Gibson TB-3 tenor resonator banjo featuring a no-hole archtop tone ring in very good vintage condition and including its original Geib hard-shell case. The history of the no-hole Mastertone ring is a short one, the part having been in production for no more than a couple years in the late 1920s, but that hasn't kept it from garnering a reputation as an excellent sounding archtop tone ring for tenor banjos and 5-string conversions alike. This TB-3 is in very good condition, featuring most of its original parts and hardware including its neck, pot, geared Grover tuning machines, and flange. The resonator also appears to be original but has been modified with its edges rounded over and re-stained. There is also evidence of some refinishing on the edges of the pot. The skin head is in great shape and properly tensioned. Setup to play comfortably with action measuring 6/64" from the 12th fret to the bottom of the outside strings, with .006" relief in the neck and a smoothly functioning adjustable truss rod. Frets have been lightly leveled in preparation for sale and play cleanly up the board with no buzz, flat spots, or divots. Currently setup with C-G-D-A tuning, but can easily handle Irish tuning with the proper set of strings.
- c. 1928
- Mahogany pot
- Mahogany resonator
- No-hole Mastertone tone ring
- Mahogany neck w/ rosewood fretboard
- Grained ivoroid fretboard binding
- 1-1/8" nut width
- 23" scale length
- Geared Grover tuning machines, original
- Presto tailpiece
- FON 8907-8
Includes original Geib hard-shell case
