Gibson Custom Shop RB-3 Wreath Top Tension
submitted 10/8/2008
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Submitter |
twentyINCHwheel |
Where Purchased |
Mandolin Bros |
Year Purchased |
2008 |
Price Paid |
2800 ($US) (bought USED) |
Sound
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The sound and tone of this banjo is amazing. This banjo was a custom order banjo, found used on the Mandolin Bros. website. An all-maple Top Tension setup is a recipe for very bright sound, but this banjo's sound is very balanced. The tone is fantastic - better than comparable mahogany or walnut TT's that I've played. It does tend more to the bright side than warm, and it's VERY loud. The thing I love most about this banjo is its responsiveness. On most banjos, I can sound harmonics at the 12th, 7th, 5th frets, and usually at the fourth harmonic position just behind the 4th fret. On this RB-3 TT, I can clearly and loudly sound all those harmonics, as well as the fifth and sixth position harmonics. The playing dynamics are amazing. |
Sound Rating |
10 |
Setup
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When I got it, I was actually quite surprised at the setup (or lack thereof). The bridge (Snuffy Smith 3) was on backwards, the action was a bit low, two of the tuners were loose, and the head was rather loose. Fortunately, these were all easy things to correct. I popped off the resonator, adjusted the coordinator rods, and raised the action slightly. I then got a screwdriver and tightened the tuners. Next, I turned the bridge around. The only slightly difficult part was tightening the head. The banjo didn't come with a bracket wrench, and I previously didn't know the Top Tension bracket wrench was different than a normal one. A kind BHO member told me that I should obtain a #11 clock winding key, as they were the same thing. Luckily, a nearby clock repair shop carried such a wrench, and I was then easily able to tighten the head. Once I got the banjo set up correctly, it played and sounded amazing. Overall, I was a bit disappointed by the setup when I recieved it, but all corrections were easy and quick. |
Setup Rating |
6 |
Appearance
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This is exactly what I had imagined as a dream banjo. Someone else had the same idea: a Top Tension setup with more traditional (good) looks. It has all looks and appointments that one would expect on an RB-3 Wreath, with all the TT hardware. Since this was used (and with an amazing price), I could deal with the slight wear on the armrest, and a few red small red marks on the binding. These red marks were on both sides of the neck binding around the 19th fret. In all, small (almost unnoticeable) flaws on an an amazing banjo. |
Appearance Rating |
not rated |
Reliability
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For buying an 8-year-old banjo, it'd be hard to tell this from something that would have been hanging in a music shop for a while. And not just any music shop - somewhere like Elderly, Gruhn, or Mandolin Bros. (which is where it came from). There aren't any parts on this that are showing any signs of abuse or even wear. I'd definitely use this at a gig with no backup. |
Reliability Rating |
9 |
Customer Service
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Got it used from Mandolin Bros. I've never had a problem with them, and got a great deal on the banjo. Their customer service is commendable! Thanks to Rachel in customer service, as well as Stan! |
Customer Service |
10 |
Components
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It's a Top Tension - obviously, the standout components. This banjo is RB-3-styled with the Top Tension assembly, but I was pleasantly surprised by the TT-style amber tuner buttons. Other than that, it's Gibson Custom Shop workmanship - no complaints here! It doesn't need anything that it doesn't already have. |
Components Rating |
9 |
Overall Comments
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"Would you recommend this banjo, for the price you paid?"
Are you kidding me??? YES!!! I wish I could... it's too bad this was a special order.
"What would you do if this banjo was stolen?"
That'd make it 'the one that got away'. I'd be sad. Whomever stole it should hope I never found them! ;)
"Do you love it, hate it--what's your favorite feature?"
LOVE it... is tone a feature? How about volume?
"Questions you wish you'd asked before buying it?"
...none.
"Comparisons to other banjos you've played?"
The day after I got this (which is after I got it set up properly), I took it to a jam session. There were other banjo players there, and banjos present included my Vega V.I.P., a Stelling Crusader, a Nechville Galaxy Meteor, a Wildwood Soloist (also amazing), and a pre-war Gibson RB-3. This banjo sounded as good as any other present, and was definitely the loudest (in fact, most people commented on that!).
Overall: this is now unquestionably my main banjo! I suppose it could be a little fancier, but who cares when it sounds this good. If it had cost twice as much, my comments would scarcely be different. I'm completely happy with this banjo. |
Overall Rating |
9 |
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