Clifford Essex Paragon!

Information

In February 1936 the firm became a private limited company and the title changed to "Clifford Essex & Son Ltd.

Website: http://www.cliffordessex.co.uk/pages/start.htm
Members: 30
Latest Activity: yesterday

Clifford Essex Paragon Links ~ 18!

My Own Paragon with it's Rosewood Head Plate & Fingerboard!

From - Banjos around the World!
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LINKS!

1 Paragon Pot
2 Paragon Club
3 Essex History
4 Clifford Essex
5 Findajo Paragon
6 Paragon Artist 1!
7 Paragon Artist 2!
8 Paragon De Luxe 1!
9 Paragon De Luxe 2!
10 Trevor Ling's Paragon
11 Alan Hopkin's Paragon
12 Stevie Dunn's Paragon
13 Kevin Casey's Paragon
14 Richard Vose's Paragon
15 Dick Glasgow's Paragon
16 Derek Kindler's Paragon
17 Mick O'Connor's Paragon
18 Vincent Purcell's Paragon
19 Paragon Photos on Google
20 Gerry O'Connor's Paragon
21 Gerry Robinson's Paragon
21 Donal McCarthy's Paragon
22 Harmon De Boer's Paragon
23 Paragon Top Tension Tenor!
24 John Carty's Paragon Artist
25 Paragon New Era Plectrum Banjo!

John Carty playing his Paragon.

************************************************** Other YouTubes which feature a Clifford Essex Paragon Banjo 1: Alan Hopkins
2: Mick O'Connor
3: Barney McKenna
4: Barney McKenna
5: Barney McKenna
6: Barney McKenna's Banjo Band

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YouTubes which feature a Clifford Essex Concert Grand Banjo
1: Brian McGrath
2: Brian McGrath Do you know of any others?
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John Walsh & his Paragon!

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Great shots of a Paragon in action here in these next two videos, played by Alan Hopkins.

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The Clifford Essex stand at the Federation Rally!
Central Hall, Westminster, London on the 19th September 1931.
"It was whilst trying out a new “Paragon” banjo at this stand (in later years Bill expressed his deepest sympathy for anybody who owned one !) that the 16 year old met his hero Joe Morley for the first time. On finishing Morley’s own solo “A Banjo Frolic” Bill was approached by Joe who said “Well done son, very clean picking”

William J. Ball - Classic Banjo

Gerry O'Connor's No 5!

See also ~ A Little Paragon History!
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Discussion Forum

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Comment by Dick Glasgow on April 18, 2013 at 9:35am: I see that member Harry Faulkner is thinking of selling his CE Paragon!

Cheers,

Dick

Comment by Bob Denton on January 4, 2013 at 10:33pm: I don't know if earlier ones were better than later. You can get an idea of the year by the plastic tag on the dowel stick. depending on the official name and address of Clifford Essex, you can get a good idea of the year.

I looked for one last year when I thought the USPS had lost mine on it's way to Ireland and I could not find any for sale. I have mine insure for $6000 and it may be possible to fine one for less. Don't hold your breath.

Cya!

Bob

Comment by Mick O'Tool on January 4, 2013 at 8:00pm: Hi,

I am considering buying a Clifford Essex Paragon Tenor, how much do you think I will be expected to pay? Some people the the earlier models are better than the later models, what do you think. How would I find out the year it was made?

Thank you.

Comment by Bob Denton on January 3, 2013 at 3:41am: Contact Tom Cussen at Clareen. Last time I was in the shop he had a nice Paragon tenor and also sells Epi Recording banjos when he can get them, so you may be able to do a deal.

BTW, I sat in with Eamonn Coyne last week at the Harbor Tavern.

Cya!

Bob

Comment by Mick O'Tool on January 1, 2013 at 6:41pm: I am look for a 17 or 19 Fret Clifford Essex Paragon Tenor Banjo in good condition, I would appreciate if you contact me if you know there I would get one. I have a 20s Epiphone Recording A in very good condition and would be willing to trade with cash for a good Paragon.

Thank You.

Comment by Alan Hopkins on February 13, 2012 at 12:15pm: Not of course suitable for a vintage Paragon as, being an arch top has a smaller diameter.

Comment by Dick Glasgow on February 12, 2012 at 11:39pm: Check this out:

The Paragon Tone Ring

"11" in diameter, hollow, rolled, spun brass - 33 Sound Holes.": £160

Cheers,

Dick

Comment by Mike Simpson on August 30, 2011 at 6:47pm: Wow! Thanks for this link Dick. How the heck didn't I find this when I did a search?? Lol.

Comment by Dick Glasgow on August 30, 2011 at 6:38pm: Hi Mike, try these:

Website: Grimshaw

Mudcat thread: Grimshaw

Cheers,

Dick

Comment by Mike Simpson on August 30, 2011 at 6:00pm: Does anyone have info on the banjo player & Luther Emille Grimshaw? I understand he worked for Clifford Essex then set up his own venture with his son making guitars & 5 string banjos. I think he was a classical 5 string player and composer. I play one of his Tenors (which I'm told is very rare.) It's got a great sound and is more than a match for the paragon (having owned one too). Would like to find out more about this chap. Cheers.