I’ve owned several of these (like 10) and this one is very nice. In terms of condition this one rates at the very top. In terms of sound this is perhaps the best that I’ve owned so far.

This one is all original (except for the bridge and head) and barely has any scratches on it at all. Frets are in fine shape with a little wear but nothing to worry about at this point. Friciton tuners don’t slip at all. Hardware is in decent shape for almost 80 years old. This one also has the rare double bound resonator which I’ve only seen on one other model--it doesn’t necessarily add value but it sure does look pretty. Whereas most Kalamazoos had a nice sunburst finish on the rim, this one is all black (perhaps it was headed for an Oriole or other Gibson brand?) This the only Kalamazoo I’ve owned that still had the original Elton armrest on it.

Like most, this one has the thinner rim. No tone ring just a wood bead turned at the top of the ring. Nice woody and totally unique sound. Flatback resonator. Old-time music fans should stand up and take notice of the ole’ Kalamazoo because legends like Doc Watson and Benton Flippen played them for their entire lives. Just think of the opportunities they had to “upgrade” but they never did. They have a totally unique sound that is all their own. Just listen to “Reuben’s Train” or “Keep my Skillet Good and Greasy” as played by Doc Watson and you’ll hear what I’m talking about. These banjos are fantastic!

I bought it from GStump here on the hangout who used to get complements on it at Banjothon all the time. Remember, this is an original pre-war Gibson five string banjo. No replacement neck here. The neck does have a slight forward bow (I’ve never seen one of these that didn’t.)

I keep my eyes out and only see a couple a year. Less common over time. They are a good investment and continue to climb in value. When I first started buying them in 2009 $800 was the going price. The going rate seems to now be about what I am asking. At any rate, they aren’t making any more of them as we all know.

These can be set up a variety of different ways depending on if you want to use it for bluegrass, old-time, or some other style. I play all styles and have experimented quite a bit. It will be shipped with a modern bridge and a Remo head (not the cheap grover and Fiberskyn head in the pic.)