1970s Gibson RB-250 Mastertone 5-String Banjo (Flying Eagle, Dual Rods) w/ Recording King Case

Listing Description:

Up for sale is a vintage 1970s Gibson RB-250 Mastertone 5-string banjo in very good condition, complete with a Recording King Case (green plush interior).

An absolute powerhouse player from Gibson’s Kalamazoo era, this instrument delivers the classic bright, cutting Mastertone flathead snap with tremendous projection and volume.

Model Specifications & Vintage Details:

• Peghead & Neck: Traditional double-cut (fiddle-shaped) headstock featuring mother-of-pearl Flying Eagle inlays on an ebony fretboard, script Gibson logo, and engraved "Mastertone" block at the 21st fret. Mahogany neck with vertical center lamination stripe.
• Pot & Hardware: Multi-ply wood rim with original black factory finish, dual coordinator rods, and period-correct two-piece "tube and plate" flange. Full-weight cast flathead tone ring.
• Original Appointments: Original nickel-plated hardware, stamped Gibson "clamshell" tailpiece, and Gibson-branded planetary tuners with pearloid buttons. Mahogany resonator with twin concentric white rings.
• Dating / Serial Number: As is typical for mid-to-late 1970s Norlin-era production, the original serial number was an exterior oval decal on the back of the headstock has worn away with age. All construction specs—dual rods, two-piece flange, inlay pattern, and black-painted multi-ply rim—firmly date this instrument to the 1970s.

Condition:

• Neck & Frets: Neck is straight with comfortable low action. Frets show plenty of life remaining with light, normal playwear.
• Wood Rim & Binding: Multi-ply rim is structurally solid, round, and free of ply separation. Binding along the fretboard and resonator is fully intact with no rot, crumbling, or separation.
• Cosmetics: Shows honest, light cosmetic handling typical of a 40+ year-old vintage instrument (minor surface scuffs and light finish checking on the resonator). No structural cracks, breaks, or repairs.

Included:

• Banjo as pictured
• Recoring King hardshell case (all latches functional, clean green interior, keys included in case)