Classic-Banjo

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What model of Clifford Essex is this?

I recently stumbled across this Clifford Essex and am hoping someone here may know what model it is.

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Permalink Reply by John Cohen on October 3, 2015 at 11:58

A couple more images...

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Permalink Reply by thereallyniceman on October 3, 2015 at 12:54

Hi John,

It looks like an early CE Wood Hoop Special banjo.

I think mine is a bit later... and maple !

Permalink Reply by John Cohen on October 3, 2015 at 13:07

Ian, do these have a tone ring of sorts or a chambered resonator? How do they sound?

Permalink Reply by thereallyniceman on October 3, 2015 at 13:25

They have the top of the laminated wood hoop chamfered (bevelled). There is no acoustic chamber, the hoop is solid wood.

They have a great sound which is slightly more mellow than a spun-over metal hoop.

"William J. Ball said of the CE Wood Hoop Special “If you bought a higher grade Essex banjo you were wasting your money.”