Used - Good Condition
The relatively plain looking RB-100 was Gibson's midline banjo model in the 1950's and 60's. With a full Mastertone style resonator and flange but a plain brass tone ring, it is more powerful than the openback "folk" banjos popular at the time, but not as bright as a full Mastertone. This particular banjo dates to 1955. This model would have been the prime choice in a 5-string banjo for someone interested in getting into Bluegrass but without the means to acquire a full-fledged Gibson Mastertone. With an unbound block inlaid neck and bound sunburst resonator, the RB-100 is a fairly austere instrument but classically Gibson in looks. It offers a more rounded and mellow tone than a flat-head Mastertone, and so makes an excellent choice for upbeat old-time picking and bluegrass at polite volume levels! Originally a right-handed instrument, this Gibson has been modded for lefty's to get in on the action!
Cosmetic and Functionality Description
Body: the head is in great shape with just a few light scratches on it shape; the hoop and flange show some light scuff marks, scratches and tarnishing in the finish, plus some of the hooks a fair amount of rust; the rim and resonator both show some light scratches and scuff marks and some some really cool checking in the lacquer--light buckle rash, plus the binding on the resonator has some obvious worn spots and aging in the finish
Neck, Fretboard, and Headstock: the fretboard has had the bass side shimmed down and a thin piece of rosewood added to the treble side to make this 5-string a left-handed playing instrument, but other than that the fretboard looks almost flawless; there is some obvious wood filler visible that was used to build op the neck on the treble side for left-handed playability, however it is rounded off nicely and is quite comfortable, plus there is some dried glue that goes across the back of the neck from where the G-tuner was installed on the other side for a left-handed player; the back of the neck also has a few very small dings and dents most of which are down the center; the front, back, and sides of the headstock have some noticeable scrapes and scratches, plus the front facing of the headstock has a few small dings/holes as well as some checking in the finish
Frets: the frets show heavy to moderate wear with some grooves in the first 4 frets, however there is no fret out at this time
Action and Playability: the action is about medium, plus the neck is straight and the truss rod functions properly
Hardware: all looks fantastic, although two of the tuners are not original and the G-tuner has been switched around the other side of the neck for left-handed playability
Includes: 5-string banjo (case/gig bag not included)
Features
- Left-handed 5-string banjo (modded from right-handed playability)
- 24-hook chrome rim and flange
- 11" head
- Brass tone ring
- Maple rim
- Bound maple resonator with gloss sunburst finish
- Mahogany neck (with wood fill to shape the neck for left-handed playability)
- Unbound rosewood fretboard
- White block inlays
- 22 frets
- Black headstock overlay
- Chrome tuners (Two of the tuners are not original)
- Chrome tailpiece
- Maple/ebony bridge
- Scale: 26.5"
- Nut width: 1-3/16"
- Weight: 8 lbs. 0 oz.
- Made in U.S.A.