Beautiful 1995 Gibson RB-3 Mastertone 5-string banjo, serial number 3-9510-95. This is an extremely sought-after vintage: the early-mid 1990's were known as the "Rich Era" when Gibson turned their production around, returning to pre-war specs, FQMS/Sullivan sand-cast bell tone rings, and a return to flawless craftsmanship. Banjos produced during this time frame have far higher quality and are more valuable than any produced before or since, unless you want to pony-up $35,000 for a pre-war/pre-1940's one.
This banjo is a bluegrass player's banjo - simple but beautiful inlay, meant to be played, with punchy clear tone. It has mostly sat in its case all these years - it still has the original head, and there is virtually no fret wear. The only thing not original are the bridge, and professionally-installed spikes at frets 7, 8, 9, and 10. It plays great with a laser-straight neck and low action up the neck.
The back shows thin finish cracks typical of any instrument of this age (see the pictures). Of course, the aging finish will just continue to add to the richness of the tone over the years.
There are two small dings: a small chip behind the headstock, and a small piece missing from one of the neck inlays (see the pictures). Neither affects the tone or playability in any way.
Here is what AI(!) has to say about this banjo:
"The 1995 Gibson RB-3 Mastertone is a reissue of Gibson’s classic 1930s mahogany model, built during the peak transition period following Greg Rich’s departure from Gibson in late 1993. It captures all the structural improvements of the Rich Era — specifically the vintage-accurate rim, flange, and tone ring geometry.
Core Specifications & Features:
Wood Construction: Mahogany neck and resonator with double concentric rings on the back
Tone Ring: Sand-cast Bill Sullivan 20-hole bronze flathead tone ring.
Rim: 3-ply hard rock maple rim
Hardware: Nickel-plated, featuring a classic one-piece zinc flange
Inlay Pattern: Traditional Leaves and Bows mother-of-pearl inlay on a rosewood fretboard
Peghead: Double-cut peghead with mother-of-pearl script Gibson logo and inlay
Finish: Dark red-brown mahogany stain with nitrocellulose lacquer
Tone Character and Reputation: The RB-3 is prized for its warm, dry, and woody acoustic response. Compared to its maple sibling (the Earl Scruggs Standard or RB-250), the mahogany neck and resonator soften harsh high frequencies while retaining exceptional midrange punch and "crack" up the neck. By 1995, Gibson had stabilized production in Nashville, ensuring consistently tight neck-to-rim joints and accurate fret work. These mid-90s RB-3s remain highly sought-after workhorse banjos for serious bluegrass players wanting classic pre-war punch without customized aftermarket parts."
