This is some of the finest craftsmanship you find on a banjo. The Ludwig Standard Art was among the top of line that Ludwig offered.
Neck - The neck is made from walnut with a multi-piece center stripe inlaid with mother of pearl diamonds. This inlaid stripe is also under the fingerboard binding. The peghead is a multi-color mother of pearl or shell, inlayed with white pearl. There are 8 engraved pearl inlays on the ebony fingerboard. The nut is also pearl. The tuners are original gold plated Ludwig Planet tuners with pearl buttons. The back of the peghead and heel are both carved and there is more pearl/shell on the heel cap.
Rim - The rim is gold plated and has Ludwig's "double tone projector and tone chamber". The rim, tension hoop, and flange are extensively engraved. The resonator is walnut with wood inlays on the back and side and pearl inlays on the side. The resonator is removed by a simple turn of the center bolt.
Setup - This is setup in GDAE tuning with a custom bridge for Irish trad playing. It can be setup differently at buyers request.
Case - vintage case included, but in rough shape and missing the hinges
Notes - The strings are slotted slightly into the peghead pearl. The fingerboard inlay engraving will be filled. The frets are in very good with no grooves. The gold plating in very good condition. There was a repair made to the side of the resonator (see photo). There is finish missing on the back of the resonator from putting it in a stand and also on the neck from playing wear. There are some dents and wear marks on the side of the resonator also from using a stand. The neck is straight and the banjo plays great. The action is currently set very low but can be raised easily with the action adjusters on the side of the neck.
Specs:
- Scale length - 22-7/8"
- Nut width - 1.17"
- # of frets - 19
- Weight - 9lb 8oz
- Action height - .060" at 12th fret
- Strings - Nickel - 12, 18w, 26w, 36w
- Bridge - custom mystery wood
- Head - Remo white bottom frosted
- Serial number - 3310