“The flashiest five-string banjo made” is how Gibson described the RB-11 in its 1935 catalog. Introduced in 1931, Style 11 featured pearloid covering, blue paint, and bold silkscreened designs—eye-catching appointments that dressed up one of the company’s more affordable offerings. Beyond adding color and flair, the pearloid and painted finish also allowed Gibson to utilize cosmetically flawed wood that might not have met the standards of its higher-end models.
Style 11 banjos remained in production into the World War II era. This example—typical of instruments built prior to Gibson’s adoption of the two-letter serial number prefix system in 1938—bears no serial number. While its ownership history is unknown, the original pearloid truss-rod cover carries a period personalization: “M.E.B.”
Notably, this banjo has not been converted to a geared fifth-string tuner; the current friction peg is a later replacement, though the original fifth-string nut remains intact. While Style 11 models were generally fitted with the “Grover First Model” tailpiece referenced in 1930s Gibson catalogs, this instrument is now equipped with a Grover Presto tailpiece punched for five strings. It also features installed fifth-string spikes and “two-tab” Grover tuners. The back of the neck has been refinished.
This is. fine example of how amazing these no tone ring, "hoop banjos" are, and is most certainly a piece off Prewar Gibson Banjo history for the player and/or collector.
Recent setup, plays and sounds exactly as it should. Included a Price Case.
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