Description
1960 Gibson RB-250 5 string banjo. FON 0-8405-41’
I purchased this banjo from Chandler Holt in 2017 and had it set up by Tom McKinney in Asheville, NC, including replacement of the tuners, tailpiece and bridge. The following is Chandler’s original description on BHO when I bought it from him, because I couldn’t describe it any better: “Here is a pristine RB-250 from 1960 serial #0-3405-41. I purchased this banjo form it’s original owner and it is easy to see that he took great care of this banjo. it is totally original except for a modern Remo medium crown head, bridge and Sullivan Archtop to Flathead conversion ring. This banjo featured a 4 hole arch top ring which is included with the sale. The Kluson tuners and 5th string friction peg all work.
Since I’ve owned this banjo I have thought it would benefit from the neck heal being recut. I finally got around to getting that done by Don Bryant. Don did a phenomenal job and the result is a banjo that is set up perfectly. The action is ideal and the sound is just as nice, very balanced all over the fingerboard with lots of openness and volume. This instrument is 100% free of any issues and will make a great banjo for the stage or as a collector’s piece. This bowtie sounds great with either ring but I simply think this banjo sounds much more open and powerful with the conversion ring.
There are only a couple of cosmetic issues with this one. The headstock was drilled for cam tuners and later removed and patched up. The repair was done will but the repair is visible. There is a very modest amount of finish checking on the resonator. Normally, these bowties have loads of finish checking and wear. This is one of the best I’ve ever seen. The finish is not broken anywhere and is pretty brilliant all over the neck and resonator. The original case is included in the sale. All the latches and handle function but this case is not near as pristine as the banjo.”
I will add that very little if anything has changed from this description, except replacement of the tuners (Waverly) and bridge (Scorpion), but I am including the Klusons and Rossford tailpiece (pictured). Also included with this sale is the archtop ring. I paid slightly more than my $3000 asking price but am willing to let it go at that. I am in the downsizing mode (from 8 down to ?) and this is one of a few more to come, so stay tuned. I am getting “old and in the way” and just trying to simplify things. Other than that, I hate to part with this wonderful instrument.