Posted By: Ceres Banjo Works (+100) | Rate Member
$1 USD
These Prewar Granada Flatheads are referred to as "The Holy Grail" and rightfully so. Paul Martin was the original owner of this banjo and was a professional musician and band leader on NBC Radio in the San Francisco area in the 1930's and 40's. Paul played plectrum banjo and an L5 Gibson archtop guitar. Paul was contacted by Gibson around 1931 to be an "endorsing artist" so he and his wife Ruth made the drive to Kalamazoo MI to hand pick this Granada 9582-5. Paul was then pictured in Gibson catalogs. Obviously you can see this banjo was just before the famous 9584 batch of Earl Scruggs, Sonny Osborne, and J.D. Crowe fame. Paul Martin played this banjo extensively and referred to it as his "baby". Paul played this banjo on radio and recordings throughout his career until his passing in 1985.
The current owner had approached Paul Martin a few times asking if he would sell this banjo and of course the answer was always...no. With the passing of Paul in 85', the current owner was finally able to purchase the Granada from the family. The original plectrum neck was long gone. In fact, Paul had gone through a few necks. The original flange had broken at some point (which is common with early one-piece flange Granada's) during Paul's ownership and was replaced with a nickel flange....Then that flange was replaced with a period correct prewar Doehler flange from a 1931 Gibson Style 2 which was gold plated by Ron Satterfield in 1997. Also the the banjo has an original 5-string tailpiece which is interesting with a nickel hanger bolt. Everything else is still original right down to the original tuners still with the banjo including the light fixture that still works! Due to extensive wear, the resonator was refinished by Frank Neat in 1985 and the 5-string neck is also by Neat.
The sound of this banjo leaves nothing to be desired as is common with a Prewar Flathead Granada. If you have any questions or desire additional pictures, don't hesitate to ask. Contact for pricing.
Here's a video in B: youtube.com/watch?v=MM1xxKxCwrQ
Video in G: youtube.com/watch?v=_5SCckwZ4fU
Doin' My Time: youtube.com/watch?v=_5SCckwZ4fU
Location:
United States, TN
Shipping:
Local Pickup or Meet
Payment Methods:
Check/Money Order, Cash (in person), Paypal
Payment Option Notes:
Bank wire as well.
Return Policy:
Returns accepted. Buyer must contact seller within 2 days to arrange return. Refund will be given as Money Back. Buyer pays return shipping.
Condition of Item(s):
Used - Excellent Condition
Discussion URL:
Category:
Make:
Gibson
Ad Status:
Active
Listing No:
106392
Page Views:
1300
This ad will automatically expire 11/15/2024 12:18:12 PM unless updated before that date. To keep the system current, ads expire if not updated for more than 60 days.
