Vintage Iida Model 235 'Masterclone' 5-string Banjo with Case

Vintage Iida Model 235 'Masterclone' 5-string Banjo - Made in Japan

Mahogany neck with bound rosewood fretboard and 'RB-250 style' MOP inlay, bound mahogany resonator with dual concentric rings, full thickness maple wood rim, tube and plate flange, 20-hole flathead tone ring, clamshell tailpiece, fiddle-cut peghead, geared planetary tuners, geared 5th peg, notched tension hoop.

24 brackets, 22 nickel silver frets, 1.22" nut width, 26-3/8" scale length, action is set at Gibson spec (7/64" at the 12th fret) with a 5/8" maple/ebony bridge, four (4) resonator brackets/thumbscrews, single coordinator rod, Remo top frosted head, single action truss rod, all chrome plated hardware (no tarnish).

I recently installed 5th string capo spikes at frets 7 thru 10.

The banjo has minimal fret wear showing. There are a few very minor dings in the wood, but certainly nothing that detracts from the looks. The other issue is some light hazing or cloudiness in the resonator finish, which is very common on these banjos. The hard case is showing it's age on the exterior, but is still strong and sturdy. All of the hardware functions as it should.

These instruments were made to look and sound similar to the same era of Gibson Mastertone RB-250s. Most folks don't know it, but these Iida Masterclones are pretty much identical to the GTR banjos that were imported into the USA back in the mid to late 70s. In fact, I think they were all built at the same factory using the same parts.

I will ship the banjo (fully insured) to anywhere in the lower 48 states for a flat fee of $55.

Sorry, but no sales or shipping outside of the USA.

As always, reasonable offers will be considered. I can accept PayPal or a postal money order.