Posted By: revellfa (+36) | Rate Member
$2,750 USD
VIDEO available in URL below.
Looking for lightweight but don't want to sacrifice volume or tone? Looking for a banjo that handles ALL Styles with ease in the studio, stage, or couch? Want just ONE banjo or thinning the proverbial herd? Need an "old-man" banjo? Still want that PRE-WAR tone with all of the above?
Then, there is no other choice except this one.
For years I've searched for the one banjo that would handle EVERYTHING I just described above, from ball bearings to Odes, RB-100s, RB-00s, archtops, etc I've been through JUST a FEW, as some of you likely know.
This is it--this is THE ONE that you are looking for. I played several shows switching back between dad's 32 archtop and this banjo. After a three hour show, your shoulders and back really know the difference. This banjo performs like a champ, tunneled fifth string means that re-tuning after using your capo is a non issue and it's the only banjo I've owned that I can say that about.
The heart of the banjo is its famous and rare 1926 block rim construction found on only a few models. It is full thickness and full diameter at 11 inches (NOT 10.5 as found on other models.) On top of the rim is the very rare 1/2 inch hollow tube tone ring, it comes in at under 1 lb. and was cast at star brass works near Kalamazoo, MI. Let me tell you this thing projects the VOLUME! You will be shocked, as there is virtually no difference between this ring and a full flathead EXCEPT the weight (it comes in at 8lbs and some change.)
As to TONE this banjo is sublime. I've always favored Ball Bearings however I do find they sound tinny, lack volume, and are picky about setup. This is a Ball Bearing on Steroids. I don't know where the tone comes from but it has a natural built in reverb as does a Ball bearing, but it is louder and more toneful and FULL. Most importantly, the pre-war tone is evident in this banjo. I've had it set up with the modern remo head (I imagine a Huber would sound great) and new Snuffy Smith Radiused bridge.
The neck is indeed Radiused and was made by the Corwin Guitar Company out of Kansas as a custom build with the fifth string being tuned at the headstock. The neck is mahogany and plays like an electric guitar neck and is phenomenal. Stainless steel frets mean you don't have to worry about a refret anytime soon. The notch cutout on the back of the neck is common with a conversion of this type, so that the resonator depth will match the conversion. It is not a defect.
Coke bottle peghead and Nick Lucas style inlays. FON matches on resonator and rim.
The lighter-weight is due to the tone ring and the lighter two-piece flange hardware which has a single coordinator rod. Setup is SPOT ON and I see no need to add an extra coordinator rod as some do with these older banjos. All hardware appears to be chrome plated and most of it looks like it left the factory a few years ago instead of almost 100 years ago. It's also got the coveted original pre-war presto tailpiece.
Scuffs on resonator from 99 years of play and one resonator thumbscrew broke off in the hole. Also, the third string bumps against the fourth string tuner on its way up the peghead but it doesn't affect tuning or playability.
Top to bottom a great, rare, nice playing, great sounding, lightweight banjo with genuine pre-war tone and nearly 100 years of mojo--cool case included.
Location:
United States, Morgantown, WV, 26508
Shipping:
FREE to cont USA
Payment Methods:
Check/Money Order, Cash (in person), Paypal
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.
Additional return policy details: Must be returned in same condition, 15% restock fee.
Condition of Item(s):
Used - Very Good Condition
More Info URL:
Category:
Make:
Gibson
Ad Status:
Active
Listing No:
108363
Page Views:
1597
This ad will automatically expire 4/16/2025 10:36:42 AM unless updated before that date. To keep the system current, ads expire if not updated for more than 60 days.
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