For those who appreciate these unique tenor banjos from the 1920s. Website: http://www.lockyphoto.com/triplexbanjo/

20 Members, Created 11/22/2012 -

Administrators: David Locky (owner)

New Group for Lange Triple-X Banjo Appreciators

From David Locky on 11/26/2012 11:34:16 AM

Greetings All,

This may never be a large group but I feel the need to provide a forum for appreciators of the Lange Triple-X Banjo. I am not an expert but hope to build on the expertise of others who regularly post on the Banjo Hangout and other forums.

In my opinion, the Triple-X banjo is a high quality, cleverly-designed, unique-sounding, resonator banjo. It was made by William L. Lange Co. exclusively for Henry Stadlmair Co., both of New York. It was intended for the mid-priced tenor banjo market in the waning days of the tenor banjo craze in the mid-1920s. The Triple-X was only produced from early 1924 until late 1926. However, it was marketed heavily in the U.S. and Canada, and possibly Britain and Europe. Triple-Xs were purportedly made in tenor, five string, four string plectrum, and banjo-mandolin styles! To my knowledge only the tenor (17 fret and the 19 fret “Professional”) and banjo-mandolin styles are in evidence. The models of these styles were purportedly A, B, C, & D, although examples of C and D have not surfaced.

We need much more information on this.

Being Lange-made, they were high quality for the money. Lange and his outfit contributed to a variety of unique designs and the Triple-X is no exception. The tone ring system with 20 1.5 inch tubes transmitting the tone from a hollow ring on top through the pot and into the chamber and near the close-fitting resonator has been adapted and integrated into at least two other banjos designs (lot's already posted and more later). The unique tone produced may not be loud, but is has been called sublime, complex, and sweet.

As the tone is a little quiet I would like to be able to trade tips and tricks on how to accentuate the Triple-X tone (heads, bridges, etc.). Perhaps current Triple-X owners can post here. My particular Triple-X is of the later version of the base model A. It has an original skin head (calf or goat -- it is almost transparent) and friction tuners. I'll eventually post some sound clips or videos demonstrating the tone for those who are interested. In the interim I'd like to seek the advice of members here in identifying what kind of skin head I have and will post an image soon.

One of our forum members, Jill McAuley has posted a video of her Triple-X early version model A with a Rennaissance head and custom bridge on Youtube and it sounds very good. It will be interesting to compare the sound of my more originally set-up Triple-X to that of hers.

It would be great to hear from others interested keeping the Lange Triple-X banjo from languishing into obscurity, here or otherwise; because there are space limitations in the Groups pages I have set up a Lange Triple-X Banjo web site where I will post more information as it comes to me. It is important to note that I am building on the hard research of some other very resourceful and knowledgeable members who will be appropriately acknowledged! Please check out the Triple-X Banjo Website: http://www.lockyphoto.com/triplexbanjo/. I need to . T 

I already have two individuals sending me images of their beautiful B & A Models that I will eventually post. If you're interested in submitting images of your Triple-X or  have useful information please contact me and I will post it!

Otherwise, please join this group and post your Triple-X images, tips, and stories here.

Best Regards,

DL

4 Comments
	Leslie R says: 9/25/2014 6:22:01 PM Good evening everyone. I purchased a Triple X yesterday. It will not arrive until possibly next week. Honestly, it was the rim design which inspired me to make the purchase. I have located only one recording, which was on YouTube. It was set up as an Irish tenor. I don't recall the musician's name, but he was obviously "proficient". Mine, purchased from Intermountain, was stated to have been made from walnut. It is a plectrum. I might play it as is, though I never learned plectrum. Maybe I could tune it D A F# and D. I actually play 6 string banjo, as in D A F# D A and high F#, G, or A OR G D B G wound D and high G. I wish I could locate more sound files. With a rim design like this, it just about has to be extremely versatile, as far as set-up and sound go. If anyone could steer me to some sound files, I would appeciate it. Thanks All, Leslie
	dave7705 says: 3/31/2017 8:39:36 AM My Triple X is a "B" model. It come to me very much in original condition. It appears to have been played some, but there are no divots on the fingerboard. The head was replaced with a frosted Remo, so that will have to go. The original damaged skin head was in the dilapidated case. It has a 5/8th Grover bridge with the action very high. Tuned CDGA. The original tuners slipped badly, and when I dismantled them realized the upper budge on the tuners had been pulled deep into the peg head. I cleaned the tuners and added a washer on the string side of the tuners, and they seem to be OK now. I discovered today there are two little bits of ebony, about 1 1/2 inches long and perhaps 1/8th inch square on each side of the dowel stick bracket. Don't know what their purpose was or if they are glued in place. One was rattling around in the pot, the other in its place. I will post some additional information and some pictures soon. And when playable, an MP3 perhaps.
	bridgeshome says: 8/3/2017 4:15:03 PM Is there a link to Jill's YouTube post? Doesn't turn up in a search. Also, just acquired what - using info from David's website - appears to be a late model B. However, the resonator and sides on rim look to be walnut, as opposed to mahogany. Sweet sound but very quiet with original skin head, which is why I'd love to hear Jill's banjo video.
	Rumplequins says: 10/2/2019 7:22:33 PM I just received one in the mail. Needs lots of work, I will post updates if anyone’s interested
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