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!
Gibson Granada FON 9596-1, a factory archtop banjo once owned by bluegrass legend Don Stover and later kept and played by family members. It includes the original archtop tone ring (currently fitted with a Huber HR-30) and retains the original armrest and clamshell tailpiece, though the resonator has been refinished and most of the gold hardware has been replated.
Ideal for a player or collector who wants a historically interesting, road-ready prewar Gibson. It includes a strap that says "Ray Stover", Don's brother.
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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