Clifford Essex ‘New Paragon’ (London), c.1930s, natural maple, top tension 11” rim with patent archtop tonering & drilled through body, ebony fbd & phd overlay with fancy pearl inlays & ‘Paragon’ nameplate, floral marquetry resonator back, nickel plated hardware, original geared Grover tuners, a fine & rare offering acquired from the Tsumura collection (see p.692 of his ‘1001 Banjos’), easy action and powerhouse tone for all that jazz, EC, OHC.
