A nice collector as it is one of the first few made in 1925. FON is 8002-37, so it's very early.
As you all probably know these beauties were made by Gibson and represent the absolute best quality-for-price ratio on the market.
This one is not made for conversion to a bluegrass banjo—the rim is the thinner type and it is 10.5 inches so if you are looking for a conversion you will have to go with the thick rim 11 inch Oriole which are commanding around $700 these days.
The good news is that you can get this one much cheaper AND it sounds and plays fantastic!
Since I like a higher bridge to achieve more volume I have shimmed the neck for use of the higher bridge. If you like a lower bridge you can remove the shim. The action as is is just perfect, very low. It plays like butter---no issues, no buzzes, etc. At some point in it's life somebody bought a "Gibson Guarantee" sticker on eBay and stuck it inside the rim. I wouldn't have done that but there it is.
Friction tuners hold like a champ—they always seem to do that for me once I clean them up a bit. The metal looks nearly new as does the wood. No fret wear either.
Just a real little gem and can be had for cheap. No case but will pack well.
↧