1972 Iida 5-String Resonator Banjo Model 227 - Made in Japan

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. This banjo is in excellent condition and has a great tone! 

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 mother of pearl 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.  

The rim is aluminum with an incorporated tone ring that provides an archtop for great volume without extreme weight. The flange is nickel plated as it most of the hardware, including the original armrest and tailpiece.  

The original head is still in place and in great shape. The mahogany resonator features some lovely rope binding on the top lip. 

The bridge has been replaced with hand made barn wood three-foot option. The tailpiece is Waverly-style (like Gibson used in the 50's and 60's) and nickel plated.

This has been professionally set up. The head has been tuned, the bridge is set with correct intonation, the strings have been replaced (JD Crowe strings are on there now) and the action has been set. 

It is a great banjo for the price! It looks, sounds, and plays great.

Let me know if you have any questions! Thanks for looking.