Gibson FON 9489-31. Original, nickel plated hardware, including first generation (fat-boy) one-piece flange and tension hoop. Both the flange and hoop exhibit typical stress warpage (see the photos) but no cracks or signs of potential breakage. Original, red line, TB case, and TB-3 leaves and bows neck (it appears work was done on lower lag bolt in the neck because a heel cover was added and a there is a covered hole drilled on side of heel). I purchased the banjo in 2015. It once belonged to Lee Ann Lenker-Baber, who appears on the cover and is one of the subjects of Murphy Henry’s book “Pretty Good For A Girl”.

The original rim was cut by Steve Huber and is equipped with a Jerry Sloan 20-hole flathead ring (batch 719 L). The 5-string neck is mahogany with Brazilian rosewood fingerboard made and fitted to the pot by Ricky and Frank Neat in May 2015. The original Grover PAT Presto tailpiece was punched by Jerry Keys. Grover 2:1 pancakes (work great). Waverly 5th.

Specifications:

The thickness of the original Mastertone rim measures 0.643 inches (average of six measurements taken from around the rim with a digital caliper). Frank Schoepf has stated that the rims that fit the first generation, one-piece flanges measured over 0.625 with some as thick as 0.640 – 0.650. EVO fret job by Mike Munford in March 2022, played very little since February 2023. Currently running a Snuffy, New Generation, Crowe spaced, 11/16, 2.37 gram bridge and new GHS PF190 strings. 2022 Crossrock CRF2020MBJWT fiberglass case, white with blue interior.

The Neat neck measures:

Width:
At the Nut At the 4th At the 5th At the 22nd
1.252 1.401 1.597 1.921

Depth: Action:
At the 1st At the 15th At the 12th
0.811 0.899 3/32

The finish on the resonator is original to my knowledge and it is exceptionally clean as the pictures show with one light finish scratch and a few other minor blemishes. The painted FON appears in the resonator with the chalked number following the dash. The large chalked FON inside the resonator is barely visible. Styrofoam “nuts” rubbed the numbers away during a previous shipping. The rim is perfect with its stamped FON and nearly un-cut, original Mastertone label.

This banjo is considered by others to closely compare to an original pre-war Gibson flathead both in tone and power. Many other conversions to flatheads from the 9489 batch have been made using HR-30 and Sloan rings with remarkable results. This one is no exception.

I live in the Washington, DC metro area. I travel to Baltimore, SE Pennsylvania, Winchester, VA and the I-81 corridor often, and will be in Knoxville in January 2026. Have many Hangout friends who travel widely and can likely arrange delivery near buyer. Strongly prefer to avoid shipping. Will provide additional photos if requested.

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