Gibson RB-12 #411-1
In the late 1930s, Gibson attempted to revive flagging banjo sales with the introduction of the radical new line of top-tension Mastertones, much as they had tried to recapture the dying mandolin market in the mid-1920s with Lloyd Loar's Master Model series. Like the Loar instruments, the top-tensions could not reverse prevailing musical trends and sold poorly; also like the Loars, the top-tensions are today revered as some of the finest instruments ever produced by the Gibson company. Top-tension Mastertones were offered in styles 7, 12, and 18; the lucky owner of this beautiful RB-12 tells us its story:
"This is RB-12 #411-1. It is an original five-string flathead top-tension Mastertone matching catalog description in every respect. According to factory records cited by George Gruhn in 2002 there were only four RB-12s ever shipped (original five-string). . . I have owned this banjo since 1972, having acquired it in a trade with George Gruhn. . . It was in virtually new, unplayed condition when I got it and remains in excellent condition. Lovingly and reverently played, it has been my main performing instrument, conditions and common sense permitting, all these years and I must claim the responsibility for the normal playing wear it shows. When I first set it up to play I stored the original tuning pegs and case, installing Keith pegs and Planets that required no alteration. I have partially refretted it twice. Most recently I replaced the first fourteen frets and did some very careful fretboard restoration that had become necessary since the first refret (1-10) a decade or more ago. This banjo has the entire palette of sounds one expects from an original flathead and it is an inspiration to my playing that I continue to enjoy and gratefully appreciate--Mike Johnson (Georgia/Florida)."
Photos courtesy of Mike Johnson.
