Pre War Gibson Conversion Banjos for Sale

1926 Gibson Style 3 Conversion

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.

see pictures

1932 Gibson Style 3

1926 Gibson Style 3 Conversion

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.

see pictures

1929 Gibson Style 1 Conversion

1926 Gibson Style 3 Conversion

1929 Gibson Style 1 Conversion

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.

see pictures

1929 Gibson Style 2 Conversion

1930s Gibson / Kel Kroydon Style 10 Conversion

1929 Gibson Style 1 Conversion

FON 9469-49. This Gibson Style 2 Banjo features a Sloan Tone Ring and all of its original hardware. It has that beautiful walnut look and sound; the perfect CRACK for hard driving bluegrass tone! The neck was made by David Houchens who worked at Stelling for many years. Check out the wonderful custom truss rod cover and custom amber buttons. This banjo is in fabulous condition and features a fresh setup; sounds and plays exactly as it should!

see pictures

1930s Gibson / Kel Kroydon Style 10 Conversion

1930s Prewar Gibson / Kel Kroydon Style 10 banjo with wonderful neck made by David Houchens featuring EVO frets on an ebony fingerboard! This wonderfully feeling neck was stained (not painted) black to match the style 10 banjos rim and resonator! Gotoh Tuners with black tuning buttons make this instrument a real "head turner". It plays and sounds like a dream outfitted with a Huber Vintage Tone Ring. Fresh setup!

see pictures

1928 Gibson Style 1 Conversion

1930s Gibson / Kel Kroydon Style 10 Conversion

FON 9096-40. This Gibson banjo turned out to be a great conversion with a radius Gold Tone Neck and Calf skin head! If you're looking for a lightweight banjo (no tone ring) that is properly setup and sounds great, on a budget, this one might be one to consider!

see pictures

1931 Gibson Style 11 "The Green Machine"

FON 9797-66. This is a rare example of a Gibson / Kel Kroydon Banjo where Gibson actually used a FON in the instrument. Most of these banjos didn't have Factory Order Numbers, and this one has it stamped in the rim, and written in chalk in the resonator as most other Prewar banjos from this era did! This neck is brand new from Richie Dotson absolutely stunning! We will let the photos speak for themselves. Fresh setup, this one screams! UNCUT, no tone ring.

see pictures