This is a 2003 Gibson RB7 Top Tension 5 string banjo this has been in my collection which I am now downsizing. It is dark-stained with a white-bound curly maple neck and resonator. The neck has beautiful slotted bowtie inlays. It has a radius 22 fret rosewood fretboard. The ebony peghead overlay has the prewar style "Gibson" script logo in pearl. The nickle hardware is outstanding. These Gibson top tension banjos with the radiused fretboards (like the Huber banjos) are a real pleasure to play.
This banjo has a unique Gibson history. It left the Gibson custom shop in March of 2003 as a "Artist Presentation Banjo" to Patton Wages the banjo player in the Marty Rabon band. Patton Wages also worked in the Gibson banjo shop and had a hand in the assembly of this banjo. He had Gibson install the unplated RB 75 J.D. Crow ring. Those unplated rings had a "Goldish" color to them. He also had the inside of the resonator slightly scooped out so it was concave in the center area (for better sound projection) and also had it sprayed with a clear coat finish to harden the wood. The outside of the resonator has the raised "hump" area like all the Gibson top tension banjo's. This is a great sounding rare Gibson banjo that you will love....no disapointments! No fret wear, bucklerash....or any of those issues. This banjo presents itself as excellent. Railroad spikes were installed at 7,8 and 9th frets. Comes with original Gibson/Scruggs Detuners .
The original Gibson hardshell case is included. The upper part of the combination lock latch was removed before I got it ....but its included if you want to reinstall it. Included is the original Gibson Top Tension head tightening key and also a letter from Patton Wages explaining the Gibson history behind this RB-7 and his ownership of it.
Naturally feel free to call me at 803-663-7461 EST (South Carolina) if you have questions or would like to stop by and see or play this Gibson banjo. I'm retired and usually around the homestead. Gibson has not made a banjo in close to three years now and if they do make banjos again will they ever make anoter Top Tension???....I doubt it. All good things seem to pass.
I'm asking $4300.00 for it, will entertain offers but no trades please.
↧