Tenor resonator banjo
Maker
Ludwig & Ludwig
Date1925-1933 ca.
Place MadeChicao, Illinois, United States, North America
ModelKingston
Serial No.11501
SignedInlaid in cursive imitation mother-of-pearl celluloid on headstock: LudwigStamped on tailpiece: [flower] / Ludwig
MarkingsPainted in black on inlaid imitation mother-of-pearl celluloid scroll on headstock: KINGSTON
Stamped on resonator flange: 11501 / PAT[illeg]END.
Stamped on metal base of tuners: [image of Saturn] · Planet · [image of Saturn] · PAT. · PEND.
DescriptionThe Ludwig Kingston tenor banjo was a high-quality instrument marketed at a low price for both students and professionals. While the functional parts of the instrument incorporated Ludwig innovations, the inlay was imitation mother-of-pearl celluloid. Decals, rather than inlay, were used to decorate the resonator.
The Kingston model originally sold for $75 and was described in Ludwig & Ludwig's 1927 catalog as follows:
"Banjoists have long sought for a less expensive instrument that measured up to the professional requirements in the modern orchestra. They wanted tonal beauty, accuracy of scale and attractive display.
Yet the price had to be low enough for the fellow who could not afford a big outlay in money. Many students and beginners want an instrument that will carry them through the learning period and still be able to use it in their orchestra work without fear or favor.
They want a banjo that will travel in the best professional company.
That is what the Ludwig KINGSTON or the KENMORE [the lower-pitched, four-string plectrum banjo] will do.
The banjo teacher can recommend it. He can use it. Either model will make an excellent “double” for use in the studio or as an extra jobbing instrument.
They have the ideal banjo tone—they possess carrying power—they are accurate in scale – and they are built to stand up."
Neck: Spanish cedar or mahogany
Peghead: integral with neck; Spanish cedar or mahogany; black-stained birch veneer; two inlaid imitation mother-of-pearl celluloid geometric figures with black-painted detail; inlaid imitation mother-of-pearl celluloid scroll painted with model “KINGSTON”; inlaid imitation mother-of-pearl celluloid signature “Ludwig”
Fingerboard: ebony bound in white ivoroid; 19 nickel-silver frets; single small imitation mother-of-pearl diamonds with black-painted slots inlaid behind 1st fret; single large imitation mother-of-pearl diamonds with black-painted slots inlaid behind 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, and 12th frets; double small imitation mother-of-pearl diamonds with black-painted slots inlaid behind 15th and 17th frets; single black plastic side dots behind 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 12th, 15th, and 17th frets
Heel cap: black-stained birch
Head: white plastic
Tone ring: nickel-plated bronze
Rim: walnut
Bracket hooks: 26 nickel-plated steel with square heads, fitting through holes is scalloped rim of tension hoop
Tension hoop: nickel-plated bronze with 26 holes in scalloped rim for bracket hooks
Resonator: seven-ply walnut with ivoroid binding along back edge; nickel-plated steel flange with spade-shaped openings; nickel-plated brass screw at center
Armrest: nickel-plated brass
Nut: bone
Tuners: nickel-plated brass Ludwig Planet geared pegs with ivoroid heads
Tailpiece: nickel-plated brass
Finish: clear lacquer; ivory, red, green, tan, and black geometric decal along sides of resonator and ivory, red, green, tan, and black geometric and floral decal around center of resonator back
Other: brown leather neck strap
DimensionsTotal instrument length: 865 mm (34-1/16″)
Vibrating string length: 585 mm (23-1/32″)
Fingerboard length: 397 mm (15-5/8″)
Fingerboard width at nut: 30 mm (1-3/16″)
Fingerboard width at body: 41 mm (1-19/32″)
Head diameter: 271 mm (10-21/32″)
Resonator diameter: 345 mm (13-19/32″)
Rim and resonator depth: 75 mm (2-15/16″)
Credit LineGift of John McNeill, 2008
Object number14351
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