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Gibson RB-4 Mastertone (1929)
Gibson RB-4 Mastertone (1929)
Gibson RB-4 Mastertone (1929)
Gibson RB-4 Mastertone (1929)
Gibson RB-4 Mastertone (1929)
Gibson RB-4 Mastertone (1929)
Gibson RB-4 Mastertone (1929)
Gibson RB-4 Mastertone (1929)
Gibson RB-4 Mastertone (1929)
Gibson RB-4 Mastertone (1929)
Gibson RB-4 Mastertone (1929)
Gibson RB-4 Mastertone (1929)
Gibson RB-4 Mastertone (1929)
Gibson RB-4 Mastertone (1929)
Gibson
On Consignment

Gibson RB-4 Mastertone (1929)

Vintage

Price
$75,000.00
Shipping Expedited Shipping Required
In stock · Ready to ship
DOCUMENTED HONESTLYEvery repair, every change
VETTED ON THE BENCHBefore it's listed
SINCE 1968Still independent
This Gibson RB4, FON 9529-1, is an extremely rare original five-string resonator banjo -- one of only 16 produced in this era and highly coveted by bluegrass players in search of the penetrating flathead sound.

9529-1 has a well-documented history. It has been owned by our consigning client for the last dozen years or so. When the banjo was originally sold in the 1930's, it was converted from a flathead to a raised head, and a 1/4" spacer was also added. The original serial number was sanded off and restamped; the "Mastertone" decal was removed; and the rim was refinished. The resonator retains its original finish.

Banjo maker Steve Huber owned this instrument some time ago and performed the most recent restorative work, most importantly retrofitting it with an original tone ring and removing the spacer.

For a bluegrass player interested in an original five-string flathead, this instrument represents a unique opportunity to acquire a great-sounding banjo that's been expertly maintained.

Priced with Calton case.
Condition: Vintage. Fully inspected and set up by TME staff before it ships or leaves the showroom.

Every instrument is thoroughly checked and set up before shipping fully insured via UPS with tracking to your door. We reuse boxes and materials to cut waste when they meet our protection standard.

Inspect it, play it, and if it isn't right, contact us within 48 hours of delivery to arrange a return or one-time exchange. Returns are subject to a 5% restocking fee, and the buyer covers shipping both ways.

Preserving The Past. Played Into The Future.
Whether you're chasing a tone, honoring the history, or building a collection, we seek out the finest vintage instruments and, when needed, perform tasteful restoration to ensure they'll play beautifully for decades to come.
Gibson RB-4 Mastertone (1929)
$75,000.00
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Pricing

We price vintage instruments using current market trends and our extensive in-house sales history, ensuring each piece is accurately valued and fairly positioned.

Glenn Nichols, Repairs & Restorations

Tasteful Restoration

When restoration is needed, we approach it with respect and restraint - always in service of preserving the instrument’s integrity and extending its musical life for decades to come.

Accurate Listings

Every vintage guitar we list is authenticated by our seasoned team and photographed in high detail, with clear, honest descriptions that show exactly what you’re buying - no surprises.

Shipping

With decades of experience shipping high-value guitars, we know how to pack and protect vintage instruments so they arrive exactly as they should: safe, sound, and ready to play.