DrewFord - Posted - 11/24/2025:  14:59:18

I am looking to replace the neck on my 1996 Gibson RB-75 and was wondering if y'all could recommend some neck builders with contact info. I have read some posts with names of builders, but many of them don't have websites and I don't have Facebook, so I can't see those links. I am looking to have a wider nut and radiused fretboard, and I would like the inlays and headstock to look as similar to the "Flying Eagle" on my current neck as possible. Any info would be much appreciated.

DWB3 - Posted - 11/24/2025:  16:05:52

Richie Dotson

acousticbox.com

The Old Timer - Posted - 11/24/2025:  16:18:52

Sullivan (First Quality Music) probably made the original 5 string neck. They've relocated to Alabama. Try there to see if they would make the width and radius you want. Among the more reasonably priced neck makers.

NickPug - Posted - 11/24/2025:  16:49:03

quote:

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Originally posted by The Old Timer

Sullivan (First Quality Music) probably made the original 5 string neck. They've relocated to Alabama. Try there to see if they would make the width and radius you want. Among the more reasonably priced neck makers.

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Interesting did Sullivan make the necks for Gibson banjos in that time period,. I have a '96 Gibson as well and don't know much about the makers

Old Hickory - Posted - 11/24/2025:  17:37:20

Pretty sure Sullivan (when it was a bigger operation in Kentucky) made the necks for Gibson from some time in the 1990s until the end. I believe now it's just Eric and his wife in northern Alabama. 

Richie Dotson is big into CNC. It might be possible for him to dial in the precise dimensions of the neck you want. His inlays are carefully matched to originals.

Tim Davis (who used to be very active here) makes well-respected banjos, as well as necks and inlays. Here's his page on necks. He also uses CNC, and so he can probably make you exactly what you want. I bought a pre-slotted and  profiled fretboard from him with the nut and heel ends made specifically to my measurements (so that with wide binding the final size would be what I wanted). 

Other neck makers who are here on the Hangout and who Hangout people have worked with include Don Bryant, Clancy Mullins, Ron Coleman and Randall Wyatt. I'm sure there are others.

The Old Timer - Posted - 11/24/2025:  19:23:57

A good banjo friend got a great Gibson neck made by Chris Warner in Red Lion PA (Hanover area).

DrewFord - Posted - 11/25/2025:  06:13:45

Thank you all for the replies. I've emailed a few of them and Richie Dotson replied immediately. We're about to talk over the phone in a few minutes. This is great. I just joined Banjo Hangout yesterday and y'all have already been immensely helpful. Take care.

Old Hickory - Posted - 11/25/2025:  14:52:31

quote:

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Originally posted by DrewFord

Thank you all for the replies. I've emailed a few of them and Richie Dotson replied immediately. We're about to talk over the phone in a few minutes. This is great. I just joined Banjo Hangout yesterday and y'all have already been immensely helpful. Take care.

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Great to hear.

Please let us know who you chose. And, later on, it you don't mind, please share photos. We love photos!

1935tb-11 - Posted - 11/26/2025:  05:05:20

another vote for don bryant in north carolina,,,
richie dotson does great work also