Gibson RB-175 (1964)

Description

The banjo tones of the 60s folk revival are right here at your fingertips with this 1964 Gibson RB-175, a formidable long-neck unlike anything else we've got in our store. Once favored by early luminaries like Pete Seeger and Dave Guard, the long-neck seems due for a revival, and the low notes attainable by removing the capo from the neck and playing in E standard are second to none. Likewise, Gibson's quality of parts and craftsmanship were both top-notch during this period, and the RB-175 combines a stained maple pot, a mahogany neck, and a Wonder-style rolled brass tone ring under the head. While this may not have the flash of a boutique open-back designed for new-school Americana, this thing has an ineffable class that proved impossible to turn down when it made its way into our shop.

This instrument arrived in our store in very good condition, especially when accounting for its age. Overall playing wear is average to below average, with about the typical amount of finish checking (most visible in the darker finish on the pot and headstock) and a tolerable amount scuffs and divots on all planes of the banjo. The most visible wear is a small pinhole on the fretboard at the 13th fret, where a spike had been installed and then removed without filling the hole. All hardware is original and in good working condition - aftermarket alterations are limited to a fifth-string rail installed at an indeterminate point in the past. The set up is low and seems primed for Seeger-style two-finger lead or more traditional frailing styles. Included in the price is the original chipboard case.

*Please note, per our return policy, all sales on used and consignment instruments are final.*