Gibson RB-75 with top-tension style neck, no serial number
After the top tension models were introduced in 1937, only one conventional Mastertone remained in production--style 3 underwent some slight changes, its price was lowered from $100 to $75, and it was rechristened style 75.
This original five-string flathead banjo features a style 75 pot with one-piece flange, a conventional bracket and tension hoop arrangement, nickel-plated hardware, Presto tailpiece and a mahogany resonator. The neck wood is also mahogany in keeping with style 75, but the inlay pattern and peghead shape are the same as those found on styles 12 and 18, the two most expensive top-tension models of the time.
This banjo was originally exported to Canada and the inside of the resonator bears a sticker to that effect. More photographs of this rare banjo are available at Charles Z. Fish's website.
Photo courtesy of
Bernunzio Vintage Instruments.
