DESCRIPTION:
http://bernunzio.com/product/douglas-unger-whyte-laydieelectric-19831/
This instrument began life as a lowly banjo mandolin with the scalloped Whyte Laydie tone ring. The 10-1/8" rim has been thinned down, the bracket band removed, the holes filled and painted black with the addition of fine marquetry and tortoise exterior trim. Essential this has transformed the rim into the lighter weight version of the Whyte Laydie named the "Electric". Original Electrics are great players with a bit more "lilt" to the sound. The Unger neck is an absolutely unique creation yet still within the fabric of the early A. C. Fairbanks banjos. It is constructed of curly American cherry with a Cole boat style carved heel. The peghead overlay and the entire fingerboard are faux tortoise and inlayed with a perfectly engraved flowerpot and other early style pearl. The neck is fitted with "antiqued" Gotoh geared tuners and the rim sports a vintage skin head complete with period drawings.