The Gibson RB-800 was Gibson’s top-line banjo in the mid-1960s, officially entering production in 1964 after a few prototypes appeared a year earlier. Only 204 were made through 1971, making it one of the rarer Gibson Mastertone models. This example, with a serial number placing it around 1966, reflects Gibson’s craftsmanship at the peak of 60’s production, a time period more synonymous with the “bowtie” banjos of the 50’s and 60’s.

Construction is typical of the RB-800 series: a 4.5-ply maple rim about 5" deep, a one-piece flange, and a single coordinator rod. The resonator includes a Mastertone style tone ring, most likely Faulkner made. Previously installed, possibly original cam-type Drop-D tuners have been removed, with the holes filled, but the rest of the banjo’s hardware is original. The neck shows play wear and faint marks from a previous sliding 5th-string capo, and the resonator has a glued and cleated split in the upper half, likely from the one-piece maple back.

It carries a 60-year-old patina that speaks to its history, and it includes subtle inscriptions from a previous owner, as well as autographs inside the resonator from Dr. Ralph Stanley and Little Roy Lewis, dated 1999.

It comes with a likely original custom case.