gibson-TB250-06

gibson-TB250-01

gibson-TB250-07

gibson-TB250-04

gibson-TB250-02

gibson-TB250-03

gibson-TB250-05

Gibson banjos don’t need no introduction they were at the centre of the banjo universe for decades. Unfortunately for now and for a variety of reasons (including the devastating 2010 Nashville flood), Gibson has stopped producing banjos with no announced plans to restart.  This fine example of a 1960’s Gibson Mastertone TB-250 Tenor Banjo is in great condition, with no significant wear — especially given its age. The rarity of this banjo in itself is enough to want it for a collection, as there were only 84 TB-250’s made in 1960. This banjo packs quite a punch with great power and resonance and low action. 19-fret Brazilian rosewood fretboard with pearl bowtie inlays, block inlay on 19th fret engraved “MASTERTONE”, 11″ head, double coordinator rods, flathead tone ring, one piece flange, 24 brackets, stairstep tuners (working perfectly and keeping in tune) with chrome buttons, peghead features “Gibson” logo and crown inlay, ~22-3/4″ scale length. The finish has weather checked nicely to give it that patina that is so desirable on a vintage piece the pictures speak for themselves. I know the owner personally who purchased it from new and has looked after it over its lifetime.

Recently fitted with a new Remo clear head and new strings, this banjo will cut through any instrument in a trad session. Comes complete with yellow lined original Gibson hardshell case in excellent condition also. The banjo is quite heavy weighing in at 5.8KG

Banjo features

• Mahogany neck with bound rosewood fingerboard, 19 frets. Mother of pearl ‘Bowtie’ position marker inlays, leaf and Gibson headstock logos.
• Original frets with minor wear.
• All original, nickel plated hardware.
• Gibson black hardshell case included.

For Sale £1950

 

X9-06

vega-X-02

X9-12

X9-15

vega-X-05

vega-X-06

X9-04

X9-16

X9-01

X9-17

vega-X-03

X9-07

vega-X-01

vega-X-04

X9-18

X9-14

X9-05

X9-09

vega-X-07

X9-01(1)

X9-03

X9-13

A little bit of history

The Style X N0.9 with its elegant workmanship, beautiful appearance and amazing tone quality put this short scale tenor banjo in the hands of the top musicians of the roaring 20’s. The Vega factory could not keep up with the demands for high end quality banjos from around 1918 – 1923 according to sources. There were 3 tubaphone style models introduced namely Style M, Style X No. 9, and Style De Luxe. According to the ‘1923’ catalogue, all three styles came is two sizes: Regular, 10 3/4 inches (which today fit 10 15/16 inch heads) and Professional, 12 inches (which today fit 11 13/16 inch heads), The Style Xs and De Luxes are always sporting 11 13/16 inch heads.

This little beauty is in amazing condition and has been someone’s treasure for decades, I think the pictures tell the story. This is one of Vegas top of the line and possibly a custom build as it is sporting 16 frets in total and 19-3/4″ scale length. The serial number is #45283 which makes the year build around 1923. The neck is made from select ornate figured maple with centre ebony strip and stained dark walnut overlay from the back of the head stock down the neck. The style X has a floral mother of pearl design on the rear of the headstock and the classic Vega MOP to the front. The fretboard is ebony and has the Vega MOP position markers down the fretboard and cream/black celluloid binding on the sides. The style X must have one of the most beautiful carved heels and complimented with a ebony heel with another beautiful intricate MOP inlay.

The 12″ maple rim has a outer metal band which houses the 28 x two point shoes, hooks and ball end nuts. It has long been known that the metal structure that supports a banjo head can have a real influence on the responsiveness and tone of the instrument. Starting around 1900, the Vega banjo company was among the most prolific and successful at perfecting the banjo “tone ring.” The endpoint of Vega’s tone ring development was called “Tu-Ba-Phone,” which referred to the appearance of the square section tubular tone ring perforated by holes and clearly visible on the inside of the banjo. This particular tone ring was one of the most successful with its bright ringing sound and was fitted to all of Vega’s professional grade instruments for 6 decades or more.

Inside the rim you can see the beautiful checkered wood marquetry, this banjo can be played as an open back or by simply removing the flat pie crust resonator held in place by a screw bolt. I recently fitted the banjo with a new Remo 12-3/8″ clear head which has tremendously enhanced the volume and clarity of this banjo. I have still included the older photos of the older fibre skin head. If you are looking for a beautiful high end short scale tenor banjo in perfect condition this is a great choice. Has to be played to be appreciated.

Comes with original case in good condition

For Sale £2275 now £2000