VINTAGE CONTESSA (FRAMUS) 5 STRING BANJO

Description

VINTAGE CONTESSA (FRAMUS) 5 STRING BANJO
.
For your consideration is this vintage Framus Contessa five string banjo.
Framus started building stringed instruments in West Germany almost as soon as WW II ended and stopped in 1975.
They built 4 string, 5 string and 6 string banjos.
It’s not clear exactly when they started the “Contessa” line, but it’s fair to say it started and ended in the 1960’s.
The tail-piece is marked “Made in West Germany”.
These banjos are known for their opulent yet light weight aluminum trim as well as their thin necks.
Somewhat overlooked is the radiused fingerboard and multi-laminated necks, done for strength and to prevent warping. This neck’s angle is easily adjusted as well.
This banjo measures about 40 inches overall and has 22 frets.
The width of the fret board is1 3/16 inch at the nut and 1 5/8 inch at the end of the fret board.
The pot is 11 inches.
A new Elite head, I believe an Amber, was installed about 5 years ago.
A new bridge was installed at the same time.
Other than that, this banjo is complete and all original.
The banjo could use a good cleaning and polishing.
There is some staining under the varnish at the heel, and a couple small bumps on the down side of the neck near the heel.
This instrument comes with no case.
I would say that it has a very bright tone and good volume.
I would call my hands medium in size, neither large nor small (size 9 glove).
I find the thin neck with low action make this banjo easy to play.
Additional specific pictures upon request.
I will answer any questions you may have.
Given the age and type of this instrument, it is sold “AS IS”, with no guarantee or warranty implied or offered.
Sorry, no returns or refunds will be considered for any reason.