1930s Gibson (Kel Kroydon) Style 10 with a Modern Gibson 5 String Earl Scruggs, Hearts and Flowers Neck! We're told this Gibson Neck was installed by the factory in the early 2000s and specifically made for this banjo. Note the perfect color match on the back of the neck to the sidewalls of the resonator. It has a modern Gibson 20 hole flathead tone ring, and all of the other original Pre war Gibson metal parts including the original 'window pane' tailpiece. Recent setup - sounds and plays exactly as it should with a nice Scorpion bridge!
1930's Gibson RB-00, with original hardware and original 5 string neck! There's something magical about original 5 string neck banjos in the Prewar Gibson world! This banjo is professionally setup and will rattle your body when you play it! Very clean / excellent condition!
Introducing a remarkable 1929 Gibson Style 6—a beautifully preserved piece of prewar craftsmanship, elevated even further by a top-tier conversion from Frank Neat, who built and installed a superb neck. The playability is outstanding, and the banjo is visually striking from every angle.
This instrument retains its original 40-hole raised-head archtop tone ring, delivering that unmistakable, classic bluegrass punch and clarity. If you’re interested in a flathead conversion ring or other options to adapt the banjo to a flathead setup, we have solutions available—just ask.
A tasteful modern wooden armrest is currently installed, complementing the banjo’s aesthetics. The original Argentine Grey finish, checkerboard binding, and elegant Style 6 engravings on the tone ring, tension hoop, and original armrest (included) showcase the model’s distinctive prewar flair.
Please note: as shown in the photos, a small hole on the side of the rim indicates that a previous owner likely used an armrest-mounted mute or dampening device—a fairly common modification on banjos from this era. Also visible is the faded interior of the resonator and Gibson label, most likely caused by a lamp being kept inside the banjo to maintain proper tension on the old hide head.
A stunning, highly playable, and historically rich example of a prewar Gibson—ready for the next chapter of its story.
Fresh setup; plays and sounds like a dream!
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
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