Work Page 1-26
1920's Wm Lange (NYC)
Banjo Mandolin

This would have been sold to music distributors and mail order houses, as it is unbranded and unmarked as Lange, but clearly is identifiable by the hardware and construction methods.
10s of thousands were sold by all major and minor mfg's to these outlets.
Maple rim/Neck
10" rim - 20 brackets
Original hardware
Restore as needed - per customer's instructions.


Severe uplift, that should be down.
Will prep for glue.
Glue squish thru crack in heel.
Another squeeze and squish.
Nickel is degraded, will steel wool.
Mahogany stain.
Rim out of round, normal.
I have had it 15 yrs at least.
I will take it off for final clear coats.
Making new rosewood wedges.
Frets sealed, leveled, crowned, ends dressed.
Strings ordered.
1/2" Bridge
Heel pulled away from rim. Crack in heel cap.
Completety loose.
Forstner bit to clean hole.
Cam clamp for pressure.
Neck stripped, was a mahogany stain.
Stripping rim.
Bottom of rim dyed black.
Happens over time, string tension.
New maple heel cap.
Good and tight again.
Extension showing correct elevation.
Fingerboard on head, dowel has let go.
Older shim, someone trying to get an action.
Basically fell out.
That is the correct angle.
Tone ring is fused to rim, no removal.
Sealing loose laminations on bottom.
Hardware polished.
Super rare NOS REMO 10" from stock!
Just a quick look after some neck finish.
Plenty of elevation now.
Dye applied.
Tuners cleaned and oiled.
Orig tailpiece missing 1 string tab.
It is playing OK on a 1/2" bridge with a decent action again.
Very bright tone, as it is with most banjolins.
Ready to peel the bark off of a pine tree!

Thanks for looking and sharing,
VM