DESCRIPTION:
Here is a Wildwood Paragon 5-String Resonator Banjo. This is a rare, handcrafted American resonator banjo built for serious bluegrass players. Made by Wildwood Banjos, a respected workshop founded by Mark Platen in the 1970s, this model reflects the brand’s signature craftsmanship, usually seen in their open-back designs, but adapted here for the bluegrass stage.
Though Wildwood focused primarily on old-time instruments, the Paragon Bluegrass Edition was one of their standout forays into resonator banjos. With Wildwood no longer in production, this model is now considered a collectible among banjo enthusiasts.
The Wildwood Paragon relies heavily on Maple, with flamed Maple for the neck, binding, maple laminated rim, and resonator. The Maple neck features Ebony for the head plate, heel cap and fingerboard, Maple binding, two-way adjustable truss rod, and a distinctive inlay set in Mother of Pearl. The tuners are 5-Star Planet tuners in Nickle. The pot uses a Maple block rim, 87% cast bronze flathead-style tone ring, and a cast 1 piece flange.
Wildwood banjos opened in 1973 and closed in June 2018 when Mark Platin retired, so we haven’t seen these for a while. They are hand built, professional quality instruments.
A note about dating Wildwood banjos: Wildwood generally didn’t apply serial numbers to the banjos themselves, but included them on the registration card. There appears to be no reference materials for Wildwood serial number lookups.
This example is in great condition with some minor wear. It comes with a TKL hardshell case.
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |
DETAILS:
- Instrument Model: Paragon/BE
- Instrument Manufacturer: Wildwood
- Instrument year: circa 2004 (estimate)
- Instrument Finish: Lightly Stained
- Instrument Class: 5 string resonator banjo
- Instrument serial number: 3578B
- Country of Origin: USA
- Instrument Condition: Good
- Playing Condition:Very good
- Right-handed
- CITIES Documentation Required:& No
- Instrument Weight Imperial: 12.62 lbs
- Instrument Weight Metric: 5.72 kgs
- Scale Length Imperial: 26 in
- Scale Length Metric: 660 mm
- Nut Width Imperial: 1.25 in
- Nut Width Metric: 31.79 mm
- Case included: Yes
- Case original:& No
- Case Type: TKL Hard-shell
- Items in Case: N/A
- Consignment: No
- Product ID: 46919
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |