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1926 Gibson TB-5 Mastertone Banjo
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Factory order #: 8227-2, stamped in rim.
Materials: Original ball bearing tone ring and engraved gold flange, tension hoop, and Kershner 'Deluxe' tailpiece. Figured walnut resonator with pearloid binding and parquetry inlay. Conversion maple 5 string neck with wreath inlay, rosewood fingerboard, gold Keith 'Scruggs Peg' tuners. Original tenor neck and hardshell case included.
Notes: Introduced in 1925, the TB-5 Mastertone was the costliest and most ornate banjo in the Gibson catalog. Produced in very limited numbers until 1929, it featured a fiddle shaped peghead, ornately engraved gold hardware, and fancy 'wreath' style fingerboard inlays. It's 'double ring' figured walnut resonator was trimmed with smoky pearloid and geometric parquetry binding, with its peghead inlaid with a floral marquetry pattern on the back.
This fine example shows crisp engraving on all gold hardware, including the Kershner 'Deluxe' tailpiece, tension hoop with round hooks, and flange. The 22 fret maple five string conversion neck is meticulously inlaid in the vintage correct floral pattern, with multicolor parquetry binding matching the resonator, and 5th string fingerboard spikes at frets 7, 9 and 10.
The original Loar designed ball-bearing archtop tone ring gives the instrument its lovely bell-like voice, with sparkling overtones and sustain. Maintained in gleaming condition, with a fresh high precision setup, this stunning banjo is supplied with its original tenor neck and case, in addition to a recent 5 string plush lined hardshell case.
A rare find from the top of Gibson's mid 20's Mastertone line. One only: call now.
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