The 1932 Gibson TB-2 five string conversion banjo at Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio is an original prewar Gibson converted for bluegrass playing, with the original Gibson maple rim and walnut resonator, a Kulesh 20 hole tone ring, and a Sullivan curly maple five string neck. I am Geoff Hohwald, and I have been playing and selling banjos since 1963. Prewar Gibson conversions like this one are how serious players get genuine prewar wood under their fingers without the six figure price of an original five string flathead, and this TB-2 is a strong example of why.
What Is the Gibson TB-2?
The Gibson TB-2 was the highest priced non Mastertone tenor banjo Gibson offered when this instrument was built in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Gibson’s 1930 catalog called the Style 2 “a real ‘pal’ for the banjo lover” with “a snappy, brilliant tone, powerful volume, reliable trueness and a world of ‘good looks'”. The TB-2 featured a maple rim and walnut resonator with single white binding on both edges and nickel plated hardware, and this banjo retains all of those original appointments.
Original Prewar Gibson Components
This 1932 TB-2 keeps the parts that matter most from its Kalamazoo build. The original Gibson maple rim is the heart of the instrument, the same prewar rim wood that players and collectors chase. The original walnut resonator shows honest play wear and nearly a century of patina. The one piece flange, the prewar “window pane” tailpiece, the armrest, and the remaining original nickel plated hardware are all here. The interior of the resonator still carries the oval label reading The Gibson, Gibson Inc., Kalamazoo, Mich. The rim is stamped with serial number 130-10, and this banjo uses the single coordinator rod construction typical of Style 2 instruments from this period.
The Five String Conversion
Converting a prewar Gibson tenor to a five string is a long respected path to prewar bluegrass tone. This conversion pairs the original 1932 maple rim with a Kulesh 20 hole tone ring, bringing the pot to the flathead “Mastertone” style configuration that defines the bluegrass sound. The neck is a Sullivan curly maple five string neck, prewar style fleur de lis and diamond inlays, a bound rosewood fingerboard, and geared fifth string tuner. The figure in the maple is dramatic from the heel to the headstock.
Recent Setup by Huber Banjos
This banjo was recently set up by Huber Banjos in Hendersonville, Tennessee, one of the most respected names in prewar style banjo building and setup. It arrived here playing the way a conversion should, with strong volume, clarity, and the dry punch that prewar walnut rims are known for.
Why Players Choose a TB-2 Conversion
Original prewar Gibson five string flatheads sell for $75,000 to well over $300,000, which puts them out of reach for almost everyone who actually wants to play one. Style 1 and Style 2 conversions deliver the same prewar rim wood and much of the same character for a fraction of that. Among conversion candidates, the Style 2 is prized for its original walnut rim and resonator, and many experienced pickers will tell you a well done 1 or 2 conversion gives up nothing in tone to the higher styles. This one has the look, the wood, and the setup already done.
Geoff on Style 2 Rims
Some people believe that when Gibson made these wood shells in the prewar years, the workers would actually listen to them, and the better sounding shells went on the Style 2s, 3s, and 4s, while the shells that were not quite as good went on the Style 1s. I cannot prove that, but I can tell you what my ears have noticed over sixty years of playing these instruments. Even though you would think the 2s would sound just like the 1s, the 2s somehow have a much better tone to them. This one is no exception.
Watch and Hear This Banjo
Hear this exact banjo in my demo video below. One note on the video: I misspoke and called it a 1935 with a mahogany neck. This banjo is a 1932, and the Sullivan neck is curly maple, as you can see in the photos.
If the player does not load, watch on YouTube: 1932 Gibson TB-2 Five String Conversion Banjo Demo.
Case and What Is Included
This banjo comes with a functional hardshell case. It is sold as shown in the photos and video.
Financing Available
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Gibson TB-2 banjo?
The Gibson TB-2 is a prewar tenor banjo built in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and it was the highest priced non Mastertone model in Gibson’s line around 1930. It features a maple rim and resonator with single white binding and nickel plated hardware.
What is a five string conversion banjo?
A five string conversion is a prewar Gibson tenor or plectrum banjo fitted with a new five string neck, and often a flathead tone ring, so it can be played in bluegrass style. Conversions are the most affordable way to own a banjo built on an original prewar Gibson rim.
Is this a real prewar Gibson banjo?
Yes. The rim, resonator, one piece flange, “window pane” tailpiece, and remaining hardware are original prewar Gibson, with serial number 130-10 stamped on the rim. The five string neck and tone ring are modern components added in the conversion.
Who made the neck and tone ring on this conversion?
The five string neck is a Sullivan curly maple neck, and the tone ring is a Kulesh 20 hole ring. Both are highly regarded modern makers in the prewar conversion world.
Has this banjo been set up?
Yes. It was recently set up by Huber Banjos in Hendersonville, Tennessee, and it is ready to play.
Does this banjo come with a case?
Yes, it comes with a functional hardshell case.
1932 Gibson TB-2 Conversion Specifications
| Year | 1932 |
| Model | Gibson TB-2, five string conversion |
| Serial Number | 130-10 |
| Rim | Original Gibson maple |
| Resonator | Original Gibson walnut, single white binding both edges |
| Flange | Original one piece flange |
| Coordinator Rod | Single rod |
| Tone Ring | Kulesh 20 hole flathead |
| Neck | Sullivan curly maple, five string |
| Tailpiece | Original prewar “window pane” |
| Hardware | Nickel plated |
| Setup | Huber Banjos, Hendersonville, TN |
| Case | Functional hardshell case included |
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