited funds wants something incredible - like the B, C or the J models - all one has to do is contact RH Lane Decorative Arts, negotiate a price, put down a healthy deposit and the elusive banjo will be duly made. Satisfaction Guaranteed!Now page on and see the finest banjos ever offered.The Lane banjos are made of the finest materials with the most exacting workmanship ever offered. The resonator fits so well that it will actually stay on without the bolts, though it's not recommended. All are made of bell bronze using the Gibson old top tension arrangement. Since the resonator flange is made of bronze you never will have to fear of any stripping. Available in walnut with flat head or arched top. Also available in satinwood for those that want a spectacular grain. And the sound--we are talking the pre-war sound here true believers!!!!All to be nickel plated but engraving and gold plating is available but that would be an additional huge wallop.