1955 Gibson RB-100 Left-Hand Mod Gloss Sunburst Finish Resonator 5-String Banjo

Description

1955
Gibson
RB-100
Left-Hand Mod
Gloss Sunburst Finish
Resonator 5-String Banjo
Used - Good Condition
The relatively plain looking RB-100 was Gibson's midline banjo model in the 1950's and 60's. With a full Mastertone style resonator and flange but a plain brass tone ring, it is more powerful than the openback "folk" banjos popular at the time, but not as bright as a full Mastertone. This particular banjo dates to 1955. This model would have been the prime choice in a 5-string banjo for someone interested in getting into Bluegrass but without the means to acquire a full-fledged Gibson Mastertone. With an unbound block inlaid neck and bound sunburst resonator, the RB-100 is a fairly austere instrument but classically Gibson in looks. It offers a more rounded and mellow tone than a flat-head Mastertone, and so makes an excellent choice for upbeat old-time picking and bluegrass at polite volume levels! Originally a right-handed instrument, this Gibson has been modded for lefty's to get in on the action!
Cosmetic and Functionality Description
Body:
the head is in great shape with just a few light scratches on it shape; the hoop and flange show some light scuff marks, scratches and tarnishing in the finish, plus some of the hooks a fair amount of rust; the rim and resonator both show some light scratches and scuff marks and some some really cool checking in the lacquer--light buckle rash, plus the binding on the resonator has some obvious worn spots and aging in the finish
Neck, Fretboard, and Headstock:
the fretboard has had the bass side shimmed down and a thin piece of rosewood added to the treble side to make this 5-string a left-handed playing instrument, but other than that the fretboard looks almost flawless; there is some obvious wood filler visible that was used to build op the neck on the treble side for left-handed playability, however it is rounded off nicely and is quite comfortable, plus there is some dried glue that goes across the back of the neck from where the G-tuner was installed on the other side for a left-handed player; the back of the neck also has a few very small dings and dents most of which are down the center
;
the front, back, and sides of the headstock have some noticeable scrapes and scratches, plus the front facing of the headstock has a few small dings/holes as well as some checking in the finish
Frets:
the frets show heavy to moderate wear with some grooves in the first 4 frets, however there is no fret out at this time
Action and Playability:
the action is about medium, plus the neck is straight and the truss rod functions properly
Hardware:
all looks fantastic, although two of the tuners are not original and the G-tuner has been switched around the other side of the neck for left-handed playability
Includes:
5-string banjo (case/gig bag not included)
Features
Left-handed 5-string banjo (modded from right-handed playability)
24-hook chrome rim and flange
11" head
Brass tone ring
Maple rim
Bound maple resonator with gloss sunburst finish
Mahogany neck (with wood fill to shape the neck for left-handed playability)
Unbound rosewood fretboard
White block inlays
22 frets
Black headstock overlay
Chrome tuners (Two of the tuners are not original)
Chrome tailpiece
Maple/ebony bridge
Scale:  26.5"
Nut width: 1-3/16"
Weight: 8 lbs. 0 oz.
Made in U.S.A.
Buy used and save big!
We've been selling used guitars and amplifiers for over 30 years in the same location!
Metro Sound & Music Company
Richmond, Virginia
USA
Open Tuesday - Saturday 11 am to 6 pm
Est. 1991
BUY SELL TRADE
We reserve the right to end this auction early. This banjo is also for sale in our showroom.
SHIPPING
All items sold by Metro Sound & Music (metrosound117) are shipped with full insurance coverage  included in the indicated shipping price shown in the listing above. For inquires concerning coverage, expedited shipping and international  parcels please feel free to message us. We are always happy to provide a quote for shipping and insurance for our customers outside of the  United States and those requiring special services.
All domestic orders  (Continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii) will be shipped using  FedEx Home or Ground delivery, where applicable. International orders  will be shipped by United States Postal Service Priority International.  Both FedEx and USPS offer expedited shipping services and we are always  happy to utilize any of these at our customer’s request.
Please inquire for additional information concerning these options or any specific shipping questions you might have, we are always happy to find the right solution.
117 West Broad Street
Richmond, Virginia 23220
Since 1991, Metro  Sound, Music and Recording Studios has been selling and servicing  vintage, new and used musical gear worldwide. We take great pride in our eBay listings and assure each buyer that we will do our best take make  sure each item is accurately described, packaged safely and shipped from our showroom to your destination as quickly as possible. We appreciate  you taking the time to look at this auction and invite any comments or  questions in reference to it.
For those driving through Richmond, Virginia via I-95, we are located just 5 minutes from the  interstate. Our 40,000 square foot facility houses a recording studio,  lesson rooms, band rehearsal spaces, and Factory Authorized Warranty  Repair Center. There is no other music store like Metro Sound!
Buy with confidence knowing that we will make sure every guitar or  amplifier sold in our store will be sounding its best when it leaves.
"More than a music store" for over 30 years!
Offering the finest new, used and vintage gear
Furnished Rehearsal Spaces
Friendly and Knowledgeable Customer Service
SDSESB---SED