1949  RB-150 (FON 1057-16)
1949 RB-150 (FON 1057-16)

1949 RB-150 (FON 1057-16)

1949

Out of stock

SKU: FON 1057-16 Categories: , Tags: , , ,

Description

1949 Gibson RB-150 5-string banjo.  FON 1057-16.  From the wonder Greg Earnest prewar Gibson banjo site: http://earnestbanjo.com/wp/gibson-tb-150-1057-16/

Style 150 basically combined the non-Mastertone construction of style 100 with the cosmetic appointments that would be seen on the first postwar Mastertone model, style 250, upon its introduction in 1954.  Other than the lack of a tone ring, style 150 is distinguishable from the later style 250 only by its unbound peghead and lack of a Mastertone block; style 150 was only produced through 1958, making it one of the rarer postwar Gibson banjo models.  This example conforms largely to standard specifications with sunburst-finished mahogany neck and resonator, two concentric rings of purfling on the back of the resonator, the “flyswatter” peghead shape typical of Gibson banjos from 1948 through the 1960s, and the “bowtie” inlay pattern which had been seen in a slightly different form on the top-tension style 7, introduced in 1937.  Unlike later style 150 banjos, #1057-16 has no volute or handstop; it shows evidence of having been well-used and has extensive lacquer checking, particularly on the resonator, but otherwise remains in original condition with the exception of replaced tuner buttons.  As is typical for the period, there is no Gibson decal inside the rim.  The banjo remains in its original flannel-lined case.

Additional information

Year

1949

Model

RB-150

FON

1057-16

Headstock

unbound

Flange

One piece