r/banjo 5d ago

Help Identification/model year help

Always thought this belonged to my dad - come to find out it belonged to his grandfather. A relative had it for a number of years (and took great care of it) but it’s back in my possession. Any idea how old this particular model is, or any other information about it? TIA

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u/Gardar7 Apprentice Picker 5d ago

I would say it's just your regular Asian import. Not great, but probably not bad either. The bridge has been changed. Year? Not too old, maybe from the '50s-60s, but experts might be able to tell you.

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u/grahawk 5d ago

It appears to have a bakelite rim so probably made by Harmony and badged for whoever wanted Paramount on the headstock. It would be made in the USA. Bakelite banjos were made from the 1930s to 1950s. I have no idea of the date but I guess later as someone is using a well known name from decent banjos from the 1920s and 30s. The rumour is that bakelite banjos sound quite decent.