1976 Gibson RB 250 MASTERTONE! An ICONIC BLUEGRASS Banjo! Gibson Banjos have long been the standard for bluegrass musicians. These are no longer made and playable ORIGINAL ones are next to impossible to find!  Now's your chance!
This is a strong playing. beautiful banjo.
I am the third owner, the previous owner researched it and, based on the serial number, headstock design and inlays declares it to be a 1976 Gibson RB 250 MASTERTONE model with the 20 hole metal tone ring. Nice playability, great tone, strong low end and good sustain all the way up the neck. There are no missing parts and everything is original except the head & a Deering "Smile" Bridge. I have just restrung it with compensated strings and it plays like a dream! The finish has the normal rubs/slight scratches which would be expected on a vintage instrument and a slight chip on the top/back of the paddle. The binding is beautifully aged and the arm rest has a nice patina. The metal still shines, though it has the patina one would expect on an instrument this old and well played. The resonator has a small area of wear (stomach scratches?) that can be seen in the photos. There is some minor/normal fret wear, which my Luthier says can be redressed easily, and a divot right under the nut, but has no fret buzz and near perfect action (0.11 at 12 -less than 1/8"). If you like a higher action, just adjust the bars... Please look at the pictures... everything is shown! The neck is straight with no adjust needed. There were two small screw holes on the side of the neck where a 5th string capo was attached then removed & filed by a previous owner. The M.O.P. inlay looks new. The original hard shell case is serviceable, but has issues (to put it kindly). It obviously has done its job to protect the instrument. The interior is clean, the strap is in poor shape and the latches are a little “soft”. The tone is a true “Scruggs” sound and will stand out in any jam session. You will feel very comfortable with this true Gibson RB 250. All in all, this is a beautiful banjo to play & cherish for many years to come. Link to sound file available .