Details
This Gibson Mastertone began life as a PB-3 plectrum model back in late 1925. Fast forward almost 50 years, when Gibson plectrum banjos were in low demand, and it was transformed to a bluegrass 5-string with the popular Hearts & Flowers inlay pattern on the newly crafted curly maple neck made by Bob Palmer. The original shell was recut for a bronze Sullivan “Tennesee 20” flathead tone ring . The holes in the heavy maple shell, for springs that had supported the original archtop tone ring, were neatly doweled, and the grooved tension hoop was replaced with a heavier notched version.
This conversion was done by Bob Palmer, a well-regarded banjo wizard who also upgraded the plain maple resonator by making a lathe-turned top-tension style with curly maple that matched the neck. The result is a bluegrass banjo powerhouse that can hold its own in any jam session.
Specs
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Fingerboard
Ebony
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Neck material
Maple
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Nut width
1 3/16"
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Scale length
26 3/8"
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Tuners
Five Star Planetary
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Year
1925
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Diameter
11"
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Flange
Tube and Plate
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Resonator
Yes
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Shell
3-Ply Maple
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Tone ring
Sullivan “Tennesee 20” flathead
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Case type
Hardshell
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Serial number
8172-23
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SKU
GIBPB3-814223
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UPC
141025
