• Front and side of Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo

    We're proud to present this rare, transitional PB-3 Model from 1929.  Jazz and Swing music were in style at the time and 4-string tenor and plectrum banjos figured prominently in the mix. The Flathead tone ring was an upgrade option at the time and this banjo features a high profile, no hole flathead tone ring which was introduced in 1929.  Later the 5-string Gibson banjos with flathead tone rings would become the "Industry Standard" with such notable players as Earl Scruggs and Don Reno using them. This banjo includes the original hard shell case.


    This product is in Fair Condition (Learn More)

    Condition Notes: Great candidate for 5-String Conversion, plays okay, but no setup was done by our shop (This item is sold As-Is)

    More Details
  • Front and side of Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
  • Full front and side of Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
  • Bridge of Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
  • Armrest of Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
  • Front neck joint of Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
  • Fretboard of Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
  • Headstock of Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
  • Tuners of Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
  • Rear neck joint and flange of Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
  • Inside rim of Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
  • Neck joint of Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
  • Back and side of Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
  • Full back and side of Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
  • Full side of Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
  • Inside pot of Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
  • Inside label for Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
  • Factory S/N for Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
  • Front of Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
  • Case for Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
  • Full front and side of Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo
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More Details

The following specs were provided by our repair and appraisal teams. 
For a more detailed description please call (517) 372-7880

  • Very Cool Un-Converted Prewar Banjo!
  • SN FON 9467-10
  • 1929
  • Natural finish Mahogany neck with "double cut" peghead (some finish wear)
  • Pearloid truss rod cover
  • "GROVER PAT." tuners with ivoroid buttons
  • Headstock overlay features pearl script "Gibson" logo and ornamental inlays with curlicues
  • Double white-bound mahogany resonator with concentric w-b-w purfling rings
  • ~5/8" 3-ply maple rim with original "GIBSON MASTERTONE" label
  • Original No-hole Flathead tone ring (3.0 lbs.)
  • Original one-piece flange is intact with some curl
  • 24 brackets with notched tension hoop
  • White-bound 22-fret Brazilian rosewood fingerboard
  • Pearl Style 3 inlays
  • Block "MASTERTONE" inlay on 21st fret
  • Period "GROVER PATENT" Presto tailpiece
  • 11" Frosted top head
  • Dual coordinator rods Armrest (some wear)
  • 1-5/32" nut, ~26-1/2" scale
  • Handcrafted in Kalamazoo, Michigan
  • This is a prime candidate for conversion to five string
  • With original hard shell case (blue lining, newer handle)
  • On consignment

Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo (1929)

Gibson PB-3 Flathead Plectrum Banjo (1929)

Expert Setup
Intl. Fees
Used

SKU: 80U-222408

$65,000 USD
$65,000.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Experience the Elderly Difference

We're proud to present this rare, transitional PB-3 Model from 1929.  Jazz and Swing music were in style at the time and 4-string tenor and plectrum banjos figured prominently in the mix. The Flathead tone ring was an upgrade option at the time and this banjo features a high profile, no hole flathead tone ring which was introduced in 1929.  Later the 5-string Gibson banjos with flathead tone rings would become the "Industry Standard" with such notable players as Earl Scruggs and Don Reno using them. This banjo includes the original hard shell case.

This product is in Fair Condition (Learn More)

Condition Notes: Great candidate for 5-String Conversion, plays okay, but no setup was done by our shop (This item is sold As-Is)
More Details

More Details

The following specs were provided by our repair and appraisal teams. 
For a more detailed description please call (517) 372-7880

  • Very Cool Un-Converted Prewar Banjo!
  • SN FON 9467-10
  • 1929
  • Natural finish Mahogany neck with "double cut" peghead (some finish wear)
  • Pearloid truss rod cover
  • "GROVER PAT." tuners with ivoroid buttons
  • Headstock overlay features pearl script "Gibson" logo and ornamental inlays with curlicues
  • Double white-bound mahogany resonator with concentric w-b-w purfling rings
  • ~5/8" 3-ply maple rim with original "GIBSON MASTERTONE" label
  • Original No-hole Flathead tone ring (3.0 lbs.)
  • Original one-piece flange is intact with some curl
  • 24 brackets with notched tension hoop
  • White-bound 22-fret Brazilian rosewood fingerboard
  • Pearl Style 3 inlays
  • Block "MASTERTONE" inlay on 21st fret
  • Period "GROVER PATENT" Presto tailpiece
  • 11" Frosted top head
  • Dual coordinator rods Armrest (some wear)
  • 1-5/32" nut, ~26-1/2" scale
  • Handcrafted in Kalamazoo, Michigan
  • This is a prime candidate for conversion to five string
  • With original hard shell case (blue lining, newer handle)
  • On consignment
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