The pearloid trimmed resonator features an etched eight point compass surrounded by intricate designs of leaves, flowers and lyres. The ornately carved neck and rim are white holly, with an elegant pearloid heel cap. If that power is more than you desire, there is the original knee-lever mute allowing the player to reduce volume. The sound is crisp and clear, with enough punch to drive any jazz ensemble with extraordinary power.
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This glorious example has all the sparkling tonality and visual beauty associated with Bacon & Day at the height of the “golden age” of banjo manufacture during the depths of the Great Depression. In recent years an important part of our growth has been in instruments by very small companies and individual makers, as we continue to keep one foot, or at least several toes, outside the mainstream music industry. This comes with a lifetime discount on future repair and customizations.Īcoustic guitars, mandolins, and banjos are still the mainstays at Gryphon, as they have been for over 45 years, though our inventory of steel guitars and ukuleles continues to grow as well. Gryphon’s sustained commitment to quality ensures that no instrument not at optimal playing condition is sold. The Gryphon Advantage: This instrument has been personally setup by a member of our repair staff. If we're shipping this to the new owner it will need to be shipped in a better case, which we're happy to provide. The bottom portion of the case is in poor condition but at least the original case is there. Wear to the back of the neck is obvious, and of course the head and bridge and strings have been changed. This finish work was confined to only the sides of the resonator and not the back, and the owner remembers it dating to the late 1970s/early'80s period.Īll the metal parts and finish on this banjo (except the resonator sides) is original, including the frets. The other change is harder to spot and that's finish work done to the sides of the resonator necessitated by moisture damage (which can also be seen at the bottom of the case).
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One is the crack to the back of the headstock, which was glued decades ago but no attempt was made to conceal the repair. There are two things about this RB-3 that are not factory original. This factory-modified rim construction, which is certainly not unique, was apparently the result of Gibson choosing to use rims originally cut for their earlier ball-bearing tone ring system. The wood rim of this RB-3 also shows an additional maple lamination just under the tone ring, obviously added before the rim was stained and finished. Five string banjos were a low priority for Gibson at this point as they represented only a small fraction of banjo sales. This was probably constructed around the time the 40-hole archtop tone ring was introduced, and that newer version was possibly already going into tenor banjo models. Gibson banjo fans always associate the company's solid archtop tone ring (no holes) with 1927, but this RB-3 is from January of 1928 and so has the same tone ring Gibson was using in the prior year. Whether you’re looking to buy your very first vintage instrument or want to sell a lifetime’s collection, we appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.
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Since opening our storefront in downtown Burlington, North Carolina in 2014, we have been recognized by NAMM as one of the top music retailers in the world with their annual “Top 100 Dealer” award for three consecutive years. This one wants to be played! Comes in the original hardshell case.Ībout us: Lowe Vintage Instrument Company specializes in bringing our customers the finest vintage fretted instruments in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Overall, in fine shape for a 21 year old banjo. There is also a small area on the heel where a strap reacted with the finish. This example has a small capo mark on the back of the neck around 1st position, and a small imperfection on the headstock around the truss rod cover.
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The Style 3 features a mahogany resonator & neck, bound rosewood fingerboard, & nickel-plated hardware. The Gibson RB-3 is a bluegrass staple, and this example from the late 90's has the tone you want.