Super cool 1930s Kalamazoo Banjo made with Gibson parts that has been altered to be a modern bluegrass machine! This banjo has a one piece flange and unplaced 20 hole flathead tone ring, still retaining its single coordinator rod, prewar grover pancake tubers, sunburst resonator and cool mojo. At some point, someone added a couple extra fretboard dots, too. Fresh setup, this one screams!
1930s (Gibson) Kalamazoo in original condition. Arguable the lightest resonator banjo in existence. Retains most original parts, including friction tuners, hardware, etc. Pre EPA head, Presto Tailpiece, Fresh setup!
Factory Order Number: EW1800. This banjo features its original flange, tuners, and other hardware, minus the modern replaced tailpipe.1937–1939 Recording King Model 1584 (M-6) – Original 5-String, Gibson Made A rare, pre-war Recording King Model 1584 (M-6), built by Gibson in Kalamazoo for Montgomery Ward between 1937 and 1939. Though unbranded as a Gibson, this banjo was made alongside Gibson's own models and shares many of their construction features. This original five-string example features the distinctive Recording King peghead and fan inlays, a one-piece flange, grooved tension hoop, 1/2" maple rim, hoop-style tone ring, and deep curly maple resonator designed for increased volume and projection. An exceptional opportunity to own an authentic Gibson-made, pre-war five-string Recording King—one of the most desirable and collectible banjos of the era. Fresh setup, this one is great for the collector OR player!
FON. 9308-19 This amazing banjo started its life as a TB-3, or tenor banjo with a small four string neck and has been converted for modern bluegrass playing with a 5 String neck. The neck that's on it is a modern 90s/early 2000s ACTUAL Gibson neck has some fret wear but is lovely and very playable. It features Keith D-tuners on the second and third string, a 5 Star head, original 40 gold arch-top tone ring, two piece flange, and a modern armrest and replacement tailpiece. This banjo has that classic archtop sound and has finally been revitalized after sitting in the closet for the last 40 years. Fresh setup, ready to go!
FON 8146-12. This 1925 Ball Bearing Style 4 started its life as a tenor banjo and recently aquired a 5 strig neck making it suitable for bluegrass playing. The rim is unaltered and currently has a "drop in " conversion ring transforming it from a ball bearing construction to a flathead. The Clancy Mullins neck is super comfortable!
Fresh setup, plays and sounds exactly as it should!
FON 8207-3. This banjo is a great example of how great these Ball Bearing Tone Rings sound for bluegrass! This banjo features its original hardware except for a modern Presto tailpiece and a nice replica Style 3 neck by Clancy Mullins. Fresh setup; plays and sounds exactly as it should!
See photos, video.
FON Number: 9903-60. This one piece flange Gibson banjo is in great shape and features all of its original hardware. It has a 1980's Gibson Neck installed on it and is a great sounding bluegrass banjo! It will come with its original tenor neck, and if you'd like to discuss installing a flathead conversion ring, please inquire! This would make a great flathead banjo or keep it as is (archtop) as it sounds absolutely wonderful. See photos and video.
FON 9486-26. This 1929 prewar Gibson began its life as a TB-1 (tenor banjo) and was later professionally converted with a correct-style 5-string neck, transforming it into a true bluegrass machine.
It retains all of its original components, making it an outstanding option for anyone seeking an authentic prewar Gibson without a tone ring. The original 1/4" brass hoop and nearly 100-year-old rim deliver a warm, punchy response that proves just how powerful an uncut hoop banjo can be.
Recently set up with a Turtle Hill Remo head, this banjo is playing and sounding excellent. Weighing just over 7 pounds, it’s lightweight, responsive, and comfortable for long sessions without sacrificing tone.
If you’re searching for an all-original, lightweight prewar Gibson that truly has “the sound,” this is one worth serious consideration.
F.O.N. 8353-59. This Gibson banjo started its life as a tenor banjo (TB-2) made in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1926. It is currently setup with a 5 string conversion neck made by Tom Nechville with its "flux capacitor" design making it extremely easy to change the neck angle on this instrument. Simply take an Allen wrench to loosen the neck joint, and set your banjo's action higher or lower in just a couple of seconds. This is a great design to also try different height bridges without requiring "major surgery" on your banjo!
These conversion necks are EXTREMELY rare, if you're looking for a Prewar Gibson that feels like a Nechville Banjo, this might be one to consider!
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