GIBSON TB 1 TRAPDOOR TENOR BANJO - SHORT SCALE LENGTH ON HOLD

An opportunity to purchase a piece of Gibson banjo history.

One of Gibson's earliest banjo designs has become known to collectors and players as the "trap door", after the hinged back that could be opened for greater volume.  Gibson described it in their catalogue as a ‘tone enhancer’. This example was produced circa 1924. The serial number: 11876-9 is stamped on the rom and on the dowel stick. The TB-1 would remain one of Gibson's best-selling, lower-priced tenor banjos through the early 1940s, undergoing a number of design changes over the years, eventually becoming the Mastertone  series of banjos. This example remains in good original condition including the factory-installed ivoroid pick guard, or finger-rest as well as the original wire armrest. It’s rare to find banjos complete with these parts.  In fact the only non original parts are the new Clamshell tailpiece and the 3 screws fixing the trap door to the rim. The short scale length was originally designed so mandolinists could make an easy transition to tenor banjo but of course nowadays they are proving ideal for Irish music. There are 17 frets to the pot then an additional 3 frets on the extended part of the fret board over the head. This allows for ease of fingering but also provides for the full complement of notes as on a standard scale tenor. Currently fitted with a Remo Fibreskin head and new strings. I’ve taken photos showing the banjo with and without the pick guard and arm rest as of course they are easily removable if you don’t want to use them. I’ve also shown the trapdoor resonator in its locked open and closed positions. It can of course also be easily removed altogether if you prefer a completely open back.  Comes with an old hard case which isn’t a perfect fit but does the job. Price: £500  ON HOLD

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