I recently acquired a 1920's Paramount Banjo - either a Leader, Aristocrat, or a Style C (pix in my album: http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/photos.asp?id=27999) . The neck was custom built in 1966 by R.L. Givens of Los Angeles (RIP) for Mike Fay (a Tenor Banjoist and Bassist in the L.A. area). I recently touched base with Mike Fay by email. He said he couldn't remember if the original banjo was a Leader, Aristocrat, or Style C, but that Bob Givens made two necks for it - a Tenor and a Plectrum. The Plectrum was warped and lost some time ago. Mike hadn't seen or heard about the banjo in years and was happy it is still around. The metal parts show corrosion and it needs a good cleaning but it is set up nice and plays sweetly and LOUD - love those archtops. I hope to have it refurbished to its original glory.
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