dickiedidoe - Posted - 08/29/2012:  15:09:24

Is £300 to much for a Clifford Essex 5string reasonable condition model unknown?
Any idea on the model
Popped the pics on my profile

Many thanks hangouters

BDCA - Posted - 08/29/2012:  16:06:54

I paid $125 for a 5 string Clifford Essex Paragon worth today, around £2000 +- Some of the low end models in poor condition may only be worth £300. All depends on the specific model.

Cya!

Bob

banjonz - Posted - 08/29/2012:  19:08:18

Yours looks newer than the golden era of CE banjos (prewar). You one doesn't appear in my archival info. I suspect it is much more modern (certainly post 1950's).

Bill Rogers - Posted - 08/29/2012:  22:23:04

I think that price is ok for that banjo, though it won't hurt to try to work it down a bit.  Like BDCA, I don't recognize the model, but it surely looks to be an Essex.

Stephen John Prior - Posted - 08/30/2012:  02:34:36

Looks like a good quality Essex. Is the neck maple ? If it has no playing issues i'd say it was a fair price.

5stringJim - Posted - 08/30/2012:  03:32:13

I'd jump on that, at that price. Looks very like a Paragon pot, right shape of resonator. Never seen a neck like that, or resonator veneer like that.

BDCA - Posted - 08/30/2012:  03:36:41

It has some Paragon type parts including the tension hoop, possibly the tone ring and some of the inlays. My guess it was made as a high end open back with either a pop on, pop off resonator or one added later since there is no flange. It is definitely worth the £300 asking price, especially if you can bargain a bit.

Cya!

Bob

dickiedidoe - Posted - 08/31/2012:  00:37:46

Thanks hangouters,

I wanted this to be my first vintage banjo..however I'm now sadly 300 miles away from the said shop, the banjo was already reduced from 425 and I got the impression that they wouldn't move any further..

I thought it looked good, I didn't try and play it and I would and to go back and get it now would cost big time in fuel..:-(..

so thanks for all your help its been real interesing.

if any other hangouters are near Callander Scotland they will find it in an antique place on the Stirling Raod A84, I'm sure this banjo still has a bright future.. it would be great to see it in the right hands

happy picking
all the best
Dickie