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 ARCHIVED TOPIC: Orpheum No. 2


Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/326880

jpickow - Posted - 01/22/2017:  00:10:42

Hi,



I'm new to the site, and enjoying reading the many interesting posts.  I read a great thread about Orpheum banjos.  I'm thinking of buying one, but I've never seen, and cannot find referance to an Orpheum No. 2 5 string with natural wood headstock, and neck and white binding.  Also the heart inlay under the name is unusual in my limited experience.  It has a Wm. Lange name plate inside the tone ring. Below is a phone pic I snapped of it.



Any info would be appreciated.  Jon



 



No automatic alt text available.


Culloden - Posted - 01/22/2017:  10:02:41

William Lange banjos have no hard and fast rules.  He made banjos under a variety of names and with different styles of decoration. The banjo you picture is unusual but definitely has Lange characteristics. The first fret inlay is typical of Lange. Also, most Lange made banjos that turn up are four string. Five string versions are not that common.



I have no idea about what it is worth. There are other people here on the Hangout with more knowledge of Orpheum banjos than I have. 


jpickow - Posted - 02/03/2017:  12:27:52

Hi Mark,

Thanks for your answer. I took a few more shots of it, and found out the owner is asking $900.00 for it. From what I've seen, that doesn't seem unreasonable. I'd like to ask (you and the world in general) if the other models are considered better, or are the Rettberg and Lange Orpheums more desirable. The action is a little high up the neck, and it's a little brassy sounding, but otherwise as really nice instrument. Also, is the buckling on the heel serious?






 

Culloden - Posted - 02/05/2017:  09:54:57

I am not sure whether Rettberg & Lange is more desirable or not. William Lange made professional grade instruments so you would be getting a well made banjo either way. As far as the price, I am not sure what this would bring because Orpheum is not as familiar to me as some other brands. From what I have been able to glean $900 doesn't sound unreasonable but I would want opinions from other people who are more familiar with Orpheum banjos than I am.



I missed the last question you asked. The buckling on the heel? Are you referring to the scratch marks on the heel cap? Those are not structural and would have no serious effect on value.


Edited by - Culloden on 02/05/2017 09:58:15

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