Custom Gibson Mastertone
“Bowtie 250” 5-String Banjo

from Janet Davis Music - The Banjo Store

If you are looking for a banjo with a historic vintage appeal, but with all of the improved construction methods to eliminate the hassle that comes along with owning a vintage banjo, then this one fits the bill. Not to mention the sound. Limited to ONE like this one.


Recording by: Jake Stogdill on a CD-2E Recorder More Info...
Features include:

• Mahogany Neck and Resonator with Concentric Rings
• Vintage “Bowtie” Inlay in mother of pearl
• Bowtie Style Peghead in mother of pearl
• Genuine Rosewood Fingerboard
• Ivoiroid bindng on neck and resonator
• Nickel Plated Hardware with upgraded tuners
• Pancake Style Geared Planetary Tuners with Ivoroid Buttons
• Geared 5th string tuning peg
• 3-Ply Maple Rim 1930’s style
• Dual Coordinator Rods
• Gibson 20 Hole 1930’s Reproduction Tone Ring
• Custom “Vintage Style” Sunburst Stain with High Gloss Lacquer finish
• 5/8” Snuffy Smith Bridge
• Includes Gibson Deluxe Hardshell Case and Professional Set-up

G-RB250-BT - List Price: $5,110.00
SPECIAL: $4,599.00

        This one of a kind Gibson “Bowtie 250” Mastertone is a brand new “reissue” banjo built by Gibson exclusively for JDMC, based upon the unique traits of the now classic and much sought after 1950's Gibson “Bowtie 250” 5-string banjos (circa 1949 – late 1960’s).  The name giving characteristics of this instrument are the first to stand out with it's special Bowtie style “flyswatter” headstock and “bowtie” fingerboard inlays of genuine mother of pearl.  Other features that make this banjo authentic  are the concentric rings in the resonator, the tasteful vintage sunburst stain with high gloss lacquer, ivoroid binding, and the fingerboard itself which is of genuine rosewood.   
        The sound and playability are outstanding.  The notes have a crisp initial response followed by a beautiful ring.  This banjo produces a bell-like tone all the way up the neck while delivering that deep growl in the first position.  The feel and playability alone speak volumes for the quality of this banjo.
         Although this banjo replicates the 1950's “Bowtie” banjo, a few important features are welcomed upgrades in this custom reproduction.   Among these are Gibson’s modern and improved construction methods including the current 1930’s style 3-ply maple rim of aged maple (as opposed to the "full thickness" rim in the 50's), dual coordinator rods, 2-way truss rod, and a geared fifth string tuner with four geared planetary style tuners which go through the back of the headstock, which will accept the modern day “D” tuners (instead of the Kluson style guitar tuners), and 4 resonator thumbscrews instead of 3.
         If you are looking for a banjo with a historic vintage appeal, but with all of the improved construction methods to eliminate the hassle that comes along with owning a vintage banjo, then this one fits the bill.  Not to mention the sound.  Limited to ONE like this one.