This is a really clean example of a Gibson TB-11 with some replaced metal parts, and some original to the banjo. The flange appears to be reproduction. The resonator is extremely clean on this banjo and we had this neck specifically made for this instrument from Richie Dotson. Fresh head and setup, Richie Dotson Bridge. This banjo is uncut - no tone ring, and huge sound.
This banjo started its life a typical Gibson Style 1 and has been been "Granadafied" with gold plating and using some other vintage style 800 parts. The tone ring is a full weight, 3 pound Gibson Style 800 ring, with tension hoop as well. Prewar flange, and tailpiece. Modern 3 ply rim with aftermarket label and number stamps to match the prewar chalk resonator numbers. Frank Neat Mahogany neck with Keith d-tuners. This banjo has an incredible look and sound!
This banjo is an original 5 string banjo! The 5 string neck has been stripped of its original blue color and is finished exposing its natural maple grain. With the neck off, you can see some of the original blue paint on the heel cut of the neck from Gibson, ensuring it isn't a replica. This banjo features all of the original metal parts except for the tension hoop. It was last setup by Snuffy Smith who cut the rim for a Huber Vintage Tone ring; Snuffy Smith Bridge. These original 5 string banjos from Gibson are very special, the profile of the neck feels extremely comfortable, but the old wood from the neck, meeting the old wooden rim creates a sound that is hard to replicate with modern parts!
1930s Original 5 String RB-00 Converted to a late 1940s RB-150 by Gibson Factory. This unique BOWTIE banjo has a detailed description and authentication by Jim Mills with it. It plays and sounds absolutely amazing.
All original hardware
Original case
Fon 11033A-32
F.O.N. 9691-3. This 1930 Gibson Banjo started its life as a tenor banjo as was recently converted with a brand new neck made by Tim Davis specifically for this banjo. It features the original (prewar) tension hoop, flange, armrest, hooks and nuts, and resonator screws. It has all of the magic the a Prewar Gibson Banjo should have and is a few pounds lighter than most bluegrass banjos in that it hasn't been cut for a tone ring.
This is one of the best sounding and playing Prewar Conversions to have come though Turtle Hill Banjo Co, by far! Fresh setup with new head, and Prucha bridge.
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 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!
The metal parts on this banjo are all prewar Gibson, except for the armrest. This banjo hasn't been cut for a tone ring, so play it as is and enjoy a nice sounding lightweight banjo, or use this as an opportunity to put a tone ring in it!
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!
The pot on this extremely rare banjo was, in all probability, built in 1927, and the neck a decade later. There is no carving on the neck, and the peghead inlay is completely different than on the standard Bella Voce. It is absolutely original, with tube and plate flange and a 40-hole archtop tone ring. We had Richie Dotson build a 5-string neck that matches the original perfectly. It is a really neat instrument and you'll probably never see another like it! Click here for pictures
1928 Gibson TB3 Conversion is excellent condition. FON 9113-43. This banjo plays and sounds exactly like it should! It has the original Gibson 40 hole archtop ring in it currently. If you'd like to inquire about having it converted to a flathead, we carry several conversion rings (archtop to flathead) and would be able to drop one in without doing any cutting to the rim.
The neck was made by Marty Lanham - see photos.
If you're looking for a great sounding Prewar Gibson, this is one to consider!
1928 Gibson Style 3 Conversion Factory Order Number 9221-3 with all original parts! This amazing banjo features its original two piece flange construction with a flathead no hole tone ring by Sullivan Banjos. The five string neck was made by master luthier Frank Neat featuring a "flying eagle" inlay pattern with "fiddle cut" peghead, retaining its original prewar grover tuners, and modern geared 5th string tuner with prewar button. Professional setup with exceptional tone and playability! This banjo came from Jim Mills Banjo, Inc RECENTLY and incudes a Letter of Authenticity from Mr. Mills himself.
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