Banjo Hangout Logo
Banjo Hangout Logo

Premier Sponsors

471
Banjo Lovers Online


Jan 20, 2025 - 7:58:32 AM
6260 posts since 12/20/2005

These have caught my attention recently. Magnificent looking banjos.
I see most in 4 string, a few 5 strings.

I’ve searched the internet till my fingers bleed, but I haven’t found one.

Back in the 20’s, most mfg’s made at least a few.

Jan 20, 2025 - 8:13:46 AM

8667 posts since 9/21/2007

You will find that most of the tenors are conversions from 5 strings. This is the one unique example of a banjo that is worth more as a tenor than as a 5 string.

Jan 20, 2025 - 9:10:02 AM

338 posts since 2/21/2012

hello Leslie, as a long time collector of Clifford Essex Banjos, in over 50 years
I have NEVER seen a 6string Paragon. Also none mentioned in their catalogues..

Jan 20, 2025 - 9:43:34 AM

csacwp

USA

3478 posts since 1/15/2014

I'll second what Keith said - as someone with a longtime interest in these banjos (though not as long as Keith!), I've never seen or heard of a six-string Paragon.

Jan 20, 2025 - 10:46 AM

6260 posts since 12/20/2005

Appreciate the response.
If I wanted to have a neck made for one, would that be fairly easy and doable, for an experienced neck builder
I’d have to have it done, that would be way beyond my capabilities.

Jan 20, 2025 - 10:51:49 AM
Players Union Member

Eric A

USA

1951 posts since 10/15/2019

The last thing I remember ordering from Clifford Essex was some strings that I couldn't find anywhere else. But then they were out of business? But then they weren't? I don't know.

Jan 20, 2025 - 11:29:55 AM
likes this

csacwp

USA

3478 posts since 1/15/2014

quote:
Originally posted by Leslie R

Appreciate the response.
If I wanted to have a neck made for one, would that be fairly easy and doable, for an experienced neck builder
I’d have to have it done, that would be way beyond my capabilities.


It'd be doable, but if you'd want it to reflect the Paragon style accurately, it wouldn't be easy. The Paragon necks have unique binding and inlays, among other things. I'd reach out to some of the guys in Ireland who convert 5-string Paragons to tenors to find out which luthiers they work with.

Jan 20, 2025 - 1:29:11 PM

28473 posts since 6/25/2005

Interesting about the conversions. I had a chance once to buy a nice 5-string Paragon at a good price, but passed because it just didn’t have a sound I preferred to my Concert Grand for clawhammer.

Jan 20, 2025 - 1:54:08 PM
like this

8667 posts since 9/21/2007

quote:
Originally posted by Eric A

The last thing I remember ordering from Clifford Essex was some strings that I couldn't find anywhere else. But then they were out of business? But then they weren't? I don't know.


The current "new" Clifford Essex really has nothing to do with the original company.  The only connection is that Clem (the founder of the new version) worked for the original CE.

Clem died (why they were out of business), then Clem Jr. decided to keep it going. 

But don't be confused into thinking that they are the same company as the original that closed in the late 1970s, or that they have any claim to Clifford Essex IP.  They are just using the name like Deering and "Vega".

Jan 20, 2025 - 2:27:37 PM
Players Union Member

Eric A

USA

1951 posts since 10/15/2019

quote:
Originally posted by Joel Hooks
quote:
Originally posted by Eric A

The last thing I remember ordering from Clifford Essex was some strings that I couldn't find anywhere else. But then they were out of business? But then they weren't? I don't know.


The current "new" Clifford Essex really has nothing to do with the original company.  The only connection is that Clem (the founder of the new version) worked for the original CE.

Clem died (why they were out of business), then Clem Jr. decided to keep it going. 

But don't be confused into thinking that they are the same company as the original that closed in the late 1970s, or that they have any claim to Clifford Essex IP.  They are just using the name like Deering and "Vega".

 


Hey, this helps, thanks. 

I know I ordered some wound 3rd strings that were not available anywhere else, and they also had some bridges and tailpieces of interest.    No idea what they have currently.

Jan 21, 2025 - 12:06:44 AM
like this

HSmith

UK

609 posts since 12/30/2005

Hi
I too have admired the Clifford Essex Paragon model since I first became interested in banjos in about 1970. I used to visit the Clifford Essex shop in London's Earlham Street several times a year, and bought my first banjo there from Clem Vickery. I've never owned a Paragon as bluegrass is my prime interest and the Paragon doesn't quite have the necessary volume/tone, although I've seen them played in bluegrass bands (in the UK).
In all my years, I've never seen a Paragon with a guitar neck, nor seen mention of that as an option in catalogues. I imagine that a skilled luthier could make a suitable neck in the Paragon style, I guess you'd also need a custom tailpiece and bridge.
Here in the UK, Dave Stacey is an acknowledged expert on Paragons and has worked on countless examples. He's a member here, so perhaps you could contact him to discuss the practicality (or not) of what you need?

Jan 21, 2025 - 8:10:42 AM

6260 posts since 12/20/2005

Mr Smith and everyone else, I appreciate your responses. Very helpful.

Jan 21, 2025 - 10:52:32 AM

338 posts since 2/21/2012

Hi Leslie, You could also try Tom Cussens in Galway ,Ireland,
He makes many Paragon conversion necks, from scratch !

Jan 21, 2025 - 11:10:25 AM

6260 posts since 12/20/2005

I don’t yet have one. Been looking online, but I don’t see any for sale. I’m only thinking about this for the moment. I’m sure if I decide to go with it, I’ll find something.
I know the Paragon has tunnels going through the rim. I do have a banjo with that feature, a Paramount Triple X. It’s got the resonator with the funny little side clips. Has a distinct sound that I kinda like.
Seems like I once read there were 3 companies back in the 20’s that made a banjo with the rim tunnels.
I can’t remember who the 3rd was, if there was one.
The Paragon appears to be a beast of a very cool banjo.

Jan 23, 2025 - 10:47:10 AM

338 posts since 2/21/2012

I have a ce Paragon 5-string available for sale !

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent
Copyright 2025 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.





Hangout Network Help

View All Topics  |  View Categories

0.203125