Gibson Mastertone

While Gibson produced¦literally thousands of banjos prior to WWII, only a handful were made in the now most desirable configuration: the Original Flathead Five-String Mastertone. Since Earl Scruggs helped to make them the most sought-after banjos¦in the world over 60 years ago, these instruments have amassed a cult-like¦following. These particular banjos featured a completely innovative design when the Gibson Company¦introduced them around¦1930. They have since become the benchmark in design, sound quality, and¦just sheer power among banjo players. They¦have therefore¦also become the inspiration¦for nearly every successful 5-string banjo that has been manufactured for the¦past five decades. Like Martin Dreadnaught¦and Fender Stratocaster guitars, the Gibson Mastertone Banjo has achieved an exalted status: It is appreciated far beyond its utilitarian purpose as a musical instrument, and considered a truly original American art form. The Mastertone design¦and¦style¦are instantly recognizable by musicians and music lovers around the world,¦even if imitated¦by other manufacturers. 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 of 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 relating to these rare and highly desirable instruments.

When Would This Item Ship?
• Orders are processed Mon-Fri, excluding holidays. An order placed now would be processed on Tuesday, 5/29/2012.

• For ground shipping, the average lead time for item HL.00001241 is one business day, which means an estimated ship date of Wednesday, 5/30/2012 if you place your order now.

• For expedited shipping, the average lead time for item HL.00001241 is same or next business day, which means an estimated ship date of Tuesday, 5/29/2012 if you place your order now.

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