Iida Vintage 240P Plectrum Banjo, Masterclone, Archtop Bell Brass Tone Ring, Japan, 1970s, Nickel Hardware, Mahogany Resonator, Acoustic/Electric Mod, w/Hardshell Case
Serial Number M04458
Vintage Plectrum Banjo from Iida, Made in Japan! Mid-’70s Iida 240P—the plectrum-neck variant of Iida’s top-line 240. The catalog’s own copy calls it their finest model, “hand-crafted under the personal supervision of Teruo Iida.” It has the ornate chess-knight peghead inlay, bound rosewood fingerboard with wreath/scroll motifs, engraved armrest, and a tube-and-plate flange over a multi-ply maple rim. Unlike some catalog photos that show gold hardware and maple, this example is a nickel-plated build with a mahogany resonator, very rare!
Has been modded/upgraded with internal pickup and 1/4" jack installed in resonator.
Dialed in and set up in-shop, plays great with no issues. Mahogany resonator provides deep, rich tone, Bell Brass ring provides sparkling highs, archtop configuration provides excellent projection. Features bound rosewood fingerboard with fancy wreath/scroll inlay set, ornate vine purfling on headstock, engraved armrest, multi-bound sunburst resonator with concentric rings, Planetary tuners, Tube-and-plate flange and notched tension hoop (Gibson-style “Masterclone” pot).
In excellent condition for the age! No dings/dents or repairs. Some moderate finish wear, normal patina wear for the age on hardware. Includes Hardshell Case; case is a bit road worn but fully functional.
Specs & features
- Scale (plectrum): ~26.5", 22 frets (C–G–B–D tuning)
- Head: 11" with archtop (raised-head) bell-brass tone ring
- Rim: multi-ply maple; dual coordinator rods
- Flange: tube-and-plate, notched tension hoop
- Resonator: mahogany, sunburst, multi-bound with concentric rings
- Neck: bound (maple), rosewood fingerboard, ornate pearl inlays, “Iida” end block
- Hardware: nickel/chrome plating; engraved armrest; 4-string Waverly-style tailpiece; planetary tuners
- Tag: metal model/serial plate on rear of peghead reads 240P-M04458
