A very nice example of the post-Rich era RB-3, this one with Flying Eagle inlays, which some have referred to as a Reno pattern for these 3's. Quite well preserved for a 17-year old instrument, with quite a good sound.
The condition of the metal is excellent, and the wood shows some typical button trails and minor nicks. Some would describe the overall condition as excellent, but I'll be conservative and describe it as very good. The neck is in excellent shape with a bit of fret wear low down and little evidence of playing wear overall.
The serial number is 3-9506-51
All original major components except:
• I've installed a Gibson Crowe ring (#4893) to replace the original Kulesh 20-hole ring. The fit is excellent. The original Kulesh ring is in good shape and is number 2346 in the typical RK-over-W stamp pattern. I believe the Crowe ring is better suited to mahogany Gibsons and performs better in this banjo, but will swap the Kulesh back in at the buyer's request and take $50 from the sale price. To me, the Crowe ring has a more pronounced 4th string and sounds deeper at lower head tensions on mahogany. (The Kulesh is an excellent ring, but, to my ear, is best suited to maple banjos.) If you'd like both rings, please add $200 to the price.
• Krishot tuners have been installed as an upgrade.
• The nut has been replaced prior to my acquiring the banjo. It is a good job, and the spacing is a hair under 1/16 wider overall.
With the Crowe ring, the banjo is functionally and cosmetically the same as a J.D. Crowe RB-75, except for the signature truss rod cover and minor variations in the peghead inlays. The last picture shows a comparison of pegheads with my '99 RB-75.
The sound is quite typical of a mahogany Gibson, and has the added depth of the Crowe ring.
Interesting trades in guitars and banjos always considered.
Thanks for looking!
John
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