Was the Leader ever Gold Plated?

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For those who own or would like to own a Paramount banjo

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From shamrogues on 10/27/2015 6:02:39 PM

I've been offered a Paramount Leader which is Gold Plated. I wasn't aware that the Leader model was ever Gold Plated so I'm curious.

Does anyone have any information to offer?

12 Comments
mosco says: 10/27/2015 6:20:37 PM Since they were not originally gold plated, the most likely answer is that at some time in its life, someone decided to "upgrade" it a bit.
	shamrogues says: 10/27/2015 6:38:28 PM That's what I suspected. Thank you very much
	shamrogues says: 10/27/2015 6:43:30 PM That's what I suspected. Thank you very much
	rudykizuty says: 10/28/2015 3:17:17 AM According to my copy of the 1926 catalog, yes, the Leader was available with gold plating at an added cost. Of course, that doesn't rule out the possibility that this particular specimen has been upgraded since new.
	rudykizuty says: 10/28/2015 5:45:45 AM More info garnered from the catalog: In addition to gold plating, the upgrades to the "Leader Special" included Pearl tuner buttons as opposed to the ivoroid buttons fitted on the standard model. This may lend a hint as to the originality, perhaps.
	shamrogues says: 10/28/2015 6:17:02 AM Thank you very much, when I asked the gentleman if he knew how it came to be gold plated that's exactly what he told me - that it was an option at an added cost. So is this a Leader Special then or an upgraded Leader?
MickeBanjo says: 10/28/2015 10:45:16 PM The "Leader Special" says so on the peghead. Just sold mine - best sonding Paramount I ever had.
MickeBanjo says: 10/28/2015 10:45:42 PM The "Leader Special" says so on the peghead. Just sold mine - best sounding Paramount I ever had.
mosco says: 10/28/2015 10:52:43 PM Rudykizuty: Is the catalog you were referring to a reprint that is currently available? Mine is a 1923 reproduction from many years ago, and I was wondering if anyone was still doing reprints of catalogs from various companies from that era. Thanks
	rudykizuty says: 10/29/2015 3:10:25 AM mosco: The copy I have is an old reprint that was produced some time back in the 70's or early 80's. I am not aware of it being available in print anywhere today. However, there are catalogs available to view via download at AcousticMusic.org. Enjoy.
mosco says: 10/29/2015 7:19:38 AM Thanks, Rudy; That is about the time frame when I got my catalog reprint, but it has no mention of the upgrades available for the Leader nor the Leader Special. Since the only date mentioned in the catalog was on an endorsement letter dated 1923, I assumed it was that year's catalog, but it could be from a year or so later. It seems like it was represented as a 1923 catalog when I bought it. I'll check out that website; thanks for the link.
	rudykizuty says: 10/29/2015 7:26:10 AM Correct. The earlier catalog does not offer the upgrade.
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