Gibson RB-250 "Bowtie" Mastertone Banjo 1967

We offer this 1967 Gibson Mastertone RB-250 Banjo in the famous bowtie neck pattern. This is a serious bluegrass instrument with full weight a great ringing tone that any accomplished player would be glad to hold.  The headstock bears the serial number 063997 which dates it to 1967. Although this appears to be an original Gibson made banjo, there are clearly some non-original parts, most notably the gold-plated engraved tension hoop and gold-plated-plated Price tailpiece and gold-plated armrest. The thick metal flange and heavy Mastertone tone ring appear original and certainly yield the weight and tone for which Gibsons of the era are known. The Mahogany resonator with inlaid ring bindings also appears original.  Most importantly, this banjo feels and sounds great! It has  a fast neck and the tone is penetrating, round and powerful with sweet high notes and plenty of volume -  a real cannon – and it set up for immediate service with comfoitable low action. It's clear from wear patterns on the neck that this banjo was at one time a very well-loved and played instrument. Several frets have now been replaced and the instrument rings true all up and down the neck and it's ready for its next owner to be loved and played some more. There are some minor marks and ding and some tarnish on metal parts  as would be expected.  There were also two small holes at the headstock that have been professionally filled and blackened where Scruggs style cam tuners used to be, but the upside of this is that there are now not two but four lovely Keith tuners installed. Also comes with what could be the original Gibson yellow felt hard case in usable condition with all latches working.