• Showroom photo of Front and side of Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)

    A Holy Grail prewar Gibson banjo of the highest order, this instrument has the added pedigree of having been owned and played since the 1980s by the great second generation bluegrass banjoist, Tony Trischka. It features a 1930 PB-3 pot with one-piece flange and original flathead tone ring. When purchased by Tony via Sonny Osborne, the instrument had a Frank Neat repro neck installed on it. The neck was later irreparably damaged and replaced with a Tokai neck which has been on the banjo and used by Tony for many years. Tony Trischka has been rightly praised as "one of the most influential modern banjoists." He is also well known for his teaching skills, and his students have included Bela Fleck among many others. As Tony's favorite personal banjo, it has logged many miles and played many shows with him. Banjos like this are rarely seen on the open market these days, and this is a rare opportunity to acquire one with incredible provenance as well as tone of the highest caliber. With newer hard case (blue lining).


    This product is in Very Good condition (Learn More)

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  • Front and side of Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)
  • Front and side of Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)
  • Tailpiece of Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)
  • Tailpiece, bridge and armrest of Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)
  • Front Neck and body join of Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)
  • Fretboard of Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)
  • Front headstock of Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)
  • Neck joint of Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)
  • Label of Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)
  • Serial Number of Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)
  • Inside rim of Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)
  • BAck headstock of Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)
  • Heel of Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)
  • Back and side of Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)
  • Side of Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)
  • Full back and side of Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)
  • Front of Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)
  • Case for Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)
  • Full front of Gibson PB-3 Conversion Resonator Banjo (1930)
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The following specs were provided by our repair and appraisal teams. 
For a more detailed description please call (517) 372-7880 

  • Very Cool Prewar conversion!
  • SN FON 9524-35
  • 1930
  • 1930 PB-3 pot with original flathead tone ring
  • Natural finish
  • Double white-bound mahogany resonator with concentric w-b-w purfling rings
  • Resonator has "9524" in red, but has more than one chalked number
  • ~5/8" 3-ply maple rim with original "Gibson Mastertone" label
  • One-piece flange (slight curl)
  • 24 brackets with notched tension hoop
  • Period "GROVER PATENT" Presto tailpiece has been punched for 5th string
  • 11" Frosted top head
  • Dual coordinator rods
  • Armrest (some wear)
  • 1-3/16" nut, ~26-1/2" scale
  • Import Tokai mahogany neck (heel has been repaired)
  • Planetary-style tuners with pearloid buttons and geared 5th string peg
  • White-bound rosewood fingerboard with pearl wreath inlays
  • Banjo has been used for many years by Tony with this neck
  • We're told it had a Frank Neat conversion neck when Tony purchased it from Sonny Osborne in the 1980s
  • The Frank Neat neck was broken beyond repair many years ago and was replaced with the Tokai neck
  • This banjo was used on two of Tony's albums: "Hill Country" and “Earl Jam”
  • The banjo is set up just the way Tony gave it to us (we only installed new strings)
  • With 90s hard shell case (blue lining)
  • On consignment
     

Gibson PB-3 Conversion Prewar Resonator Banjo (1930)

Gibson PB-3 Conversion Prewar Resonator Banjo (1930)

Expert Setup
Intl. Fees
Used

SKU: 70U-220105

$77,500 USD
$77,500.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Experience the Elderly Difference

A Holy Grail prewar Gibson banjo of the highest order, this instrument has the added pedigree of having been owned and played since the 1980s by the great second generation bluegrass banjoist, Tony Trischka. It features a 1930 PB-3 pot with one-piece flange and original flathead tone ring. When purchased by Tony via Sonny Osborne, the instrument had a Frank Neat repro neck installed on it. The neck was later irreparably damaged and replaced with a Tokai neck which has been on the banjo and used by Tony for many years. Tony Trischka has been rightly praised as "one of the most influential modern banjoists." He is also well known for his teaching skills, and his students have included Bela Fleck among many others. As Tony's favorite personal banjo, it has logged many miles and played many shows with him. Banjos like this are rarely seen on the open market these days, and this is a rare opportunity to acquire one with incredible provenance as well as tone of the highest caliber. With newer hard case (blue lining).

This product is in Very Good condition (Learn More)
More Details

More Details

The following specs were provided by our repair and appraisal teams. 
For a more detailed description please call (517) 372-7880 

  • Very Cool Prewar conversion!
  • SN FON 9524-35
  • 1930
  • 1930 PB-3 pot with original flathead tone ring
  • Natural finish
  • Double white-bound mahogany resonator with concentric w-b-w purfling rings
  • Resonator has "9524" in red, but has more than one chalked number
  • ~5/8" 3-ply maple rim with original "Gibson Mastertone" label
  • One-piece flange (slight curl)
  • 24 brackets with notched tension hoop
  • Period "GROVER PATENT" Presto tailpiece has been punched for 5th string
  • 11" Frosted top head
  • Dual coordinator rods
  • Armrest (some wear)
  • 1-3/16" nut, ~26-1/2" scale
  • Import Tokai mahogany neck (heel has been repaired)
  • Planetary-style tuners with pearloid buttons and geared 5th string peg
  • White-bound rosewood fingerboard with pearl wreath inlays
  • Banjo has been used for many years by Tony with this neck
  • We're told it had a Frank Neat conversion neck when Tony purchased it from Sonny Osborne in the 1980s
  • The Frank Neat neck was broken beyond repair many years ago and was replaced with the Tokai neck
  • This banjo was used on two of Tony's albums: "Hill Country" and “Earl Jam”
  • The banjo is set up just the way Tony gave it to us (we only installed new strings)
  • With 90s hard shell case (blue lining)
  • On consignment
     
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