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Banjos
1. GIBSON TB2 CONVERSION 5 STRING BANJO Circa 1930’s (NOT FOR SALE)
The original owner triple gold plated the metal parts including the original
one piece flange which is uniformly curled and fits snuggly above the lip
of the resonator. Currently fitted with a Price tailpiece and a modern matching
armrest. Original machine heads, original cut rim fitted with a triple gold
plated Huber tone ring. This 5 string conversion Walnut neck (maker unknown)
has a Rosewood fingerboard with a fancy Florentine style inlay pattern.
The neck matches well with the original walnut finish. Originally repaired
tenor neck. Modern HSC $6,750.
3. FAIRBANKS VEGA IMPERIAL 'ELECTRIC' FIVE STRING BANJO #34692 CIRCA 1915.
This was the model that the Vega Whyte Laydie was based on. The 10.5 inch head produces incredible tone and hence is the most popular size head. It also includes the pie shaped flush screw on resonator. Excellent condition, all original. HSC. $3,700. 00
4. Gibson RB-3 1927 No-Hole Tone Ring Ser. # 8705-9
Near Mint Condition OHSC
This museum quality original Gibson 5-string banjo is one of two or possibly
three examples of the Gibson RB-3 no hole arch-top tone ring. The condition
is superb and the banjo is something that could pass as being something made
in the new millennium. The finish and hardware is original as is the skin
head which gives this banjo a tone which rivals the late 1940’s Earl Scruggs
Colombia recordings. It has often been said that the singularly unique 1927
no hole arch top tone ring, in conjunction with an ever so slightly loosened
skin head sounds as close to an original Gibson flathead as ‘pig is to poke’.
The original hard shell case is the cleanest example on the market. $25,000.
5. Weymann Orchestra Model Style 2 Model 5 String Banjo (1920's), made in Philadelphia, PA, serial # 32205
Natural varnish finish, laminated maple neck, rim and resonator, black hard shell case.
The Style 2 Orchestra model was only the second model up in Weymann's Megaphonic professional line, but is absolutely a top quality, fancy banjo. The Style 2 retailed originally at the not inconsiderable sum of $225.00 in 1928. It features the company's patented megaphonic rim with the hooks running through it, the most elegant of 1920's banjo designs. Like all Weymann banjos, this is an extremely finely-made instrument with the company's customary attention to detail evident everywhere. The neck is laminated maple with multiple wood laminates through the center, at the heelcap and under the fingerboard. The ebony fretboard is inlaid with fancy shaped pearl and bound in grained ivoroid. The headstock overlay carries an intricate inlaid of elaborate floral design. The pop-off resonator is nicely figured maple with binding on both edges, the rim top is capped in rosewood . This is a beautifully crafted, great sounding and extremely classy 5 String banjo.
An adjustable truss rod was installed in this neck by retired luthier Chris Burkov, so that this neck will never have a problem with warping as many of the old necks do. Light play wear overall; a very good playing and sounding banjo. Excellent Condition. Jerry Garcia's favorite banjo was a maple version of the same model. HSC $4,900
6. GIBSON GB3 GUITAR BANJO 1926 SERIAL # 8163-48 ALL ORIGINAL EXCELLENT CONDITION.
The Gibson GB3 guitar banjo is the Rolls Royce of guitar banjos. Nothing can touch them in terms of pure tone. The Loyd Loar designed, ball bearing spring activated, tone ring works better in these than they did on the 5 strings. I just had it professionally re-fretted with medium/jumbo fret wire and it plays beautifully. The back of the neck has been oversprayed, otherwise original finish. OHSC $3,500
For inquiries, please email howieblues@comcast.net, and include your phone number - we will contact you as quickly as we can.
howieblues@comcast.net