I have a 1929 TB-1 conversion and and a 1928 TB-2 conversion to 5-strings, both restored to how they would have been if originally issued as 5-strings of their time period. I did cheat a little on the 1929 TB-1 and went with the gulls inlay from 1930...The dots from 1929 were just too bland. Classic and appropriate peghead shapes for each.dartmouth.edu/~smg6/pics_tb1.shtmldartmouth.edu/~smg6/pics_tb2.shtml
I could use some cash for a non-banjo project, so I'll offer these up for a bit to see what happens...
I'd prefer to not ship: I'd want to meet up in-person, let you try out one or both, see which one speaks to you, and go from there. BUT, if you have a preference and are OK buying without touching or deciding between the two, I may consider shipping a single one as it arises.
***I will be down to Eastern PA and near Saratoga, NY at times. Willing to meet up and work with you.
Both are original and have the original tone hoop still. Full thickness (fatty!) and unmodified rims on both: I personally don't think they need tone rings at all, but you'd be all set to have one installed. Practically new Robin Smith necks on both: TB1 = straight grain maple neck with waverly tuners, TB2 = walnut neck with gotoh tuners. No issues whatsoever with either banjo except one: The TB1 has a pretty good scuff on the resonator, which is not structural at all but does go beyond the normal wear and tear of a 90 year old instrument. Robin does the best work I've ever seen. Gibson labels and FON numbers all intact and accounted for.
Ballpark pricing I figure to be
1929 TB1 = $3150, includes tweed 5-string hardcase, old-but-not-original tenor neck with what might be original tuners, tenor hardcase
1928 TB2 = $3675, includes tweed 5-string hardcase, original tenor neck with original tuners, tenor hardcase, and what I believe may even be the original head!
...with both individually appraised for much higher: Formal appraisal from Rob Smith included for either one.
For collectors: You want the TB2 since it's a more complete overall package, and it's also featured here: earnestbanjo.com/gibson_banjo_...47-71.htm
For players: Whichever one speaks to you the best
They are super light (4 pounds less than a 'normal' tone ringed banjo), sound great, and are all original. The TB2 is slightly louder than the TB1. I don't screw around with them, so their setup is solid. My seller rating rocks: I'll make sure you're a happy camper.
***You can only have one!! :-) I'm definitely keeping one of them for myself.
I had both done and thought that I would sell the one that I like less (in a walnut vs maple battle)...I really can't choose. I personally prefer the feel and sound of the TB1, but the TB2 is slightly 'better' with volume and ring. So since I can't choose, I'll let fate do it for me. I'm truly happy with either one. They both rock and have great bluegrass grit. They sound TERRIFIC in simple fiddle-and-banjo settings.
I think these are the best way to hold the history, have an authentic prewar Gibson, save your back, and they aren't too crazy to where you'd be afraid to really take 'em out and use them.
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