1987 Gibson Granada PROTOTYPE Banjo OWNED BY SONNY OSBORNE. Includes Original Hardshell Case. CALL TODAY 404-372-5482.
$16,900
FREE USA SHIPPING
1987 Gibson Granada PROTOTYPE Banjo OWNED BY SONNY OSBORNE
This is a Granada that was one of the Prototypes made by Greg Rich before Production. The Banjo was owned by Sonny Osborne and has been signed by Ralph Stanley and Bill Monroe. This has been inspected and set up at the Banjo Warehouse.
ALL OF OUR SALES INCLUDE FREE USA SHIPPING AND A 7 DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
NO SALES TAX CHARGED ON PURCHASES SHIPPED OUTSIDE OF GEORGIA
Description
This is Prototype #3 for the Gibson Granada Banjo, made by Greg Rich before production. This banjo was the model for the reproduction of the Pre War Gibson Banjos which started in 1987. The banjo is all original and in phenomenal condition. As if that wasn’t already spectacular this banjo was owned by Sonny Osborne and was played on stage. The head has several signatures including Ralph Stanley and Bill Monroe. The label is marked Prototype #3 and signed by Greg Rich. This banjo has been handled by some of the greatest players in Bluegrass history and was the original Greg Rich era Gibson Banjo, made before production started as a model.
This has a 3 ply hard rock maple shell with a curly maple neck and resonator. The hardware is all Gold and engraved with the Granada pattern. The gold also has a very nice satin coat which was representative of the early Greg Rich era Gibson Banjos. This has the original one piece flange and the original Gibson Tone Ring. This banjo is all original and includes the original case and is very clean.
The individual that I bought this from bought it direct from Sonny Osborne’s agent in the late 1980’s. He was at a bluegrass festival and saw Greg Rich and inquired about buying a banjo. At the time Greg said that it could take 2-3 years for one to come up but there was a prototype owned by Sonny Osborne which may be available. At that point the banjo was purchased and owned by the same person until bought by Banjo Warehouse recently. This is a phenomenal piece of history on every level. The Greg Rich era Gibson Banjos not only were a brilliant rendition of the Pre War Gibson Banjos but they set the stage and provided the design for all Gibson Banjos made later. The fact this was also owned by a celebrity of Sonny Osborne’s status takes this far over the top.
Condition and Set Up
This is in fantastic condition and we have done almost nothing to clean it. The banjo has been set up in our shop.
The only cleaning I did was oiling the fretboard. I wanted to leave this banjo alone because it is such a high level collectable. Oiling the fretboard is good for long term maintenance but that is all I did. I believe the head is the original head and it has been signed by a lot of people. Especially considering one of the signatures was Bill Monroe I decided to leave the head on. It is set the head to 90. The bridge is a Snuffy Smith Bridge and the strings are new Huber Truetone .10’s. This banjo is set up well and has a truly heavenly and angelic tone and is a phenomenal player.
The only wear is on the armrest and a bit in the finish on the back of the neck under the headstock. I have been told the wear on the neck may have been intentional, like a relic, to match Sonny’s Granada although I am not sure of that. Other then those spots this banjo is basically perfect.
This is the type of banjo that carries a spirit with it which is felt by all who get near it. This is the ultimate in the WOW factor. I am not sure if this is the Holy Grail for collectors but there isn’t much out there that could even try to compare with this. If you want to have the banjo that absolutely every Banjo Player would drool over this is it.
Check out the Banjo Warehouse website for all sorts of interesting New, Used and Vintage Banjos for Sale!
WE HAVE MORE PROFESSIONAL GRADE PRE OWNED 5 STRING BANJOS FOR SALE THAN ANY STORE ON EARTH
WE BUY, SELL AND TRADE
ALL OF OUR SALES INCLUDE A 7 DAY FULL SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
CALL TODAY 404-372-5482
CLICK HERE to check out my selection of Gibson Banjos for Sale
CLICK HERE to check out my selection of Banjos for Sale
CLICK HERE for more info on Geoff Hohwald’s Banjo Camps
CLICK HERE to check out the best Online Banjo Lessons Available Today!!!
PROFESSIONAL SETUP
Every instrument is carefully set up and inspected prior to being shipped. Your instrument is ready to play as soon as it arrives.
FREE SHIPPING
Free shipping to the United States on orders of $500 or more. Competitive shipping rates worldwide.
EARN CASH
We are always looking for new inventory. Get the best price for instruments you no longer want or need.
100% SATISFACTION
Buy with confidence. Every instrument comes with a 7-day money back guarantee. If you aren't completely satisfied with you instrument, return it for a full refund. Buyer pays return shipping and original shipping amount will be deducted from refund.
Payment
CASH / MONEY ORDER
CHECK
CREDIT CARD
PAYPAL
Call Us
Have a question about this instrument? Our experts are ready to take your call.
404-372-5482
Visit Our Showroom
We welcome visitors! Please call or send us a note using the form to the right to schedule an appointment.
We are only 5 minutes from the Atlanta airport.
2947 E Point St.
East Point, GA 30344
Sign up for free banjo lessons!
Become a better banjo player!
Check out our Gibson banjos for sale.
Greg Rich era 1989 Gibson RB3 Wreath Banjo. This is all original except a new neck. AFP Kulesh Tone Ring and One Piece Gibson USA Flange make this banjo SCREAM!!!!
Super Cool Pre War Gibson Style 11 Conversion with Robin Smith Neck. This also includes a Deluxe Alligator Hardshell Case.
Phenomenal and Super Clean Rich era Scruggs Standard, this is an AMAZING Banjo. Also includes a CLEAN Original Gibson Hardshell Case.
Clean and All Original 1994 Gibson RB3 Banjo. This is a Powerful Banjo with a lot of Bark that is a very attractive and well playing instrument.