• Front and side of L.H. Gatcomb Fretless Open Back Banjo

    A fine example from Boston maker L.B. Gatcomb, this c.1888 Monarch fretless open back banjo has been recently restored. Gatcomb was a noted builder and music publisher who left the banjo world in 1899 for other ventures. This instrument stands as a testament to his craftsmanship. Includes a Superior gigbag. On consignment.


    This product is in Very Good condition (Learn More)

    Condition Notes: Very nice with some repaired cracks in peghead overlay on back of headstock

    More Details
  • Front and side of L.H. Gatcomb Fretless Open Back Banjo
  • Full front and side of L.H. Gatcomb Fretless Open Back Banjo
  • Front of L.H. Gatcomb Fretless Open Back Banjo
  • Bridge of L.H. Gatcomb Fretless Open Back Banjo
  • Front neck joint of L.H. Gatcomb Fretless Open Back Banjo
  • Fingerboard of L.H. Gatcomb Fretless Open Back Banjo
  • Headstock of L.H. Gatcomb Fretless Open Back Banjo
  • Tuners of L.H. Gatcomb Fretless Open Back Banjo
  • Inside rim of L.H. Gatcomb Fretless Open Back Banjo
  • Neck joint of L.H. Gatcomb Fretless Open Back Banjo
  • Back and side of L.H. Gatcomb Fretless Open Back Banjo
  • Full back and side of L.H. Gatcomb Fretless Open Back Banjo
  • Gigbag of L.H. Gatcomb Fretless Open Back Banjo
  • Side of L.H. Gatcomb Fretless Open Back Banjo
  • Full front of L.H. Gatcomb Fretless Open Back 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

  • c.1888
  • SN 1287
  • Mahogany neck with V-shaped profile
  • Fretless ebony fingerboard with fancy pearl inlays
  • Pearl dot side markers
  • Replacement ebony peghead overlay with star inlay
  • Stained pearwood underlay and back strap (with repaired cracks)
  • Ebony heel cap
  • Metal-clad over wood rim
  • Brazilian rosewood veneer on wood rim
  • ~12-1/8" skin head
  • Newer Bacon-style hooks and nuts
  • Dowel stick reads "L.B. GATCOMB & CO. / MAKERS / BOSTON"
  • Repro No Knot tailpiece
  • Wire armrest
  • Strung with nylon strings
  • Peghed tuners installed
  • New bone nut
  • Don New Spillway Dam bridge installed
  • ~27-3/4" scale, ~1-1/4" nut
  • This banjo was recently restored by Bob Smakula
  • With Superior gigbag
  • On consignment

L.B. Gatcomb Monarch Fretless Open Back Banjo (c.1888)

L.B. Gatcomb Monarch Fretless Open Back Banjo (c.1888)

Expert Setup
Intl. Fees
Used

SKU: 60U-221339

$1,750 USD
$1,750.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Experience the Elderly Difference

A fine example from Boston maker L.B. Gatcomb, this c.1888 Monarch fretless open back banjo has been recently restored. Gatcomb was a noted builder and music publisher who left the banjo world in 1899 for other ventures. This instrument stands as a testament to his craftsmanship. Includes a Superior gigbag. On consignment.

This product is in Very Good condition (Learn More)

Condition Notes: Very nice with some repaired cracks in peghead overlay on back of headstock
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

  • c.1888
  • SN 1287
  • Mahogany neck with V-shaped profile
  • Fretless ebony fingerboard with fancy pearl inlays
  • Pearl dot side markers
  • Replacement ebony peghead overlay with star inlay
  • Stained pearwood underlay and back strap (with repaired cracks)
  • Ebony heel cap
  • Metal-clad over wood rim
  • Brazilian rosewood veneer on wood rim
  • ~12-1/8" skin head
  • Newer Bacon-style hooks and nuts
  • Dowel stick reads "L.B. GATCOMB & CO. / MAKERS / BOSTON"
  • Repro No Knot tailpiece
  • Wire armrest
  • Strung with nylon strings
  • Peghed tuners installed
  • New bone nut
  • Don New Spillway Dam bridge installed
  • ~27-3/4" scale, ~1-1/4" nut
  • This banjo was recently restored by Bob Smakula
  • With Superior gigbag
  • On consignment
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