1988 Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard 5-String Banjo, Greg Rich Era (Serial 1209)

This 1988 Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard is a Greg Rich era banjo with real history. It carries serial number 1209, it is among the first hundred of the new model, and Greg Rich himself signed it on the head and on the inside of the rim. The Greg Rich era, from the late 1980s into the early 1990s, is the period collectors prize most in modern Gibson banjos, and this one is from the heart of it. For a collector or a serious bluegrass player who wants a Gibson with provenance, this is a rare chance.

This is a used, vintage instrument and we describe it honestly. It is in very good condition and was purchased from a collector. There is slight thumb wear on the back of the neck, and some finish crackling on the resonator, which is normal for vintage Gibsons of this era. The resonator wood has the reddish tone common to early Greg Rich era Gibsons. The frets have been redressed.

Before it ships, this banjo receives a complete professional setup by our banjo tech Tara at Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio. It comes with its original Gibson USA case and a custom Greg Rich Earl Scruggs pickguard.

Watch: Geoff on the 1988 Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard

Why Buy From Banjo Warehouse

Geoff Hohwald has been selling fine banjos since 1980, and a vintage Gibson like this one gets our full attention: our banjo tech Tara sets it up by hand, and we photograph the actual instrument you will receive. Financing is available through PayPal Pay Later, with monthly options for higher-ticket instruments like this one. Questions before you buy? Call or text Geoff at (404) 218-8580.

1988 Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a Greg Rich era Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard special?

Greg Rich led Gibson’s banjo division from the late 1980s into the early 1990s, and instruments from that era are the ones collectors and players seek out most. This 1988 is from the heart of that era, it is serial number 1209 and among the first hundred of the new model, and Greg Rich signed it himself on the head and the inside of the rim. That combination of era, low serial, and a builder’s signature is what sets it apart.

What condition is this 1988 Earl Scruggs Standard in?

It is in very good condition and came to us from a collector. In the interest of honesty, there is slight thumb wear on the back of the neck and some finish crackling on the resonator, both normal for a vintage Gibson of this age. The frets have been redressed, our banjo tech Tara sets it up before it ships, and it comes with its original Gibson USA case and a custom Greg Rich Earl Scruggs pickguard.

Can I finance a banjo like this?

Yes. Financing is available through PayPal Pay Later, which offers monthly payment options suited to higher-ticket instruments like this one. If you have any questions before you buy, call or text Geoff at (404) 218-8580.