beezaboy - Posted - 08/02/2016:  03:09:34

Matthew - Thank you for Orpheum #1 7201.  I put her into our list.  Estimated 1919.

vintagetenor - Posted - 01/13/2017:  14:34:03

John, I'd like to add # 10320, a No. 3 Special 5-string, to your list.

beezaboy - Posted - 01/13/2017:  17:14:51

Mike - Thanks for 13020.  BHO member Millwheel already reported that one so its in the list.

Maybe we're running out of surviving Orpheums!

KlausWeiland - Posted - 01/22/2017:  11:45:17

Hello, new forum member Klaus. Specifically joined to find out what to do with Orpheum No 1 # 14793 Red tag Lange, Bruno tagged 17 fret tenor banjo ( 4 strings) slight fret overhang, with possible original case, that I found in trash over 30 yrs ago in New Orleans that I originally wanted to convert to 5-strings. It was ....and still is in sad but fixable condition......missing 8 frets , 5 brackets ( but all inlay still exists) no headskin but non magnetic rings still attached. Advise?

PS, John....you have done brilliant work , I second an earlier post advising you to write a paper for some research institution and get at least recognition if not more for your diligence and effort....

PPS....its a "blondie"  12" metal ring

Edited by - KlausWeiland on 01/22/2017 11:55:08

beezaboy - Posted - 01/23/2017:  05:42:24

Hello Klaus and welcome to banjohangout.

Thanks for Orpheum #1 tenor banjo #14793.  I will add her to our list.

I'm all thumbs myself and don't know how handy you are with banjo refurb.

If you want to keep the banjo I would take some photos and contact BHO member Bob Smakula and ask his advise and perhaps services:

smakula.com/

​If not a keeper you could sell it for parts here on BHO classifieds and/or Ebay.

The banjo needs work so someone will have to do it to preserve the instrument.

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 01/25/2017:  08:57:04

John - the first Orpheum ever in my workshop popped up today - they are extremely rare over here.

A #1 tenor - SN 9832:

Polle

beezaboy - Posted - 01/25/2017:  15:24:33

Polle - Thank you for Orpheum tenor 9832 and for the excellent photos of the pertinent parts.

I am amazed this Orpheum is the first to come into your hands considering all the banjo brands you have worked on.

John

G Edward Porgie - Posted - 01/26/2017:  08:00:38

Welcome, Klaus.

Please do follow John's advice about your Orpheum.  From your description, it sounds as though it can be repaired, but pictures would be a better indicator. 

I wish I could find an Orpheum in the trash. I usually only come up with cigarette butts, torn Lotto tickets, and mangled beer cans.

KlausWeiland - Posted - 01/26/2017:  12:15:48

not a question of thumbs.....but time.....thank you John when I have more time I'll contact Bob. and Thanks George too....yes its eminently repairable.....but time to focus on that is just not available.....I'll post pics in a week or too when things are not quite so hectic here

Edited by - KlausWeiland on 01/26/2017 12:19:58