HeatherMarks2313 - Posted - 03/01/2026:  16:07:32

I was recently gifted a Gibson banjo. I've been doing some research, but haven't found out the yr or model on it. I find similar fretboards and headstocks but never an exact match. Can anyone help me determine what I have here??

Bob Smakula - Posted - 03/01/2026:  16:41:54

HeatherMarks2313



I recommend you post the pictures directly to this forum. Though they are on your media page, making them easily accessible on this page will get you more replies.



When you (and only you) view this page, you can scroll down to an attachments box that has your media photos. click on each one and they will appear in "your attachments" box. Then click post reply.



Very simple and much more convenient for us that have sucky internet connections.



The Gibson banjo fans will ask for more photos, including pics of the banjo with resonator removed. You may as well add those to the posting while you are at it.



My impression is that it may have a Gibson inlay, but I don't think the banjo was manufactured by Gibson.



There is no doubt you will receive more, quality information in the next few days.





Bob Smakula

smakulafrettedinstruments.com

Edited by - Bob Smakula on 03/01/2026 16:43:51

HeatherMarks2313 - Posted - 03/01/2026:  19:06:02

I appreciate you! I'll get more pics and upload them soon.

Old Hickory - Posted - 03/01/2026:  19:45:19

Welcome to the Hangout, Heather.

A lot of "Gibson" banjos are copies. Sometimes not even copies of any specific model Gibson made but an assortment of Gibson-like features and appointments that a particular maker, assembler, or owner wanted.

From the few photos you've shared, I think that's the case here. 

The peghead inlay looks like the pattern from the Florentine model, while the neck inlay is the Wreath pattern associated, I think, with the pre-war RB-3 and 1990s reissues. And while the back of the headstock and the heel of the Florentine were carved, the carvings and wood color here are not consistent with the Florentine or any Gibson model I've ever seen. (And I have not seen them all)  The Florentine's wood was a lighter color and the carvings were painted. More to the point: An original, genuine, Gibson Florentine 5-string neck would be extremely rare. So this neck strikes me as a non-exact copy, more of an homage inspired by the original.

The pearl design on the back of the resonator is not Gibson.  A Florentine had an ornately engraved and painted design on the back.

Bob described some of the additional photos that might help to I.D. the banjo, or confirm it's a copy. Others would be close-ups of the back of the peghead and the heel carving. Close-up of the inside of the banjo showing any number stamped into the wood rim, label attached to the rim, or number handwritten on the inside back of the resonator -- if any of those are present. A closer view of the resonator to better show the wood. A view inside the banjo showing the metal ring on top of the wood rim..

Whatever the photos suggest, this looks like a banjo to enjoy. And what a gift to receive.

southerndrifter - Posted - 03/02/2026:  05:00:22

This is a beautiful banjo, but probably not an actual Gibson (meaning it came from the Gibson factory). The inlay pattern was called a "Florentine Special". Gibson produced exactly 1 banjo in the prewar years with this inlay pattern. It was a plectrum and not a 5 string. It is possible that your banjo contains some genuine Gibson parts, but it is certainly a Gibson copy. It is a unique and beautiful banjo, which seems to be built from good quality parts. Congrats!

Edited by - southerndrifter on 03/02/2026 05:01:12

HeatherMarks2313 - Posted - 03/02/2026:  05:56:03

Thank you!

HeatherMarks2313 - Posted - 03/02/2026:  06:00:23

It really is a beautiful piece! Ill take some more pics and get them uploaded. I truly appreciate you guys! I was stumped. Talk about going down rabbit holes. ??

Old Hickory - Posted - 03/02/2026:  08:20:46

quote:

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Originally posted by southerndrifter

The inlay pattern was called a "Florentine Special". Gibson produced exactly 1 banjo in the prewar years with this inlay pattern. It was a plectrum 

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Thanks for that bit of history. Learn something new every day.

I saw a photo of a Florentine conversion with that inlay on this page of Earnest Banjo last night, but didn't read to the last line that described it as "Florentine Special." I was familiar enough with the painted celluloid Florentine fretboard to know the wreath pattern wasn't typical.

Old Hickory - Posted - 03/02/2026:  08:22:14

quote:

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Originally posted by HeatherMarks2313

It really is a beautiful piece!

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More to the point: How does it sound?