Orpheum Banjo Mandolin

These are something of an oddity and this is one of the oddest. Play like a mandolin, sound like a banjo... well, sort of. Likely built in the 20’s, it has the name “Defiance” on the peghead, though experts agree that Lange (Orpheum owner) built the birdseye maple neck. It has his trademark fancy inlay and the heel carving found only in his best instruments. Now the pot is a different story and no one knows who is responsible for it, only that it did not originally go with the neck. Nevertheless, it is a finely made period piece and exhibits beautiful marquetry. This one has a name, “The Fiddle-Killer”, and when you hear it, you will know why. What an amazing bark We don’t need no stinkin’ mike!