Gibson Earl Scruggs Classic 49 Mastertone 5 String Banjo (2007)
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Item # 10866
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Gibson Earl Scruggs Classic 49 Mastertone Model 5 String Banjo (2007), made in Nashville, TN, serial # 49-197, shaded maple finish, laminated maple rim, mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black tolex hard shell case.
This is a 2007 Gibson Earl Scruggs signature "49 Classic" 5-string banjo, essentially Gibson's re-imagining of the master's Mastertone banjo circa that era. The specs include a lovely one-piece flamed maple neck and laminated resonator, and a rosewood fingerboard with "bow tie" Mother-of-Pearl inlay. The multi-ply hard rock maple rim has a 20 hole flathead tone ring and one-piece flange.
It is fitted out with all nickel plated hardware including Gibson's repro Presto tailpiece and Grover-style tuners, with the upper two being classic Scruggs pegs to emulate his signature mid-song tuning moves. A Snuffy Smith 5/8" Maple bridge sits atop the frosted Remo head. The fingerboard has railroad spikes at positions 7 and 9.
The serial number indicates this is the 197th of this "Classic 49" run out of a total of around 300 made by Gibson. This is a very good-sounding and playing Gibson 5-string; something the current company seems to have lost interest in. While not the flashiest Mastertone out there, it has a very authentic look and sound and really does the job, especially if you're a vintage Earl Scruggs fan.
Overall length is 37 3/4 in. (95.9 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head, and 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 26 1/4 in. (667 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.).
This banjo has been played but very well cared for. The head is a bit dirty but solid, with a pinky wear spot through the frosting below the bridge. Some moderate wear to the nickel plating makes it look older than it really is! The finish is very clean with only some light marks, the frets and fingerboard show some wear but not enough to affect playability. All hardware appears correct except the nut on the tailpiece bolt. This Mastertone is an excellent sounding instrument and shows Gibson's commitment to keeping up the quality of their banjo line, especially those bearing Earl Scruggs' name. Overall Excellent Condition.
This is a 2007 Gibson Earl Scruggs signature "49 Classic" 5-string banjo, essentially Gibson's re-imagining of the master's Mastertone banjo circa that era. The specs include a lovely one-piece flamed maple neck and laminated resonator, and a rosewood fingerboard with "bow tie" Mother-of-Pearl inlay. The multi-ply hard rock maple rim has a 20 hole flathead tone ring and one-piece flange.
It is fitted out with all nickel plated hardware including Gibson's repro Presto tailpiece and Grover-style tuners, with the upper two being classic Scruggs pegs to emulate his signature mid-song tuning moves. A Snuffy Smith 5/8" Maple bridge sits atop the frosted Remo head. The fingerboard has railroad spikes at positions 7 and 9.
The serial number indicates this is the 197th of this "Classic 49" run out of a total of around 300 made by Gibson. This is a very good-sounding and playing Gibson 5-string; something the current company seems to have lost interest in. While not the flashiest Mastertone out there, it has a very authentic look and sound and really does the job, especially if you're a vintage Earl Scruggs fan.
Overall length is 37 3/4 in. (95.9 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head, and 3 1/2 in. (8.9 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 26 1/4 in. (667 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.).
This banjo has been played but very well cared for. The head is a bit dirty but solid, with a pinky wear spot through the frosting below the bridge. Some moderate wear to the nickel plating makes it look older than it really is! The finish is very clean with only some light marks, the frets and fingerboard show some wear but not enough to affect playability. All hardware appears correct except the nut on the tailpiece bolt. This Mastertone is an excellent sounding instrument and shows Gibson's commitment to keeping up the quality of their banjo line, especially those bearing Earl Scruggs' name. Overall Excellent Condition.