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Used Gibson Conversion 5-String
$2,695.00
A fine conversion "Earl Scruggs" Mastertone resonator banjo assembled from a variety of premium parts, this instrument began its life in 1954 as a Gibson TB-100. The rim, flange, and resonator survive, with a few modifications. Namely, the rim was converted from a single coordinator rod design to a 2-rod system, and the resonator was re-skinned in dark-stained quilted maple and double bound with white binding. The neck was provided by First Quality and was originally intended for a Gibson Granada, but was orphaned as Gibson discontinued banjo production before taking delivery. An extra set of inlays was added at the 1st and 15th frets to imitate the Scruggs model more accurately. The flat-head tone ring is a similar story; it was acquired from a plater that got stuck holding a handful of tone rings that were originally slated for Gibson J.D. Crowe Blackjack model banjos, but were ultimately unclaimed by Gibson as banjo production ceased. The tension hoop, hooks, nuts, and clamshell tailpiece are all new. Tuners 1 and 4 are waverly planetary tuners, while 2 and 3 are genuine Keith-Scruggs machines. A Shubb sliding capo has been added to the 5th string.
This is a fantastic sounding resonator; it's loud and percussive with a crisp, classic bluegrass tone. Condition is excellent with little evident finish wear and only very minor fretwear on the first few frets.
This is a fantastic sounding resonator; it's loud and percussive with a crisp, classic bluegrass tone. Condition is excellent with little evident finish wear and only very minor fretwear on the first few frets.
- 1954 TB-100 maple rim and resonator
- Recent flamed maple Gibson Granada neck
- J.D. Crowe Blackjack tone ring
- Ebony fretboard
- Scruggs-style fretboard inlays
- White plastic binding, neck and resonator
- 1-3/16" nut width
- 26-1/4" scale
- Waverly (1 & 4) and Keith-Scruggs (2 & 3) tuning machines
- Clamshell tailpiece
- 11 lbs 6.4 oz