For Sale: 1931 Gibson Studio King Prewar OPF Banjo 5 String Conversion

This is a great sounding prewar mahogany banjo made by Gibson that stays strong all the way up the neck. The banjo currently has a Blaylock New Era conversion ring from batch number 718. The tone ring is unplated with a silver finish applied to the outside where visible. The neck is an older walnut RB12 copy from an unknown maker with a radiused ebony fretboard. The original tenor neck and archtop tone ring are included so can easily be converted back to original. The tailpiece is the original Grover unpunched with the G string routed underneath the tailpiece.

This is a rare Gibson banjo sold through Montgomery Ward with the Studio King name. According to my research, the batch with serial number 9717 is the only one piece flange Mastertone banjos sold under this name. There are only 4 or 5 known to still exist. Greg Earnest has a couple on his website if you want to read more about them. Gibson made this banjo using high end parts. The mahogany resonator (with matching numbers on the resonator and rim) has the Style 5 double bound marquetry inlay pattern. The tenor neck is inlaid with the hearts and flowers inlay pattern used on the Grenadas.

The resonator has been repaired with some marquetry and veneer replaced and loose veneer reglued. Back has had extra lacquer applied but sides are still original finish. The binding is white with black stripe on resonator and both necks. Resonator and both necks have scratches as seen in photos and original tenor neck has a heel crack. Also the resonator has some wood that appears to have moved along the binding as seen in photos but nothing is loose. The RB12 neck is an excellent playing neck with great action and comfortable feel. The finish is worn somewhat on the back of the neck which contributes to its dry smooth feel. The frets were replaced fairly recently with little wear. If you look closely at the photos you will see that the headstock leans a little to the left. The neck/fretboard is perfectly straight. The truss rod nut is 1/4” instead of the usual Gibson 5/16”. The nut has been notched on one side and fused with the truss rod. When you turn the nut the truss rod turns also so it apparently is a 2 way truss rod. It tightens and adjusts the neck either way with a loose spot it the middle and seems to be working fine.

Will also be willing to sell without RB12 style neck and/or Blaylock tone ring if desired. TKL archtop case in excellent condition and leather strap are included.

Click on link below to see and hear a video clip of this banjo.

youtu.be/5PyjZMHq0s0