I think you can do much better than that with that amount of money. Look at used Deerings, Sullivan, Companion, and other brands.

You should also be able to get an RB-250 from a better year (Greg Rich era or later).

For $2500, there are two Gibson RB250s in the classified ads on here which would be better than a '70s model. One is a Greg Rich era model, and the other is a Bow Tie model from 1954. Either one would be a better banjo than what you are considering.
A '70s model RB250 can be a fine sounding instrument but, the banjos from that era were not consistent in quality. Fit and finish were slapdash, tone ring fit was haphazard, rim beads could fail causing the pot to disintegrate, binding could crack and crumble, etc.
$2500 is a steep price to pay for an RB250 of that vintage. However, if you get an RB250 from that era for, say, $1750, you could send the flange and tone ring to a banjo luthier who could turn a new rim for it. Then it would be better than it was when it left the factory.

$2500 seems a bit on the high side for a 70s RB 250. Can you share photos of it so BHO members can advise if it looks correct for a 1970s? Also if it looks altered, "upgraded", etc?

It would need to be in TOP condition with a fine hardshell case, perhaps added features like Scruggs tuners, fresh set up, etc. PLUS you would need to REALLY like its looks, sound and feel, to pay that kind of a price. I say this not in expectation that it's a dud, but 1970s RB 250 are plentiful, not rare.

As mentioned above there are better choices of RB 250s for this amount of money, like the "Greg Rich Era" models from 1987 to 1993. Also the ones after 1993 are better choices too. These often are offered at $2500. They look the same (or a little better) than the 1970s model but sound a WORLD better.

And there are many OTHER banjos (not Gibson) in the $2500 price range much better than a 70s Gibson.

Good luck.

I have a ( I believe) 1975 RB-250 and it’s been a great banjo. Fantastic chrome plating and a beautiful patina. Sounds great and plays great after a thorough set up. These era Gibsons get a bad rap, but I have not found that with mine.
Price does seem a little high to me .
Slammer!!!

Hi David
My experience has been the same as Dale's. I bought an early 70s (74, I think) RB-250 about 5 years ago, and am absolutely delighted with it - enough 'pop' at the top end, and a really deep sound from the 4th string.
You can hear what it sounds like here: banjohangout.org/my/Andy%20McGhee

I paid about $1800 for mine, which I think was a real bargain. Perhaps I was lucky with my banjo (it has a lot of tunes in it, as well as sounding great); don't be put off, especially if you can get the seller to send you a video of what it sounds like.
Good luck!

I also have a mid 70's RB-250 that sounds great! I do come back to it quite a bit, it also has the lighter tone ring. I think that $2500 might be a bit high, but sometimes a banjo just calls out to ya. Try out a few and don't feel pressured.

You can get an idea from the serial number off of the back of the peghead.
$2500 is at the very top of the ballpark. I'd see if the seller would come down some on the price.
Good luck and check the rim and tube and plate flange fit. If it doesn't look the same all the way around the circumference, I'd be a bit weary of getting it unless you want to shell out more money for repairs...caveat emptor.... good luck...

Everyone else has said most of what I'd say, but in fewer words!

So I'll just agree that even though prices tend to creep up with inflation, $2500 seems high for one of these unless it's in excellent condition and has all its original model-defining parts: "Gibson"-stamped tuners, tailpiece and armrest.

Even though these banjos aren't collectible or vintage, absence of these particular pieces, in my opinion, makes the banjo not worth paying that high a price. The armrest and tailpiece regularly go for $100 or more each. The tuners are more rare and hardly show up for sale any more. A banjo without these is a parts banjo with 70s wood. If that's what you want, I have one I'd consider selling for under $2000.

All that being said, a 3-ply or block rim replacing the original multi-ply would actually be an improvement. It might have been done following failure of the original rim.  Unfortunately, the original Mastertone sticker would probably be gone.

Try to send some pics, front, back and the items Ken spoke of. Try to get a shot inside the pot if possible.