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Dogface - Posted - 08/23/2009: 18:52:41
Can anyone and everyone comment on how you like the tone of the Orpheum tenors. They are 17 fret only but I can deal with that. Open back..OK. Arch top...great ! And a precursor to the Paramount which gives me hope. I might just like them ! Volume I don't need so no problem there.
I basically like the arch top banjos' crack and pop but I also like the old B&D sound for the same reason. One of the best I ever played was a 1925 Gibson ball bearing. My fave right now, though, is an Ode style F with flat top.
All that is just to give you an idea what I like so you can tell me if I might like the Orph's ?
Thanks,
Mark
If there are no dogs in heaven then when I die I want to go where they went...
Will Rogers
mainejohn - Posted - 08/24/2009: 05:33:37
I don't have a tenor, so I'm a bit off-subject, but as no one else has jumped in yet, I thought I'd offer my $.02. I acquired my #1 Orpheum plectrum about 2-3 months ago on an even swap for a guitar. I have it set up with a Bill Miller skin head, as I was looking for an authentic, pre-resonator, late teens/early 20's plunky sound. I have two other resonated plecs with mylar heads, so I have the volume when I need it with those instruments. My Orpheum works well around the house or with a guitar, but I'm not sure it would hold up well in a band setting considering it has no reso along with having it set up with plectrum lite strings. I think the tone would probably lend itself best to a clawhammer-style 5 string. Considering the workmanship, eye appeal, and sweet tone, I think Orpheum 4 strings are very undervalued as I see #1's sell in the range of $350-$450. I'll be interested to hear comments from tenor owners.
Cheers,
John Coleman
Scarborough, Maine
Edited by - mainejohn on 08/24/2009 05:35:58
Dogface - Posted - 08/24/2009: 08:23:32
John,
Thanks for your reply. I agree that they seem to be somewhat undervalued. My purpose for one would be just around the house or a camping trip, etc. I don't play in any bands so that would not matter. Since I posted the thread I have found an internet page on some of the history of them. They really seem to be the precursor to Paramounts which I really like. I really like the look and always have liked arch top sound. I think with a milky mylar head a tenor might have some ring and pop to it. Volume does not matter to me. The #2 and 3 are pretty nice looking as well.
Thanks,
Mark
If there are no dogs in heaven then when I die I want to go where they went...
Will Rogers
mikeyes - Posted - 08/24/2009: 09:13:24
The few I have onwed or seen have been plunky and not very loud. The tone is pleasant but not like a Paramount. They do have some problems with de-lamination of the rims, but that is easily fixed, at least the one time I had the problem it was easy to fix. All th ones I had were #1s.
Mike Keyes
banjosessions.com
mikekeyes.com
Ronnie - Posted - 08/24/2009: 18:01:59
An old music store in my home town went out of business a couple of years ago. They had a 1920's (?) Orpheum #1 tenor still in stock. I need to find out what happened to that banjo!!!!!
bobbythompsonbanjo.com
claybanjo - Posted - 08/25/2009: 18:19:09
FWIW, there is an Orpheum plectrum with a resonator for sale near me for $999.00
"Seldom turns out the way it does in the song" RH
beezaboy - Posted - 08/25/2009: 18:32:47
Mark - I'm going to chime in with generalities altho I have an Orpheum #1 17 fret tenor banjo but have not set it up to play. I have accumulated a number of 17 fret open back tenor banjos from the New York City mfgers and find them all wanting. The Orpheum is attractive to look at as are some of my others but the fingerboards seems cramped when going from the 19 fret tenor and it is somewhat like holding a toy when playing. The voices are uniformally subdued when compared to a resonated tenor. The tone rings in my 17 fretters are not as substantial as the later 19 fret models and the 17 fret models are all much lighter than the resonated 19 fret models. I just never felt any feeling of satisfaction after a session on the 17 fret open backs and have not thought they were fun to play. Perhaps one of the expensive B&D Silver Bell 17 fret tenors with a substantial tone ring and resonator might be different but that's Groton and I don't have one of those to compare. Perhaps the reason Orpheums are "undervalued" is because they're really not that good and they do not compare favorably with the Paramounts. Mr. Lange changed his strategic plan in about 1922 and probably for good reason.
Beezaboy
Edited by - beezaboy on 08/25/2009 18:34:28
Dogface - Posted - 08/26/2009: 08:22:20
Beeze,
Thanks for your input. I knew you had somewhat of a collection and would know what I wanted to find out. They are attractive to me...esp. the #3. With all you add, though, I'll pass on the one I was thinking of.
Thanks,
Mark
If there are no dogs in heaven then when I die I want to go where they went...
Will Rogers
mainejohn - Posted - 08/26/2009: 14:24:48
Beezaboy said: " Perhaps the reason Orpheums are "undervalued" is because they're really not that good and they do not compare favorably with the Paramounts. Mr. Lange changed his strategic plan in about 1922 and probably for good reason."
...very good point. I had a Paramount plectrum for years and it definitely sounded better than my Orpheum plec. I guess I'm in love with the Orpheum looks rather than substance, which has also been my downfall with (some) women!
Cheers,
John Coleman
Scarborough, Maine
beezaboy - Posted - 08/26/2009: 14:44:31
Agreed, Gentlemen. The Orpheum banjos are comely. Beauty, however, is only skin deep (cliche of the day!). As I have been collecting banjos this past year for the NYC collection I have learned a truth. Play 'em before you buy 'em. I have been disappointed more than elated. Best practice if you are a distance away from the banjo of your dreams is to buy from a dealer who offers a return policy and save the box and stuffing when it arrives so you are prepared to send it back next day. You'll know after 10 minutes if the banjo is a keeper. Or, take a flyer and have a luthier available to fix the gremlins and be darned the expense thereof. I have 4 banjos at Jason Burns in Birmingham right now getting neurosurgery from an expert. With those, I liked them enough to go to the trouble and expense of turning them into actual musical instruments again.
Beezaboy
rudykizuty - Posted - 08/26/2009: 15:30:39
quote:
Originally posted by mainejohn
I guess I'm in love with the Orpheum looks rather than substance, which has also been my downfall with (some) women!
We've all been there. Anthony Herner --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- You have to practice even to be lousy -- Jack Benny
Dogface - Posted - 08/26/2009: 15:36:27
Indeed :))
Thanks,
Mark
If there are no dogs in heaven then when I die I want to go where they went...
Will Rogers
Frailin Dave - Posted - 10/30/2009: 10:40:34
I recently acquired an Orpheum number 3 "Special". It has a larger pot than the #1 and 2's and more inlay of course.
But as to the sound..... mine with new strings and old calfskin head gives a somewhat muted sound/tone. And it seems if you strum hard the strings all blend into a more mushy sound than say maybe a wildwood tenor with resonator back.
They certainly have a different sound but when played by the right person a classic sound from days gone by.
I may sell this banjo by the way. I sort of ended up with two tenors when I only wanted one and I plan to keep the Wildwood alto since I love my 5 string wildwood so very much!
Wildwood banjos rule.
mainejohn - Posted - 10/31/2009: 04:46:25
Dave...is your #3 a 5 string or 4? My Orpheum plec is my #1 "around-the-house" player, but if I'm playing out, I take my PB-250 or my Whyte Laydie. The Orpheum has the most "playable" neck of the three, but it's too subdued and plunky to hold it's own in a band environment.
Cheers,
John Coleman
Scarborough, Maine
Edited by - mainejohn on 10/31/2009 04:49:26
Frailin Dave - Posted - 11/02/2009: 06:32:12
It's a four stringer. I wish it was a 5. I'm new to tenor banjo and so I don't know all the chords and such, but I find the Orpheum neck okay in some ways like reaching more notes and in some ways I like the wider neck and longer frets of the Wildwood. Wildwood is 22 frets so of course it has a big ol' long neck.
Wildwood banjos rule.
NYCJazz - Posted - 11/02/2009: 12:51:07
Dave please some photos of your Orpheum.
You don't have to tune your Orpheum like a tenor.
I've taken plectrum strings and tuned my tenor CGBD no prob.
I even tuned my Mandolin GDF#A once.
Edited by - NYCJazz on 11/03/2009 07:19:52
Frailin Dave - Posted - 11/02/2009: 13:08:15
Yah I thought about just tuning both to cgbd but then I could just play any of that on my current 5 stringer. I felt I should broaden my banjo horizons however the more I do the more I feel like clawhammer 5-string is what I like best. I like the rythem, the percussion of letting my thumb hit the head.... single notes and strums and a beat all in one. 5 string clawhammer is like 3 instruments at once.
I have some photos but they do not seem to want to attach. I plan to list the Orpheum and will post really good pics there. It's quite stunning.
Wildwood banjos rule.
Bassora - Posted - 11/05/2009: 16:39:25
quote:
Originally posted by NYCJazz
You don't have to tune your Orpheum like a tenor.
I've taken plectrum strings and tuned my tenor CGBD no prob.
I have an Orpheum No. 1 that I love to play. When I procured this banjo the person who sold it to me told me that the strings and tuning I was using (based on "C") was the "old-style tuning" called plectrum from the earlier part of the last century. He said if I wanted to tune it like my mandolins (based on "G") I would need to change strings; he called it "Irish tenor" tuning. Either way, I've tried other tenor and plectrum banjos. They either have a dull sound (at least to my ear) or had serious tuning issues. Yes, I still prefer my Orpheum. The silver disc resonator that was on it (looks like a 'moon' hubcap) was removed because it was too loud. Yes, this Orpheum can definitely be heard. By the way, I play old-time music on it in a stringband and as a soloist, and even play duets with a 5-string banjo player. Long live the Orpheum. Bassora
PHIL WILKING - Posted - 11/17/2009: 00:31:49
I have a "Super Orpheum 3" tenor banjo with 19 frets. It has a best grade "Clifford Essex (English skin) Vellum" head. When the head has been properly stabilized in temperature and humidity (God bless air conditioning) and properly tensioned, this is the sweetest sounding banjo I have, and I have several first class instruments.
It was obviously designed as an open back. The factory resonator is as well made as all Lange's wood work is, but it plainly is an afterthought. The tuners are not original, so I can't speak about that.
Phil Wilking
TylerJackson10er - Posted - 11/17/2009: 23:38:20
My very first banjo was an Orpheum 2. 17 frets. I loved it. I think as far as open-back banjos are concerned they're the best. If you find one in good condition BUY it. I have to agree with Phil. They are super sweet sounding and high quality. I think they are 'undervalued' for sure. When set up the correct way, they're hard to beat.
Tyler
Tyler Jackson
Dogface - Posted - 11/18/2009: 07:22:39
If I were to run across a 19 fret one I'd likely jump on it. There was one on ebay several months ago...out of Houston I think....I just let it go. Wish now I hadn't.
Thanks,
Mark
If there are no dogs in heaven then when I die I want to go where they went...
Will Rogers
Frailin Dave - Posted - 11/18/2009: 08:53:02
I actually have the same model for sale right now on the Hangout for $875.
Wildwood banjos rule.
Frailin Dave - Posted - 11/18/2009: 08:57:51
Maybe I should take off my tag line saying Wildwoods rule.
The one I have for sale is in very good shape, an excellent player, no neck issues at all, many pics, original case. Link is.
banjohangout.org/classifieds/d...cid=12062
Thanks. Frailin Dave.
Wildwood banjos rule.
Bassora - Posted - 11/18/2009: 12:08:58
It would be nice to have an Orpheum #3, but I still like my Orpheum #1. Here's a picture of it from the front and a picture of its backside.
 
Yeah, I really enjoy playing my old tenor banjo. ' '
I do have a question: Does anyone know if there's a name for the type of resonator that's on the back of my Orpheum? I've always called it a 'Moon Hubcap' but there must be a real name for the style.
Bassora Mo
from the Muddy Mo
out with the old, in with the older
Edited by - Bassora on 11/18/2009 12:10:53
matrixbanjo - Posted - 11/19/2009: 07:42:24
I have an Orpheum #2 plectrum, that I got from Vinnie Mondello. I have a remo plastic head on it, snuffy smith 4 string bridge, and I have the head tuned tight. It has a pleasing sound, I have used it in a band situation, with a shure 57, and it holds its own.
banjokid1 - Posted - 11/19/2009: 18:39:50
Orpheums IMHO are among the most beautiful banjos in the world. Not a lot of people know that they often used snail shell for their inlays.
They ARE underpriced, but not popular due to the fact that they are not as loud as Paramounts, Vegas, Gibsons etc.
banjokid1 - Posted - 11/19/2009: 18:40:14
Orpheums IMHO are among the most beautiful banjos in the world. Not a lot of people know that they often used snail shell for their inlays.
They ARE underpriced, but not popular due to the fact that they are not as loud as Paramounts, Vegas, Gibsons etc.
tenorman86 - Posted - 11/20/2009: 07:14:51
my orpheum 1 open back 17 fret tenor has become my favorite. I have it tuned irish
tuning and can play it without swmbo complaining. would like to replace the friction tuning pegs with geared pegs, any suggestions.
pete
Frailin Dave - Posted - 11/20/2009: 07:22:28
I have seen them with Grover guitar tuners, but there might be better solutions. Grovers do work well.
mainejohn - Posted - 11/20/2009: 09:55:44
quote:
Originally posted by tenorman86
my orpheum 1 open back 17 fret tenor has become my favorite. I have it tuned irish
tuning and can play it without swmbo complaining. would like to replace the friction tuning pegs with geared pegs, any suggestions.
pete
I have a #1 plectrum, which came with friction tuners and 3/16" holes. I carefully reamed out the holes to 5/16, and installed the small shaft planetaries available at Elderly and other places.
Granpdas Spells - Posted - 11/25/2009: 11:04:54
quote:
Originally posted by TylerJackson10er
My very first banjo was an Orpheum 2. 17 frets. I loved it. I think as far as open-back banjos are concerned they're the best.
Same here, first banjo was an Orpheum 2, and they're great. I wish they had truss rods, but a fine banjo.
Mike_O - Posted - 11/25/2009: 17:41:31
Bassora
The spin on resonator on your No. 1 looks like an Elton...at least that's what I've known them to be called. I'm currently trying to find one for my No. 1..I think they're pretty cool looking. ;O)
Regards,
Mike
Stoneyjohn - Posted - 11/27/2009: 04:01:42
I have an 17 fret open back Orpheum No1 Tenor with a 12,1/8" pot and a mylar frosted head. It is tuned in Irish tuning GDAE and it is seriously loud. It was'nt always so loud the secret is in the setup, make sure the neck is good tight to the rim, the head and every thing else need to be good and tight also the choice of bridge is important. The banjo can compete with my 1928 Vega professional for volume but I prefer to play my Vega most of the time, I dont know why exactly. It may be because I prefer playing on a 19 fret banjo it feels more of a proper instrument.
Bassora - Posted - 11/28/2009: 17:39:13
On Thanksgiving Day, we decided to do a duet with two banjos.
I played my Orpheum #1 without the Elton resonator (thanks to Mike_O for resonator info) and "Whyteman" played his 5-string Whyte Laydie on the old-tyme tune "Needlecase".
I think these two instruments sounded really good together.
Here's a link to the video to see my Orpheum in action (as accompanist) but the video is stolen by a couple of dogs who decide to make a surprise appearance.
youtube.com/watch?v=IZCAxLMALHM
Bassora
still plucking by the Big Mo -- old tyme all the time
Bassora - Posted - 11/28/2009: 20:19:00
I was listening to the Down Yonder radio program hosted by Keith Dudding on KDHX today. They played a John Hartford song titled "Old Joe Clark" with the following verse:
quote:
Well I need an old Orpheum 5-string
with a 12 inch open back pot
So the next time you go to the attic
Look and see what you got
Okay, so it mentions an Orpheum with FIVE strings. At least it mentions Orpheum, and I can't immediately think of any other song that mentions Orpheum. Bassora playing her Orpheum by the Big Mo 
punch - Posted - 11/29/2009: 05:36:01
Sounds cool. What tuning are you using Bassora?
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