>One of the rarest and most desirable instruments of the jazz era is this gorgeous Epiphone banjo. Not only does it possess the perfect tone for a jazz or swing ensemble, but some top of the line decorative appointments.Traveling down the ornate fretboard, we encounter mother of pearl, engraved inlays of intricate design. The side of the neck has ivoroid binding combined with a wood marquetry design, culminating in a gorgeous heel carving. The resonator is equally spectacular, constructed of walnut with a rosette pattern in the center utilizing alternating strips of wood marquetry, surrounded by an inlaid wood motif which echoes the neck binding, as does the edge of the resonator. All metal parts are gold-plated and engraved, including the deluxe Grover tuners resplendent with their genuine mother of pearl buttons. The instrument is in excellent original condition throughout with just a hint of wear on the frets, and some tarnishing of the plating on the “clover leaf” resonator flange. The neck is straight, but perhaps the best feature is that wonderful jazz age tone which emerges effortlessly from this rare and beautiful Epiphone banjo with original hard shell case.