Gibson TB-2 Tenor Banjo (1925)
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Gibson TB-2 Model Tenor Banjo (1925), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 8076-23, mahogany stain finish, laminated maple rim and resonator; maple neck with rosewood fingerboard, black hard shell case.
This is a Gibson TB-2 dating to 1925, the first year of the new (and eventually iconic) flange-and-resonator Mastertone models. The TB-2 from this year is an odd little critter, lacking the tube-and-plate flange system (the hooks mount through simple shoes) but with the round hollow ball-bearing style tone ring, in a flathead mode without the additional arch-top ring at the apex. As much of the interest in early Gibson tenor banjos today lies in their adaptability to 5-string format, this one is a lesser candidate than many as it cannot accept a Bluegrass-approved cast flange but it is a nifty little banjo in the original tenor form.
This early style semi-Mastertone instrument has a thin 7/16" thick laminated maple rim, a single bound full resonator and a unique one-piece flat metal "wavy" flange, a short-lived feature discontinued within a year, decorating the rim edge. The rim is set up with a single coordinator rod. The slim 4-string neck has a bound rosewood fingerboard with shaped pearl inlay in a pattern similar to later Nick Lucas models; the rounded headstock has a pearl "The Gibson" logo and a pearl doodad below. The tuners are two-tab Grovers and the tailpiece the Grover Presto.
The TB-2 evolved constantly in the 1920s and early '30s, eventually morphing into a just sub-Mastertone form more suitable for such conversions. This is a fairly rare banjo as it was only produced in this form in 1925. Originally listed at $75 this banjo was an excellent bargain in its day; with some slightly odd features but equipped with the then-current Mastertone tone ring. It still represents a lovely little tenor in its original form, less piercing and sweeter sounding than many and a pleasure to play.
Overall length is 31 5/8 in. (80.3 cm.), 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm.) diameter head, and 3 in. (7.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 20 3/4 in. (527 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.).
This TB-2 remains nicely unaltered including all the original parts, and only lightly worn for 100 years old. The all-original finish has minor dings, dents and scrapes but is cleaner than many. The back of the neck has some wear to the wood on the spine and some minor dings but nothing serious. The rim is quite clean, and the serial numbers stamped inside and chalked on the resonator are matching.
The hardware remains all original and complete; overall the plating shows some typical light wear. The hooks and nuts are an original and complete set as are the tailpiece, armrest and all four resonator retaining bolts. The original Grover "pancake" tuners are intact, the 4-string tenor neck is in solid shape with light wear to the fingerboard and frets. The period calf skin head has one pinhole in the top but appears solid and sounds fine. This instrument is a cool find in an "Almost-Mastertone" and a fun banjo to play, saved from conversion by its unsuitable rim thus a bargain in a genuine 1920s Gibson. A period hard case is included in battered but functional shape. Overall Excellent - Condition.
This is a Gibson TB-2 dating to 1925, the first year of the new (and eventually iconic) flange-and-resonator Mastertone models. The TB-2 from this year is an odd little critter, lacking the tube-and-plate flange system (the hooks mount through simple shoes) but with the round hollow ball-bearing style tone ring, in a flathead mode without the additional arch-top ring at the apex. As much of the interest in early Gibson tenor banjos today lies in their adaptability to 5-string format, this one is a lesser candidate than many as it cannot accept a Bluegrass-approved cast flange but it is a nifty little banjo in the original tenor form.
This early style semi-Mastertone instrument has a thin 7/16" thick laminated maple rim, a single bound full resonator and a unique one-piece flat metal "wavy" flange, a short-lived feature discontinued within a year, decorating the rim edge. The rim is set up with a single coordinator rod. The slim 4-string neck has a bound rosewood fingerboard with shaped pearl inlay in a pattern similar to later Nick Lucas models; the rounded headstock has a pearl "The Gibson" logo and a pearl doodad below. The tuners are two-tab Grovers and the tailpiece the Grover Presto.
The TB-2 evolved constantly in the 1920s and early '30s, eventually morphing into a just sub-Mastertone form more suitable for such conversions. This is a fairly rare banjo as it was only produced in this form in 1925. Originally listed at $75 this banjo was an excellent bargain in its day; with some slightly odd features but equipped with the then-current Mastertone tone ring. It still represents a lovely little tenor in its original form, less piercing and sweeter sounding than many and a pleasure to play.
Overall length is 31 5/8 in. (80.3 cm.), 10 1/2 in. (26.7 cm.) diameter head, and 3 in. (7.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 20 3/4 in. (527 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/8 in. (29 mm.).
This TB-2 remains nicely unaltered including all the original parts, and only lightly worn for 100 years old. The all-original finish has minor dings, dents and scrapes but is cleaner than many. The back of the neck has some wear to the wood on the spine and some minor dings but nothing serious. The rim is quite clean, and the serial numbers stamped inside and chalked on the resonator are matching.
The hardware remains all original and complete; overall the plating shows some typical light wear. The hooks and nuts are an original and complete set as are the tailpiece, armrest and all four resonator retaining bolts. The original Grover "pancake" tuners are intact, the 4-string tenor neck is in solid shape with light wear to the fingerboard and frets. The period calf skin head has one pinhole in the top but appears solid and sounds fine. This instrument is a cool find in an "Almost-Mastertone" and a fun banjo to play, saved from conversion by its unsuitable rim thus a bargain in a genuine 1920s Gibson. A period hard case is included in battered but functional shape. Overall Excellent - Condition.