Gibson Granada (2004)

Description

While Gibson have now stopped building banjos, the company's resonators are still considered some of the best in the world, having been championed by all the major players from the first generation of bluegrass and still finding new adherents to this day. This Gibson Granada from 2004 is among the nicest models that the company ever made, with a twangy yet complex and well-rounded sound perfectly suited for any style of three-finger play. An outstanding, highly flamed maple neck terminates at a maple pot and resonator, with a full gloss finish for a little aesthetic pizzazz, and an authentic Mastertone tone ring on the interior augments the natural brightness of the maple to add additional sustain and a tonal character that seems to leap right out of bluegrass history. Gold hardware and Gibson's "Flying Eagle" inlay pattern complete the package visually, but trust us when we tell you that this Granada somehow sounds even better than it looks.

All parts are original and the banjo is set up perfectly for bluegrass picking. There is some small wear on the head from the previous owner's pinky and ring finger, but this is typical of almost all used resonator and does not affect the banjo's sound. There is virtually no fret wear or any scuffing on the resonator back or neck. We consider it to be on the upper end of very good condition. Included in the price is the original Gibson hard-shell case.