1990 Gibson RB-4 5-String Banjo, Greg Rich Era, Burl Walnut

This 1990 Gibson RB-4 comes from the Greg Rich era, the stretch of modern Gibson banjo building that collectors and bluegrass players prize most. It is a genuine Gibson “Mastertone” flathead with a Kulesh tone ring and original nickel plated hardware, and its neck and resonator are cut from beautiful burl walnut, an unusual and striking wood choice for one of these. It has the look and the voice players want from a Greg Rich era “Mastertone.”

What sets this one apart is the wood. The burl walnut on the neck and resonator has the swirled, figured grain you rarely see on an RB-4, and a burl walnut example like this is extremely rare. We bought it from its original owner, and it comes with its original case.

This is a used, vintage instrument and we describe it honestly. A bit of the finish on the headstock, just below the bottom two tuners, is slightly bubbled and chipped. It is only the finish, with no damage to the wood or the inlay. Otherwise it presents beautifully.

Before it ships, this banjo receives a complete professional setup by our banjo tech Tara at Banjo Warehouse in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Watch: Geoff on this Gibson RB-4

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.

1990 Gibson RB-4 Specifications

Brand	Gibson
Model	RB-4
Year	1990
Era	Greg Rich era
Type	5-string resonator banjo
Series	Gibson “Mastertone”
Neck	Burl walnut
Resonator	Burl walnut
Tone ring	Kulesh
Hardware	Original nickel plated
Handedness	Right-handed
Country of origin	USA (Gibson, Nashville)
Condition	Used, presents beautifully; a bit of finish below the bottom two tuners on the headstock is slightly bubbled and chipped, finish only, no damage to the wood or inlay
Includes	Original case
Provenance	Purchased from the original owner
Setup	Complete professional setup by our banjo tech Tara

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a Greg Rich era Gibson RB-4 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. The RB-4 is a Gibson “Mastertone” flathead, and this one pairs that pedigree with a Kulesh tone ring and burl walnut, so it has both the reputation and the voice that period is known for.

Is the burl walnut unusual on an RB-4?

It is. Most RB-4 necks and resonators are plainer walnut or maple. The burl walnut on this one has a swirled, figured grain that you rarely see on these, which is what makes a burl walnut example like this stand out. We bought it from its original owner, and it still has its original case.

What condition is this RB-4 in?

It is a used, vintage banjo that presents beautifully. In the interest of honesty, a small area of finish on the headstock, just below the bottom two tuners, is slightly bubbled and chipped. It is only the finish, with no damage to the wood or the inlay. Our banjo tech Tara gives it a complete setup before it ships, and it comes with its original case.

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.