1935 Gibson TB-3 conversion

ARCHIVED • SOLD

1935 Gibson TB-3 conversion

FON 42-2 By late 1929 Gibson's banjo designs had pretty much reached modern standards. Mastertone pot assemblies had cast one-piece flanges and tone rings, double coordinator rods, 24 hooks and a standard 11" head. But the banjo was, at that time, beginning its decline in popularity and on its way out as America's instrument. The guitar would soon become the instrument of choice for the nation's most famous cowboys, engineers and hobos. But those Mastertones built between '29 and the Second World War would soon find favor with a different musician than the Jazz players they were designed for. Bluegrass was taking root, and the Gibson Mastertone was the banjo of choice. Today original five string Mastertones from that era have become amongst the most sought after acoustic instruments on the vintage market.

The TB-3 pictured here was built in 1935. It features a Mastertone pot assembly with a cast one-piece flange and 40 hole arch-top tone ring. All of its metal parts are original and intact, and its flange is not cracked. It has a very nice replacement 5 string neck built by Frank Neat, and comes with its original tenor neck and hard shell case. Its four original Grover tuners are in service on the new neck, and its original Presto 4-string tailpiece was not replaced in the conversion. One resonator screw is a replacement, and the original mahogany resonator (and original 4 string neck) have been over-brushed with lacquer. The finish on the rim is original. This is a very fine and collectable arch-top Mastertone.

With hard shell case
On Consignment
SOLD
1935 Gibson TB-3 conversion
  • 1935 Gibson TB-3 conversion
  • 1935 Gibson TB-3 conversion
  • 1935 Gibson TB-3 conversion
  • 1935 Gibson TB-3 conversion
  • 1935 Gibson TB-3 conversion
  • 1935 Gibson TB-3 conversion
  • 1935 Gibson TB-3 conversion
  • 1935 Gibson TB-3 conversion
  • 1935 Gibson TB-3 conversion
  • 1935 Gibson TB-3 conversion
  • 1935 Gibson TB-3 conversion
  • 1935 Gibson TB-3 conversion
  • 1935 Gibson TB-3 conversion
  • 1935 Gibson TB-3 conversion

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