Gibson produced thousands of banjos prior to WWII but only a handful were made in the most desirable configuration: the Original Flathead Five-String Mastertone. Since Earl Scruggs helped make them the most sought-after banjos in the world, these instruments have amassed a cult-like following and become the inspiration for nearly every successful 5-string banjo manufactured for the past five decades. Of the 130 or so Original Flathead Five-String Mastertones known to exist, 19 of the absolute best are featured here. The Scruggs, Reno, Jenkins, Crowe, Osborne, Huber and Mills banjos are shown in all their glory, with details of their known histories and provenances, as well as never-before-seen photos, bills of sale, factory shipping ledgers, and other ephemera. 169 pp.