Description: Early 1970s, but in remarkably original condition. And this instrument is from the first, early production so it has the maple 3-ply rim. This should not be compared to later production Whyte Eagles this is a very rare early one with unique features, and great tone. This banjo design is based on: neck/head/inlays: based on the high end Fairbanks Whyte Ladye of the early 20th century one of the most beautiful designs in banjo history the pot assembly is modeled closely on the Gibson TB3, archtop of the 1930s. In fact its a remarkable recreation of that design (and sound) a more faithful recreation that many Gibson post-war versions. Bluegrass banjo players seek out the 70s Alvarez Whyte Eagles, known for their tone and craftsmanship. It was a pretty short window of only about five years, when these banjos were made with this kind of craftsmanship. They blow away most any banjo made and marketed (from any country) in the 60s, 70s and 80s and they show no logos on headstock just beautiful mother of pearl. Its the No. 4310 Whyte Eagle. Based on late 1920s Vega Griffin (Tubaphone #9) style inlays, with engraved, carved heel. Sunburst finish maple banjo, Gibson-style 2 piece flange, full height 20 hole archtop tone ring, dual coordinator rods, flamed maple resonator, maple neck, chrome finish. Neck is butterfly with ebony strip on back of neck, down the center. Its extremely rare to find a Whyte Eagle from this very early period when they first came out and the company bent over backwards to produce an instrument with zero compromise, from the inlays to the maple rim. The early features that are not on the later 70s Whyte Eagles, are in addition to the 3-ply maple rim (not the 10-ply rim of almost all other Whyte Eagles) the smaller star on the front of headstock (later models had a larger star), no Alvarez logo just the eagle inlay, and a darker sunburst on the resonator and also on the back of the neck. Flamed maple resonator (sunburst back, with a touch of milkiness to the original finish) Maple butterfly neck Hand-carved heel Mother of pearl inlays Original tuners Grover bridge 1 3/16 nut Scale: 26 inches 20 hole archtop tone ring 11 inch head .
Price: 1395 USD
Location: Englewood, Ohio
End Time: 2024-11-17T18:08:05.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Exact Year: 1970
Model: Alvarez Whyte Eagle 5
Brand: Alvarez
