Gryphon just listed this beauty:
gryphonstrings.com/collections...sed-26593
I am actually surprised that it is under 100K from a dealer. Like Lloyd Loar mandolins, seems the price for banjos is softening a bit lately. Opposite of what Martin guitars are doing.
Looks to be a pretty good example.
Agreed that it is a sign of soft market. Can’t imagine this one at under 100k during the good times
The link above didn't work for me.
Try this one:
https://www.gryphonstrings.com/products/1930-gibson-pb-granada-original-flathead-w-f-neat-neck-5-string-banjo-used-26593
This banjo raises questions with me (not about its authenticity).
It is one "batch" number lower than Earl's, Sonny's, JD's 9583 batch of Granadas. Yet this banjo is identified as a "fat rim" with the subsequent early one piece flange of large inner diameter, that broke to pieces and was replaced.
So, was the 9583 batch also fat rims with early/frangible one piece flanges? Is this part of the famous "rough condition" of Earl's Granada that led him to get all the metal except the tone ring replaced by Gibson? Nobody has ever outright identified Earl's, Sonny's and JD's as fat rim banjos with tender one piece flanges. That I know of.
It makes me wonder.
As I've said before, I don't know where the "cut off point" was on one piece flange Granadas that had fat rims. Did fat rims occasionally show up in banjos of later manufacture.
I would like to find out what folks here think or believe on this subject.
I'll have to look to be sure about this, but I think Earl's (and Sonny's) batch is 9584......
Also, it is a conversion banjo with the Frank Neat neck and the flange is not original. So if the flat head pot is for real, maybe?? Seems like this still a pretty high price for what it is.
It sure looks nice and probably sounds good too. But with a new neck, flange, repainted resonator - does this identify as original/conversion or parts banjo?
Most intriguing I find the history and story around it. Maybe that justifies the price.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.
