Gibson TB-1 Tenor Banjo (1930)
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Item # 12467
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Gibson TB-1 Model Tenor Banjo (1930), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 9545-18, mahogany stain finish, laminated maple rim, mahogany neck and resonator; rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
We don't usually sell instruments "as is", typically preferring to restore vintage pieces to good playable condition but this pre-WWII banjo is a special case. It is a Gibson TB-1 dating to 1930, when even this lower-end model was built around the same rim and cast one-piece flange as the highly sought after Mastertone models. As much of the interest in early Gibson tenor banjos today lies in their adaptability to 5-string format, we have elected to leave this piece as found rather than restore it in the original tenor form.
While this is not a Mastertone instrument, the 3-ply, 9/16" thick (at the base) laminated maple rim, one-piece cast flange, single bound resonator and cast hoop are the same pieces used as those models. As built the rim mounts a simple brass tone ring, and would need to be slightly cut down to fit a Mastertone flathead tone ring but this has been a standard conversion formula for decades. The rim is set up with a single coordinator rod; it could be adapted to fit the dual rod system or left as is.
Apart from this rim conversion a replacement 5-string neck, tailpiece and head of choice would convert this to a very functional Bluegrass 5-string. The bulk of the value of this piece rests in the original cast one-piece flange, arguably the most crucial element for such a conversion. Of course the banjo could also be restored to its original tenor form if desired.
By 1930 the TB-1 had evolved into this just sub-Mastertone form; earlier models had simpler rims and shoe-and-plate flanges not suitable for such conversions. This is a fairly rare banjo as by 1930 the Depression was just kicking in and tenor banjo sales were collapsing. Originally listed around $60 this banjo was an excellent bargain in its day; with all the Mastertone improvements save the full tone ring. It still represents a very fine source for authentic conversion parts, or a lovely little tenor in its original form.
Overall length is 34 1/2 in. (87.6 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head. Scale length is 23 in. (584 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.).
This TB-1 has been a working instrument and shows some wear and tear, but retains its original finish and the critical parts. The all-original finish has very minor dings, dents and scrapes but is cleaner than many. The back of the neck has wear to the wood and some minor dings but nothing too serious. The rim is relatively clean, and the serial numbers stamped inside and chalked on the resonator are matching.
The rim hardware remains original and largely complete except there is no period tailpiece; overall the plating shows some typical wear. The hooks and nuts are an original and complete set as are three of the four resonator retaining bolts; the fourth is missing. The all-important one-piece, pot metal flange has some surface wear and has cupped upwards somewhat, as is common. It shows typical surface corrosion but is fully intact with no cracks, breaks or structural deterioration. The resonator mounting pieces are intact (apart from the one missing bolt) as is the single coordinator rod and tailpiece flange; the armrest is intact but has considerable wear through the plating on the top.
The original Grover "pancake" tuners on the tenor neck are intact, and could be re-used. That 4-string neck is in solid shape with considerable wear to the fingerboard and frets; it would require a refret if it were to be used. This instrument is a cool find in an "Almost-Mastertone" and represents an excellent opportunity to assemble a custom Bluegrass ready 5-string with some hard-to-find original hardware at a fraction of the cost of a fully authentic original. The original heavily worn black Tenor HSC is included. Overall Very Good + Condition.
We don't usually sell instruments "as is", typically preferring to restore vintage pieces to good playable condition but this pre-WWII banjo is a special case. It is a Gibson TB-1 dating to 1930, when even this lower-end model was built around the same rim and cast one-piece flange as the highly sought after Mastertone models. As much of the interest in early Gibson tenor banjos today lies in their adaptability to 5-string format, we have elected to leave this piece as found rather than restore it in the original tenor form.
While this is not a Mastertone instrument, the 3-ply, 9/16" thick (at the base) laminated maple rim, one-piece cast flange, single bound resonator and cast hoop are the same pieces used as those models. As built the rim mounts a simple brass tone ring, and would need to be slightly cut down to fit a Mastertone flathead tone ring but this has been a standard conversion formula for decades. The rim is set up with a single coordinator rod; it could be adapted to fit the dual rod system or left as is.
Apart from this rim conversion a replacement 5-string neck, tailpiece and head of choice would convert this to a very functional Bluegrass 5-string. The bulk of the value of this piece rests in the original cast one-piece flange, arguably the most crucial element for such a conversion. Of course the banjo could also be restored to its original tenor form if desired.
By 1930 the TB-1 had evolved into this just sub-Mastertone form; earlier models had simpler rims and shoe-and-plate flanges not suitable for such conversions. This is a fairly rare banjo as by 1930 the Depression was just kicking in and tenor banjo sales were collapsing. Originally listed around $60 this banjo was an excellent bargain in its day; with all the Mastertone improvements save the full tone ring. It still represents a very fine source for authentic conversion parts, or a lovely little tenor in its original form.
Overall length is 34 1/2 in. (87.6 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head. Scale length is 23 in. (584 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.).
This TB-1 has been a working instrument and shows some wear and tear, but retains its original finish and the critical parts. The all-original finish has very minor dings, dents and scrapes but is cleaner than many. The back of the neck has wear to the wood and some minor dings but nothing too serious. The rim is relatively clean, and the serial numbers stamped inside and chalked on the resonator are matching.
The rim hardware remains original and largely complete except there is no period tailpiece; overall the plating shows some typical wear. The hooks and nuts are an original and complete set as are three of the four resonator retaining bolts; the fourth is missing. The all-important one-piece, pot metal flange has some surface wear and has cupped upwards somewhat, as is common. It shows typical surface corrosion but is fully intact with no cracks, breaks or structural deterioration. The resonator mounting pieces are intact (apart from the one missing bolt) as is the single coordinator rod and tailpiece flange; the armrest is intact but has considerable wear through the plating on the top.
The original Grover "pancake" tuners on the tenor neck are intact, and could be re-used. That 4-string neck is in solid shape with considerable wear to the fingerboard and frets; it would require a refret if it were to be used. This instrument is a cool find in an "Almost-Mastertone" and represents an excellent opportunity to assemble a custom Bluegrass ready 5-string with some hard-to-find original hardware at a fraction of the cost of a fully authentic original. The original heavily worn black Tenor HSC is included. Overall Very Good + Condition.