Gibson PT-6 Mastertone #9301-13
Style 6, one step up from the
Granada,
was introduced in late 1927 and replaced
style 5 as the
fanciest numbered model in the Gibson Mastertone line. The PT-6, so called because of its
scale length in between that of a tenor and a plectrum, was introduced in
early 1929 and was the
first style 6 banjo to feature gold-sparkle binding. This eye-catching
ornamentation later became standard on all
style 6 banjos,
replacing the earlier checkerboard binding. The resonator
and neck are curly maple finished in an orange sunburst
which Gibson named "Argentine grey". The flange
is two-piece and the tone ring is a high-profile flathead; the hardware
is gold-plated with elaborate engraving. The fingerboard
is ebony rather than the Brazilian rosewood used on most prewar
Gibson Mastertone banjos, and the inlay pattern is a variation of the familiar hearts
and flowers. The fiddle-shaped peghead is equipped with Grover tuners with mother of pearl buttons.
Photos courtesy of
Greg Boyd's House of Fine Instruments.
