Clifford Essex Clipper for sale...

[Russ Chandler]

I hope this doesn't convene any forum rules, apologies if I have, but I'd like to give this group first refusal on a banjo I have for sale.

It's my Clifford Essex “Clipper” 5 string.

 

Made in the Clifford Essex & Son period at 15a Grafton Street so dates between 1919 and 1936.

 

It's in nice condition, good and straight, and has original tuners and the original detachable resonator. It has been lightly restored and fitted with a Renaissance head.

 

I’ve strung it with steel strings and used it for clawhammer but it loves nylon strings and sounds just fabulous playing classic style.

 

As an additional piece of history the banjo comes with a photo of it with a previous owner, Ray Emery taken I think in the thirties along with a pennant for his band The Banjo Boys which is also included.

 

Here is a clip of it being used to play a clawhammer tune - 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CslUd8zRKMA

I reckon it's worth something like £500, is that fair? Inbox me or post below if you have any questions or if you would like to make me an offer. 

[marc dalmasso]

[Russ Chandler]

Great picture, Marc, but not sure of the relevance?

When I first got the Clipper about ten years ago I got it set up by Doug Parry at John Alvey Turner.

Since then I've changed the head and given it a good once over with the metal polish, otherwise it's original.

[morten lind]

Hi is it still for sale? Kind regards Morten

[Russ Chandler]

Yes, it is, Morten.

I can't bring myself to put it on eBay - I want it to go to someone who will appreciate it.

morten lind said:

Hi is it still for sale? Kind regards Morten

[morten lind]

Okay thats great im very interested and its just what i have been looking for. Im learning classical banjo and think it would be e great for this. i have been playing bluegrass and old time before, but now im very much in to classical banjo. I live in Denmark do you think its safe to send it? and does it comes with a case? 

[Russ Chandler]

It has what I thnk is it's original 1930's cardboard case.

It was posted to me when I bought it and I have shipped banjos before so let me look into how expensive it would be to get it to Denmark.

I'm actually just off on holiday for a week - are you OK to hang on until I get back?

Russ.

morten lind said:

Okay thats great im very interested and its just what i have been looking for. Im learning classical banjo and think it would be e great for this. i have been playing bluegrass and old time before, but now im very much in to classical banjo. I live in Denmark do you think its safe to send it? and does it comes with a case? 

[morten lind]

Okay thats fine thanks:) Happy hollydays

i will hang on until then

Best regards Morten