The first of the Gibson GB series of 6-string Mastertone Guitar Banjos appeared in 1918, as the GB-3 and GB-4. The GB-1 and GB-6 appeared in 1922, and by 1940, production had completely ended. The GB-5 was built only during 1925. These models were influenced by the popular Paramount banjo designs.These instruments are perhaps comparable in intent to the Resophonic guitars that were introduced by National just a few years later – meant to be used in fairly loud ensembles, often with horns, playing the Dixieland jazz that was all the rage.
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Introduced in 1954 and offered until the devastating Nashville floods of 2010, the Gibson Mastertone RB 250 was the workhorse banjo for countless serious players. The RB-250 was the entry into the Mastertone line with any of the variations on that flat head tone ring and rim system. Here we have a Gibson Mastertone RB 250 built during 1975, with a Mahogany resonator and neck and walnut-stain finish.
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MORE →The maple-rimmed twelve-inch pot of the Gold Tone BT-2000 Banjitar brings out the full-range sound spectrum of a guitar blended with the plunky old-time tone of the banjo. The brass tone ring provides crisp clarity and the slim neck makes playing it a pleasure. Tastefully simple star-and-dot vintage inlays set off the radiused ebony fretboard. The BT-2000 banjo guitar will lend an authentic touch to your blues or Old Time stylings.
Built from 1994 until a devastating flood hit Nashville in 2010, the Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard banjo reproduced the classic banjo that used by Scruggs. At first, the model was just named ‘Earl Scruggs’. The word ‘Standard’ was added in 1992, because two newer Scruggs models were introduced for the 1992 year, the ’49 Classic and the Golden Deluxe. Gibson Banjos, including the Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard Mastertone Banjo, are no longer available.
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MORE →The Gibson RB-250 – or Regular Banjo – became the workhorse, standard instrument for country and bluegrass players after it introduction in 1954. It was built until 2010, when flooding destroyed the Nashville workshop.
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MORE →This Gibson RB-250 example dates to 1998 and is good working order. It has just been completely worked over and set up by Anne Hartman at The Twelfth Fret. Fret wear is moderate but it plays cleanly, and delivers that loud, clear Gibson banjo sound. There is visible wear on the arm-rest plating, sure signs that it’s been used as intended, and that’s a good thing.
This instrument has sold
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