I recently acquired a Kalamazoo KRB, FON F1801-23. Spann’s guide to Gibson dates this to 1940-44. Everything lines up to the typical specs of this model except 1) the unhinged sheet metal “tonering” that was undoubtedly added to the instrument after it left Kalamazoo, and 2) the resonator. This resonator has an arched back made of striking curly maple veneer. It’s double bound, as well as having side binding made of marbled blue and pink plastic. Unfortunately, the resonator has been stripped of its exterior finish and the exterior sidewalls are damaged. I’m curious what the banjo braintrust thinks as to if this resonator is a Gibson. The interior sidewalls are the only portions of the resonator that have any kind of finish on them, and they appear consistent with my memory of other Kalamazoo banjos I’ve owned.
I used to own a KRB from this wartimeish era that had an undoubtedly original RB-1 fretboard, and I’ve seen a KTB that appeared to have an original Granada resonator. Gibson wasn’t particularly concerned with adhering to model specs on banjos at the time, so I am thinking this is likely an original if messed with resonator. I’m certainly not willing to die on that hill though and curious if anyone can point out any hints I’m missing. Thanks for taking a look and please let me know if you’re seeing something I’m not!
Edited by - Karl Smakula on 08/11/2026 16:25:11
It's from a early 1930s Recording King like this one:
banjohangout.org/classified/115013
I agree. That "Christmas tree" binding appeared on a number of Recording Kings, Studio Kings and the like. Greg Rich and also Richie Dotson have worked hard to recreate that binding for banjo repairs and reissues. I think even a few Gibson Bella Voces and Florentines may have used that binding on resonators AND fingerboards.
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