Is yours really “mint,” never used to carry a banjo?

The case shown in the link above is 'way overpriced -- it's the cheaper, lighter-weight case version they included with the banjos.

Note that there's no combination lock. It also seems more "flexible" than the heavier case.

I have both cases.

The lighter weight case isn't awful, but it's not as nice or as solid as the combination lock case and (in my opinion) isn't worth that asking price.

"MINT"? ...with old case sticker marks? looks rough for $450.

OK, I give up. Mine has been used so its not mint but is in good condition. The one in the link that I included is not my case but an example of one similar to mine in build. I was just wondering if anyone else had seen Gibson use a different lighter weight case and that has been asked and answered. Thanks.

I have a case like that from a new Gibson I bought in 1999. The tag inside says Made in Costa Rica. It's a decent case and very well padded.

The one with the combo lock was made by TKL. Gibson used a couple different case suppliers.

I have two reissue Gibson banjos in Gibson logo-ed black cases. The locks are positioned differently. One is like yours, and the cover doesn't close completely in the area of the carrying handle, because there's no lock there. However mine does not have that cool patterned "shroud of Turin", for instance.

Most likely TKL. The case shown in the ad is the cheaper one with a flat top to the shell. The higher end cases have an arched top to the case which adds considerable shell strength.

So, is your case flat top, or arched top shell? Makes a huge difference.

The case shown, $450 would be the top end of value. I think it's overpriced.

that is probably a home made shroud that someone made... i have never seen a gibson case with that pattern of cover before.. most are just plain satin looking.

a guy on facebook sold one about 6 months ago for 350 and it was near mint,,, with combination lock...

I believe the case is in Australia and the price offered is in Australian dollars, or about $300 U.S.  

I don't know what the market in Australia is for this type of case. Likely fewer for sale than in the U.S.

I have a Rich Granada from '88 that I got new and it came with the worst case ever! It smelled up a room really badly even years later. It also did not have a shroud.

Terry wrote:
"that is probably a home made shroud that someone made... i have never seen a gibson case with that pattern of cover before.. most are just plain satin looking."

No.
It definitely IS original Gibson -- I have a case with a shroud just like it.

The shroud on the "cheaper" case seems to be comprised of some kind of foam sheet, covered with fabric. It's not very flexible.

The shroud on the "Fancy" case (with combination lock) is a thicker satin-like cloth. Very soft.

BTW, the fancy case came with an RB-75 "Crowe".
The cheaper case came with an RB-4.