Description
Exc(-) condition / Serial number: 9353-22
Rickard gold tuners / Frank Neat neck
New black Calton DeLuxe case
This 1929 Gibson Granada banjo has been converted to 5-string. A very clean example of this iconic banjo. The original pot and hardware are in great condition. This is a double-conversion, meaning the archtop tonering was changed to a non-invasive Huber flathead conversion tonering and a five-string neck by Frank Neat replaced the original tenor neck. It’s important to note that the Huber flathead no-hole gold tonering required no cutting of the rim, so this original rim is ready to accept the original tonering at any time. The original gold 40-hole tonering is available with this banjo. A couple of original parts are replaced. There is a newer Prucha gold 4-hump tailpiece installed on the banjo. The original is broken and in the case. Newer gold armrest instead of the original engraved Granada. Gold Rickard tuners have matching ivoroid buttons.
The neck: Frank Neat made a fine reproduction neck for this banjo. Not only is the Maple the correct amount of figure like you would expect from the year 1929, but the binding is perfect, inlays are perfect, and the color has just the right amount of root beer tint to be a fine match to the resonator.
The resonator: the back shows numerous light scratches but they are of no consequence. This piece is in excellent shape with binding intact. No problems. Beautiful figure. Standard Granada wooden marquetry concentric circles in back of resonator. White-black-white bindings seen on all corners of the resonator, and the on the sides of the fingerboard.
This is a delightful banjo with huge powerful presence and colorful highs. Big, bold fourth string.
Railroad spikes installed for capo at G#, A, Bb, B, and C positions.
