Coming soon: 1938 Gibson RB-75, early 1930s Gibson RB-1 flathead conversion, Super clean Dobson, Vega Professional, Recent Brooks Masten 12" fretless clawhammer banjo
For
more complete description or questions, please email steve_swan@earthlink.net or
call (650) 515-1014. |
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 Ca. 1900 Cole Eclipse (5604) |
A fine oldtime model
banjo from a respected maker, W.A. Cole, who was built under his own
name from 1890 through 1909.
11" head, 27 1/8" string scale, Friction pegs, Grover non-tip
brdige, boattail neck heel, Engraved pearl inlay has never been affected
by a refret. All original hardware is intact and in fine, clean condition.
A new calfskin head was expertly installed by its owner 10 years ago.
This banjo plays quite easily and speaks with a warm, clear voice. In
superb
condition. With hardshell case. |
$1750.00 |
Previous Offerings
1934 Gibson RB-1 conversion (157-21) |
A superb sounding
Bluegrass banjo from Gibson's classic period. Huber Mahogany neck with
Waverly tuners, Blaylock flathead tonering, Calfskin head. The original
tension hoop is a little distorted and remains in the case, so the owner
installed a new Gibson tension hoop. All other original hardware intact
and in fine working order. The original tenor neck comes with Grover
pancake tuners. This great banjo reminds me very much of the wonderful
tone that Sandy Rothman got on his original RB-1 when I played in a band
with him in the late 1970s. An RB-1 with an original 5 string neck from
this time period will run about $12,000.00 these days. With hardshell
case. |
Ca. 1938 RB-75 conversion (nsn) |
A fabulous example of the one of the most desireable 1930s Gibson flathead models with a great neck made by the celebrated Frank Neat. I've included as the first photo the written appraisal by Steve Huber from December 2007 describing the banjo and estimating its current value at $82,000.00. A copy of this appraisal will be in the banjo's case. The serial number would have been stamped on the back of the neck, probably a plectrum model, which is now lost to history. I had San Francisco Bay Area banjo maker and Gibson authority Larry Cohea authenticate all of the parts and do a proper setup after it had been improperly adjusted by another shop where it had been on consignment. The only non-original pot parts are the steel armrest and the 5-string Presto tailpiece. An original 4-string Presto would have a rougher surface in the drilled 3rd string hole. As the banjo is currently setup, the top coordinator rod washer has been carefully put in a labeled plastic bag and a smaller diameter replacemnt washer is in its place onthe banjo. The Frank Neat neck is exquisitely detailed with flying eagle inlay and period style tuners. Larry Cohea's setup brought out the incredibly rich tone, even response, and LOUD voice of this amazing banjo. I have replaced the 1970s case with a nice new black Calton from Tony Williamson's mandolin Central (thanks, Tony!). Truly a professional level Bluegrass banjo. |
