1924 Gibson TB-3 Trapdoor Tenor Banjo

1924 Gibson TB-3 Tenor Banjo in very good playing condition.

The particulars are:

Ebony board with pearl dots and 19” scale length; frets are in good shape

One piece maple neck is straight and in great shape; action set up at the 12th fret at 5/64” treble side 7/64” bass side with a tall bridge (could easily come down)

New 10.5 inch Remo Renaissance head sounds great on it.

Tube and ball bearing tone ring (the non-spring loaded variant)

Trap door resonator in working condition (though the hinges have been replaced)

Early dual coordinator rod neck attachment

Original 2-on-a-plate Waverly geared guitar-style tuners in working condition

"The Gibson" pearl headstock inlay in slipper / moccasin style headstock

FON 11012A -17

Now the flaws: Some finish damage and ply rippling to the back of the trapdoor resonator; replacement trapdoor hinges; missing original tailpiece cover and armrest (and likely pickguard that these usually came with).

Original Hunleth semi-soft case is in pretty rough condition with a fair amount of deterioration at the bottom; good for storage, but a bit dicey for any substantial out-and-about use.

Check out the quick video for a sound sample with both the trap door open and closed; I think it’s got a great even tone without the overpowering crack that you get from a lot of heavier banjos, while being much more refined (and less thuddy) than most other banjos in this price range. The trapdoor design is great for keeping that tenor banjo tone while also not swamping out a quieter ensemble, while still being able to pop open the resonator when you need to be heard. Also, I think the short 19” is great for mandolinists who want to be able to comfortably try their hands at tenor without having to stretch too much.

Hey, a great playing Loar-era Gibson anything for under $600 is a steal!