The History of the Ludwig Tenor Banjo

The Ludwig Drum Company is a well-known drum manufacturer, started in 1909 by brothers William and Theo Ludwig in Chicago. The company, originally called Ludwig & Ludwig, began manufacturing banjos in the mid-1920s, until 1932.

Banjo Bodies

Since the banjo body is essentially a drum shell and head, Ludwig and other drum manufacturers jumped on the banjo craze of the 1920s and early 1930s. Ludwig manufactured tenor banjos, five-sting banjos and ukulele banjos.

Tenor Banjos

Four-string tenor banjos, by Ludwig and other manufacturers, were popular during the early jazz age but were quietly replaced by the guitar in the mid-1930s. By the 1940s, banjos of the five-string variety were used primarily for folk and country music.

Ornate Inlays

While some Ludwig models were sparsely adorned, many of their instruments were highly decorated. Ludwig's famous "Big Chief" tenor banjo of the late 1920s featured elaborate American-Indian-themed inlay work and is highly valued by collectors.

Ludwig Serial Numbers

Ludwig banjo starting serial numbers correspond with the date of manufacture. Serial numbers in the 3000 range indicate a 1925 date, moving up numerically for each year until 10,000, which indicates 1932.

Ludwig and the Depression

At the height of the great depression, demand for new musical instruments suffered, and Ludwig discontinued their banjo line in 1932. Ludwig was purchased by the CG Conn Corporation in 1930 and continued the manufacture of Ludwig drums.

Vintage Ludwig Banjos

Tenor banjos became popular again in the late 20th century, mainly because of a renewed interest in Irish and Celtic music. Vintage tenor banjos, made by Ludwig and their contemporaries, enjoy a strong following in the used banjo market.

References

• Guitars.com/Ludwig Big Chief
• Drum Set Connect
• Mudcat Cafe

Resources

• White Tree Productions
• Elderly Instruments