Gibson RB-3 Snakehead Model 5 String Resonator Banjo, c. 1924, made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, shaded maple finish, laminated maple rim; maple neck with ebony fingerboard.
Here's one rare enough we've actually never seen one before -- an original five-string Gibson banjo from the "trap-door" era. While Gibson offered "Regular banjos" like this in the catalog, so few were built that they hardly ever surface. This RB-3 has the Mastertone ring of the era, the ball-bearing tone tube, as well as the rarely seen cupped Pyralin resonator that was the more expensive alternative to the more common trap door. This is a really unusual sounding banjo as well, with a very pronounced midrange ring and a definite "Old Timey" quality.
Overall length is 37 in. (94 cm.), 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm.) diameter head, and 4 in. (10.2 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 26 1/4 in. (667 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.).
A nicely unmodified banjo; all original except newer bridge and possibly 5th string tuner button. There is a hairline crack at the headstock cleanly repaired with no overspray or touch up, totally solid but visible on close inspection. Minor wear overall. Set up with a very old (possibly original) Rodgers skin head; a very good player. Generally Excellent Condition.
