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We have many
prewar Gibson banjos in stock in addition to those listed below
(sorry, no original flatheads at present). Tell us what you are
looking for and we'll be glad to let you know if we have it.
Crafters of Tennessee mahogany Classic. This is a nice banjo in all
respects. It is available with or without the Keith "D"
tuners and onboard tuner. -- Pics
Deering
Calico Custom. This was special ordered with a Cremona finish.
And, it has chrome plated metal parts (except for the armrest,
which is nickel). Overall condition is very nice; it has fret
wear and one small area of scuffing on the back of the neck.
-- Pics
Deering
Black Diamond. Other than a little wear on the first few frets,
this is in practically virtually mint condition. It has chrome
plating, which is an expensive Deering option. -- Pics
Eucalypt by
Roger Simpson. This interesting banjo was hand made in Australia
by well known builder Roger Simpson (and his wife, who does the
interesting resonator inlays). The flange, tension hoop, and
tone ring have a coppery finish. It has a block rim which I assume
was made by Roger. The fingerboard inlays are quite distinctive;
this one will definitely stand out in a crowd. With the exception
of a bit of finish checking on the resonator, the banjo is in
like new condition. -- Pics
Gibson J. D. Crowe,
circa 1997. Judging from its physical appearance and lack of
fret wear, this banjo has hardly been played. A few long vertical
checking marks or surface cracks on the resonator, which can
be seen in the pics, are the only negatives. Pics
Gibson RB-4,
2001. Other than a little fret wear and some smudging on the
head, this banjo is in wonderful condition. If you have been
looking for a clean RB-4, look no further! Pics
Gibson RB-800. Circa early 1960s. One
piece flange, with Flying Eagle inlay. Gold plated and engraved
metal parts. The tailpiece doesn’t appear to be original.
The tuners are not original, and thus the screw holes in the
back of the peghead. It has a set of Keith-Bump-Scruggs “D”
tuners. The 564xxx serial number suggests that it was made in
1962, but according to a serial number list this is two years
before Gibson started making the model. Whatever the year, it
is a very early RB-800. There are small filled holes on the side
of the neck where a sliding capo was removed. Overall condition
is very nice. -- Pics
Gibson one-of-a-kind Florentine, circa
1934. This is undoubtedly the rarest prewar Gibson archtop banjo
in existence! From the front it looks like a regular Florentine,
with the ice cream cone peghead and scenes of Italy on the fingerboard,
but the resonator and neck carvings are completely different
than on any other banjo. It also has one piece flange construction,
which is found on only a few Florentines. See Four String banjos
below. -- Pics
Gibson
RB-11. Circa 1930s. This is in “as-received” condition
from the original owner’s family. It is completely original,
except for the tailpiece which is a Kerschner of the period,
but made for a four-string banjo. The original skin head is split,
and practically all of the paint on the back of the neck is gone
(nowadays they pay extra for this and call it a speed neck).
The flange is solid but pulled up quite a bit, as can be seen
in the pics. Original prewar five-string Gibsons are harder and
harder to find, and they keep going up in value. With a new head
this could make a fine sounding banjo. I would hope that the
new owner would keep it original and not cut the rim for a tone
ring. -- Pics
Gibson
RB-250. Circa 1960s. This is a classic bowtie Gibson, in exceptionally
clean condition. All original, including friction fifth string
peg and box tuners. Mahogany. Flathead. Bowtie banjos are getting
more and more difficult to get, so if you’ve been wanting
one, now’s the time! -- Pics
Gibson
RB-250. Circa late 1960s. This type of Gibson, with bowtie inlay
and fiddle cut peghead, was only made for a couple of years in
the late 1960s. This is an exceptionally clean example. Mahogany,
with three piece neck. There are two small holes in the side
of the neck, where a sliding capo was removed. Two capo spikes
are installed, and there is a tiny hole in the fingerboard where
a third spike was removed. It still has the box tuners and friction
fifth string peg. Chrome plated metal parts and a flathead tone
ring. It has a thin rim, as made, but it is a very good sounding
banjo.. -- Pics
Gibson
TB-11. 1930s. This is a completely original one piece flange
Gibson, with the following exceptions:the tab tuners were replaced
with friction tuners; and it is missing the tailpiece and armrest.
We will be glad to have a five string conversion neck made by
First Quality Music, and will have the tone ring of your choice
installed. Or, it may be purchased as a tenor. Call for details.
-- Pics
Gibson Truett. Circa late 1930s. This
plectrum banjo is identical to the Gibson Kel Kroydon KK-10,
except for the name on the peghead. It has the standard Gibson
one piece flange construction. Truett banjos are quite rare,
and are seldom offered for sale at any price. If you collect
prewar Gibsons, or just want a great banjo to convert to 5-string,
this is a great choice. Nice condition throughout, and 100% original!
See Four String banjos below. -- Pics
PREWAR GIBSON BANJOS: We always have lots of interesting prewars in stock.
At present our inventory includes TB-1, TB-11 (several of them),
TB-2, TB-3, TB-75,TB-4, Granadas (3 in stock), Checkerboard TB-6,
and a wonderful original high profile flathead TB-6 with sparkle
binding. If SERIOUSLY interested, give us a call.
Imperial by Ty Piper. This walnut banjo, hand made during the 1970s by
the well known Oklahoma luthier, has been upgraded with a Cox
rim and Huber tone ring. It also has a Price tail piece. As might
be expected, there is fret wear; otherwise the banjo is in exceptionally
nice condition. -- Pics
Ome Custom Rosewood Columbine1987. This beautiful banjo has everything; it was
especially ordered with rosewood neck and resonator, solid carved
resonator, abalone trim around the neck and resonator, carved
heel and peghead, and heavily engraved chrome metal parts. It
also has bracket & shoe construction, so the resonator and
flange can be removed the banjo used as an openback. The pictures
don't do justice to this instrument, which is in mint condition!
Pics
Osborne
Chief. Maple wood, Hearts & Flowers inlay, and gold plated
parts. Blaylock tone ring. Speed neck. Includes the original
“Osborne Chief” leather strap. Other than some fret
wear, it is in very nice condition. -- Pics on hold
Stelling
Red Fox. 2004. This banjo has the Pass ThinSkirt rim. Excellent
condition, with normal fret wear on the first five frets. --
Pics
Stelling
Crusader. 2005. If you are looking for a mahogany Stelling, this
is it! Condition is virtually like new in all respects, except
for a tiny bit of fret wear. -- Pics |
