Here is a mint condition 1984 Gibson Earl Scruggs "Hearts and Flowers" Mastertone banjo. This banjo was built in the first year of production of the Earl
Scruggs (ES) banjo. Check the pictures of the head stock for the serial number - 0169. A very very early production number. This is one of the first run "yellow" models which exactly matched Earl's instrument. There are only 1141 of the yellow models out of a production of more than 4800 from 1984 to
2005 and possibly beyond. After that, the ES banjo was dark colored on the rim and resonator. This banjo was played some in its early years. But then
it was bought by a non-player (not me) who thought he would learn how to play. But he didn't learn and so the banjo was literally stored beneath his bed
for almost 30 years! That explains why the finish isn't cracking and scratched up like most of the ES banjos I've seen on the internet. One more thing - this
is also one of the early ones which actually bear Earl's hand-signed autograph on a label inside the rim (see picture). He signed 1,984 labels (same number
as the first year produced) in blue felt tip pen and no more. If you see a label with a black signature and a higher serial number it is a printed signature and
not a true autograph like this one. They call those instruments the Earl Scruggs Special (ESS). This instrument is truly a rare bird and an investment grade
banjo that any vintage instrument collector would appreciate. But it was meant to be played and not be a closet queen. However my main instrument is a
guitar. I want to sell the banjo but I hope it goes to a player. Still, as the years go by this instrument will doubtlessly appreciate in value many times over!
Now some info for the players: This ES banjo has Keith D-tuners on the 2nd and 3rd strings (see pictures) and has "railroad spikes" on the 7th, 8th, 9th,
10th and 12th frets. The neck is straight and the frets show almost no wear. After 32 years, it may need a set-up to your personal specs but it plays just
great as it is. The cradle style strap is a leather Silver Eagle with thick padding because this sucker is heavy! In the original hard shell case (HSC) you'll
find an original Gibson brochure for the ES banjo, a hang tag, a case key (1) and a set of Gibson ES strings. The case has a small bit of wear on an edge
but I'd call it 97% or better condition. I have included an appraisal from world-famous Gruhn Guitars in Nashville, Tennessee of $3500.00 at the present time.
The PDF wouldn't upload so I took a picture of it. I consider this a "conservative" estimate since I have seen ES banjos in worse shape in the $3800 to $4000
range on their own website. The banjo is sold "as is" with "no returns" but rest assured that it will not disappoint you. Shipping is expensive due to the large
box, heavy weight and high value and depending on the distance could exceed $100 depending on how far it has to go. However, you will pay only $55 to any
part of the continental USA. Please look closely at the pictures and ask questions if I have not covered anything. Remember, I am not an experienced banjo
player (just a novice) but I will try my best to answer any issues. Gruhn Guitars looked at the same pictures and said, "this banjo appears cosmetically and
structurally to be in fine condition". Couldn't have said it better myself. Thanks for looking at my banjo!
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