Brand: Gibson
Instrument Categories: Banjos, Other, REDUCED, SOLD
The first of the Gibson GB series of 6-string Mastertone Guitar Banjos appeared in 1918, as the GB-3 and GB-4. The GB-1 and GB-6 appeared in 1922, and by 1940, production had completely ended. The GB-5 was built only during 1925. These models were influenced by the popular Paramount banjo designs.
These instruments are perhaps comparable in intent to the Resophonic guitars that were introduced by National just a few years later – meant to be used in fairly loud ensembles, often with horns, playing the Dixieland jazz that was all the rage.
This Gibson GB-3 Mastertone Guitar Banjo, was likely built during 1926 at the Gibson plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan. While its serial number has unfortunately been removed from inside of the pot, the ball-bearing, arched top tone ring was only used in 1925 and 1926. It is built of Mahogany, with a bound Ebony fingerboard, and Ebony headplate with Mother of Pearl script ‘The Gibson’ inlay. The fingerboard bears Mother of Pearl dot position markers and a ‘MASTERTONE’ engraved block at the last fret. The pot uses a standard 11 inch Mastertone rim with two-piece flange.
This instrument is in largely original condition, with Grover Pancake tuners and Kershner Improved Unique tailpiece. Naturally, it has some wear, including to the Ebony fingerboard; this wear, contrasted to the lack of wear on the frets, suggests that it has been refretted at some point.
It plays well and includes the original hard shell case.
- Model: GB-3 Guitar Banjo
- Year: 1926
- Finish Gloss
- Class: Vintage
- Serial Number: Removed
- Country of Origin: USA
- Condition: Good
- Date Posted: 08/05/2019
- This instrument has been sold
- Consignment Item
- Including original Hard case
- Instrument Weight: 10.34lbs 4.7kg
- Scale Length: 24.75in 628.6mm
- Nut Width: 1.692in 43mm
