For Sale: Sale Pending: 1972 Iida Model 227 Archtop Banjo - Made in Japan (sold)

VINTAGE Iida Model 227 5-string Archtop Resonator Banjo!

This is a 1972 resonator 5-string archtop banjo Made in Japan by Iida (sometimes incorrectly referred to as Jida or Lida). Iida set the stage for the emergence of Japanese banjos in the 1970's. It is in excellent condition beyond some scratches on the back of the mahogany resonator (see pics).

This features a fast mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard and a lovely Fleur de Lis headstock inlay. The position markers on the fretboard are snowflake inlays.

The two-tab sealed planetary tuners are in excellent shape. The 5th string tuner has been upgraded to a sealed geared tuner for ease of use and consistent string tension.

This shell is aluminum with an incorporated tone ring that provides an archtop for great volume without extreme weight. The flange is nickel plated.

The mahogany resonator features some lovely rope binding on the top lip.

The original head is still in place and in great shape. The bridge has been replaced with a ebony capped maple three-foot option. The tailpiece is a nickel plated Waverly-style (like Gibson used in the 50's and 60's).

This has been professionally set up. The head has been tuned, the bridge is set with correct intonation, the strings have been replaced and the action has been set. It is a great banjo for th price and real piece of Made in Japan history.

$425 obo plus shipping. Let me know if you have any questions! Thanks for looking.