Bluegrass banjo (custom-made – Japan) 1960-1970

For sale: a five-string bluegrass banjo in absolutely excellent condition. This instrument hails from the "golden era" of Japanese custom craftsmanship (the 1970s and 80s)—a time when master luthiers in Japan built instruments that often surpassed the American originals.

Constructed in the classic Gibson Mastertone style, the banjo features precision craftsmanship and high-quality materials.

The rim and resonator are crafted from stunning flame maple with a sunburst finish. The resonator is adorned with double binding and a beautiful central abalone inlay in a floral design.

It features a heavy, solid, cast Mastertone-style tone ring, a classic "clamshell" tailpiece, and high-quality chrome/nickel hardware.

The rosewood fretboard boasts the iconic "Flying Eagle" mother-of-pearl inlay pattern, which flows seamlessly into an elaborately decorated headstock—reminiscent of legendary pre-war banjos.

Equipped with a Remo Weatherking head (tuned to G#) and a maple bridge, the instrument produces a sound that is remarkably powerful, punchy, and brilliant in the high register, with immense depth in the bass.

This is a truly precision-crafted instrument that excels in both aesthetics and sound. It is a unique opportunity to own a banjo that rivals the very best Mastertone-style instruments—at a fraction of the price! And that is no exaggeration!

The instrument is free of any cosmetic or functional defects; it has been fully set up and is ready to play. It comes in a sturdy GATOR XLS hard case, along with a strap and accessories such as finger picks and a capo.

I can ship the banjo—packed in its hard case, wrapped in bubble wrap, and placed inside a cardboard box—to any location.