Description
SN: 117 • 1 1/4″ Width at nut • Exc.(+) Condition • Burlile Tone-ring • Sullivan Old-floor Rim • Keith Tuners • One of 2 made
This is a traditionally built Mahogany banjo, inspired by the original pre-war Gibson models. This Williams Grangeville custom gold is a real understated beauty. High-quality, straight-grain Mahogany neck and resonator with rare gold-plating from Will Williams, the maker.
Double-cut peghead with Williams logo inlaid at top, and with “Hearts & Flowers” inlay. Solid Pearl truss rod cover in peghead. Bone nut. Rosewood flat fingerboard with Pearl “Hearts & Flowers” inlay. 21st fret has solid Pearl block with Grangeville engraved. Fingerboard and resonator bound with grained Ivoroid binding. Mahogany heel cap. Sullivan old-growth wood rim, Jim Burlile, rare gold-plated flathead tone-ring. One-piece pot metal flange. Mostly high-standard Prucha hardware. Main tuners are Bill Keith standard gold-plated pegs with gold-plated Schaller 5th, all with matching Ivoroid buttons. 4 railroad spikes professionally installed.
This banjo is in really fine playing condition with no serious signs of wear anywhere. Banjo has a few tiny chips at top of peghead from gently leaning against a wall, and barely any signs on the head of playing. No fret wear, and no gold worn off any parts. This banjo is setup similar to Earl Scruggs setup, with head tuned to “A” pitch. It has a beautiful attack and commanding tone.
Will Williams does not build banjos regularly anymore. If he did, this banjo ordered today would cost about $5,500.
