Clifford Essex “Special XX” 5-string banjo Circa 1915
Clifford Essex was arguably the finest banjo maker in Britain during the first half of the 20th century. This banjo is literally a Whyte Laydie clone, complete with bracket band and scalloped tone ring. The metal work on CE banjos is really first rate, but the engraved inlays do not match the quality of the better American makers.
