Gibson RB-11 5 String Resonator Banjo (1937)
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Item # 4230
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Gibson RB-11 Model 5 String Resonator Banjo (1937), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, blue lacquer and celluliod finish, maple neck and resonator, original black hard shell case.
The RB-11 was one of Gibson's lower end banjos in the 1930's, but is well-remembered not only for its distinctive celluloid-and-silkscreen cosmetics but as the banjo first employed by a young Earl Scruggs at the beginning of his illustrious career. Of course, ALL original Gibson 5-strings are rare by modern standards, and compared to its tenor brother the TB-11, the "regular banjo" RB is an extremely uncommon find. This one has been used extensively but is a fine player and a relative bargain compared to most authentic pre-WWII 5-string Gibsons.
Overall length is 37 1/2 in. (95.2 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head. Scale length is 26 1/2 in. (673 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.).
Back of neck oversprayed; repro hooks, nuts, and tailpiece. Original two-tab Grover tuners intact but others probably mounted at some point, but no extra holes in the headstock. Original screened-on headstock decoration has been touched up with proper color paint. Great-sounding and playing and a rare find -- a real original pre-WWII Gibson 5-string banjo! Very Good + Condition.
The RB-11 was one of Gibson's lower end banjos in the 1930's, but is well-remembered not only for its distinctive celluloid-and-silkscreen cosmetics but as the banjo first employed by a young Earl Scruggs at the beginning of his illustrious career. Of course, ALL original Gibson 5-strings are rare by modern standards, and compared to its tenor brother the TB-11, the "regular banjo" RB is an extremely uncommon find. This one has been used extensively but is a fine player and a relative bargain compared to most authentic pre-WWII 5-string Gibsons.
Overall length is 37 1/2 in. (95.2 cm.), 11 in. (27.9 cm.) diameter head. Scale length is 26 1/2 in. (673 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.).
Back of neck oversprayed; repro hooks, nuts, and tailpiece. Original two-tab Grover tuners intact but others probably mounted at some point, but no extra holes in the headstock. Original screened-on headstock decoration has been touched up with proper color paint. Great-sounding and playing and a rare find -- a real original pre-WWII Gibson 5-string banjo! Very Good + Condition.