1970s GTR Hearts and Flowers 5-String Banjo Iida-Made Rare Natural w/ Case

This is one of only a few hundred GTR banjos ever made, and the only natural-finish example I have seen. GTR stands for George Gruhn, Tut Taylor, and Randy Wood, three of the most knowledgeable people about the construction of banjos, who had these built to their specifications by the Iida factory in Japan between 1974 and 1978. They are true "lawsuit era" instruments, built with a 20 hole flathead tone ring, two-piece flange, and multi-ply maple rim in the prewar Gibson style, and they went over very well.

This is the #1 model with the Hearts and Flowers inlay and fiddle-shaped peghead. GTR banjos only came from the factory in dark mahogany, so we called George Gruhn about this one, and he confirmed the lacquer was removed after production. Someone took it down to bare wood, and the warm matte mahogany makes this banjo one of a kind. It is a working player's finish too: no glare under stage lights, and it photographs beautifully from every angle. Hear it in the demo video.

Features: GTR #1 model, Hearts and Flowers mother of pearl inlay, fiddle-shaped peghead. Built by Iida, Japan, 1974 to 1978, only a few hundred made. Mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard, multi-ply maple rim, 20 hole flathead tone ring, two-piece flange. Mahogany resonator with the original GTR, Inc. Nashville label inside. Remo Weatherking head. Comes with a functional hardshell case.

Condition: very good vintage condition. Frets show little wear, the neck is straight, and the inlay is intact. Light scratches on the plating, shown in the photos. The natural finish is smooth and even.

Professionally set up by our banjo tech Tara before shipping, so it arrives ready to play. We detune the strings and immobilize the bridge and tailpiece before packing, and it ships fully insured with tracking. Banjo Warehouse has been selling fine banjos since 1980, now based in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Questions? Call (404) 218-8580.