1920's Clifford Essex 'Clipper'

Crafted in London during the golden era of British banjo making, Clifford Essex instruments remain the gold standard for classic open-back design. The 'Clipper' model was renowned for offering professional-tier construction, producing a bright, clear tone with excellent projection and sweet acoustic sustain.

Built with a solid nickel-plated pot and a heavy-duty tension hoop assembly, this open-back model features an Elite head and a traditional maple bridge. The comfortable mahogany neck is capped with an ebony fingerboard, featuring intricate mother-of-pearl diamond and fleur-de-lis inlays. The distinctive crown headstock retains its original mother-of-pearl inlays and friction tuning pegs with pearloid buttons.

As shown in the photos, this century-old instrument is in fantastic original condition. The nickel hardware displays a soft, authentic patina, the neck wood is clean and smooth, and the rim assembly remains completely solid.

This guitar has been given a full service by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 2 year warranty.