This is somewhat of a true Frankenstein Banjo. Per banjophiles.com, DA – 5100, was produced between 1937 and 1941. Of note, is that DA – 5101 is an original RB-75 flathead. As is normal the back of this neck retains the pre-war Gibson profile and has no volute or hands stop as some call it.
At some point during its history, it received a complete modification as you can see that the fingerboard and binding are not original. The Banjo has also been cut for a Huber vintage tone ring. It retains its original flange and what looks like a tension hoop from a later model Gibson . There is a small crack in the outer edge of the flange that looks to have been repaired. It is non-structural and very minute.
I just replaced the head, installed a punched pre-war tailpiece that was recently done by Jerry Keys and a Gary Sossebe’s old desk bridge. This Banjo is an absolute joy to play and sounds amazing. As always, I believe that the old wood in the neck, rim and resonator are responsible for the outstanding sound.
