Gibson TB-75 Mastertone #934-4

1937 was a year of great change in Gibson's banjo line.  Mastertone models 4, 6, Granada, Florentine, and All American were discontinued and replaced with the new top-tension styles 7, 12, and 18.   Of the previous Mastertone models, only style 3 survived; its price was lowered from $100 to $75 and, in keeping with Gibson's new fashion for naming instruments after their prices, was renamed style 75.

#934-4 (see Gibson banjo serial numbers vs. factory order numbers) was shipped from the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo on August 10th, 1937 and was the first style 75 banjo to be so designated in Gibson's shipping records.  It exhibits a maple inner resonator lining (as opposed to the more common poplar) and taller top resonator binding, both commonly considered identifying features of style 75.  The banjo remains in excellent original condition with fully intact nickel-plated hardware, mahogany neck and resonator, leaves and bows inlays, and a forty-hole archtop tone ring.

Photos courtesy of an anonymous collector.



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