c. 1930 Gibson TB-3, OPF, 40-hole archtop, converted to flathead by Frank Neat, who turned the rim to a pre-war, long-skirt cut, and also built the replica 5-string neck. Original one-piece armrest, Grover pancake tuners and Presto tailpiece (drilled). The tension hoop is original and without issues. This banjo came out of an estate in the Boston area about 10 years ago. All metal parts were completely original, right down to the last hook, nut and L-bracket screw. Tom Biggs’ list saying “pot only with bowtie neck”” was not a complete description of the instrument. The old tenor neck fingerboard, inlays and tuners are consistent with the period, but the headstock was indeed a bowtie shape (see pictures) when I purchased it. My best guess is that the tenor neck had been cracked or broken, the banjo was sent back to the factory in the late 1940’s or early 1950’s, and was returned to the owner with the “current” style peghead shape, but with original inlays, tuners, etc.. The flange original to this banjo had a crack, so I replaced it with an original period pre-war one-piece flange which fit absolutely perfectly without altering the rim at all, and has minimal warping. The finish on the resonator is original and exceptionally nice. The back of the neck has no dents or dings, and the banjo plays and sounds wonderful, and looks beautiful. The current tonering is a 20-hole Dannick flathead. It is in excellent condition in all respects. Included is a very high quality 30 year old 5-string case with insulated zippered case cover. The original tenor neck as well as the original flange are also included. The 40-hole ring has been sold. Shipping and insurance to be paid by buyer, but I will pay for anything over $150 and ship FED-EX second day air.
More detailed, hi-res photos of original tenor and conversation can be seen at this link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/79533619@N04/?uploaded=13&magic_cookie=fca820631bb5cba26e30b3a0045eeeef
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