1957 Gibson RB-100 5 String Resonator Folk Bluegrass Banjo

This Gibson RB-100 Model 5 String Resonator Banjo (1957) was made in Kalamazoo, Michigan. It has a sunburst lacquer finish, a laminated maple resonator and rim, and a mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard. It has an unbound dot inlaid fingerboard and single-bound sunburst resonator.

The simple and sleek Gibson RB-100 was the company's standard "no-frills" midline banjo in the 1950s and '60s. The banjo features a full resonator and flange, but it has a simple brass tone ring. It is more powerful than the openback "folk" banjos of the time but not as bright as a full Mastertone.  It has a more rounded and mellow tone, but still plenty of volume. This model is a great all-around vintage Gibson banjo and a good choice for upbeat old-time music and bluegrass!
 
Overall length: 37 1/2 in. (95.2 cm.)
Head Diameter: 11 in. (27.9 cm.)
Rim Depth: 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm.) 
Scale length: 26 1/2 in. (673 mm.)
Nut Width: 3/16 in. (30 mm.)
Serial Number: 7-5714-105

This banjo remains in original condition. Its resonator is in lovely shape with a beautiful sunburst finish. The mahogany neck suffered a break at the heel and a subsequent undisguised repair, including two screws set into the fingerboard, prior to its arrival here. It also has a small cosmetic chip in the headstock and other signs of use. It's quite playable as is but may benefit from a setup and fret polish to maximize playability. No case.

Good (G) Condition

Consignment Instrument - Sold As-Is