Posted By: Greg Earnest (+7) | Rate Member
$4,250 USD
This 1954 RB-250 is from only the second known lot of style 250 banjos and, even better than that, is a consecutive factory order number to the one played by the great Allen Shelton! This one is #8216-44 and I am reliably informed that Shelton's was #8216-43.
Perhaps because this one is so early, the four holes in the tone ring appear to have been hacked out with a file! The resonator has a beautiful patina with lots of finish checking; the neck finish is not checked, but my luthier did not think it has been refinished. There are a number of dings on the lower portion of the neck. The banjo is set up with a new Presto tailpiece, Waverly two-band tuners, and a geared fifth-string tuner; the original “stairstep” Kluson tuners remain with the banjo. Two holes in the peghead to accommodate cam-style tuners have been filled and there has been one repair to the peghead binding. The frets are newer and railroad spikes have been installed at frets seven, eight, nine, ten, and twelve (I didn't do it). The case is a period Lifton.
Like so many of the early RB-250s, this one seems to combine the best characteristics of both flathead and raised-head Mastertones, and for the Allen Shelton fans out there, it's the closest thing there is to owning his legendary 250. It's available for $4,250 including insured shipping to the lower 48. Sorry, no trades. For a full description and additional photos, please visit earnestbanjo.com/wp/gibson-rb-...-8216-44/
Thanks for looking!
Location:
United States, Smyrna, GA, 30080
Shipping:
insured shipping to the lower 48 included
Payment Methods:
Check/Money Order, Cash (in person), Paypal, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover
Return Policy:
Returns not accepted.
Condition of Item(s):
Used - Very Good Condition
Category:
Make:
Gibson
Ad Status:
Active
Listing No:
113279
Page Views:
1251
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