Snuffy Jenkins' RB-4 is arguably one of the most identifiable banjos in the history of bluegrass and country music. This all original 5-string flathead F.O.N. 9639-1 was purchased by Snuffy from a pawn shop in Spartanburg SC in 1940 and used for the entirety of his career. The RB-4 features a walnut neck with flying eagle inlay on a Brazilian rosewood fret board. This neck still retains the original friction 5th peg and no spikes. The walnut resonator features concentric rings as seen on the previous generation of Style 4's. The chrome hardware is still in great condition and of course the iconic black pick guard is still with the banjo along with Snuffy's personalized strap, original case, and numerous publications, pictures etc. Of recent years this banjo has been seen on the cover of Jim Mills' Gibson Mastertone book.
There are only a handful of banjos from the "Founding Fathers" of the 1st and 2nd generation banjo players and this is the only one to remain original and un-altered. This is the banjo that Snuffy Jenkins played exhibiting his early 3-finger style and was an early influencer of Earl Scruggs. When it come's to Bluegrass and Country music banjo playing in the 3-finger style, this is the first one. There is no predecessor. Please inquire for pricing.
Here are videos of this banjo:
youtu.be/5w_p_t80ODM?si=-l2z1MCMHKQOuUFw
youtu.be/akf0-LSM2x0?si=qfj17E26A1aeeVm_
youtu.be/yELSQ2QhAyY?si=HvTtOlHf0LP--4Oh
youtu.be/YCZoKLmNtyo?si=hR6xWsjwljr40_Rl
