2005 Gibson RB-18 Top Tension Mastertone Banjo
$ 11,999.99
2005 Gibson RB-18 Top Tension Mastertone with 20-hole Kulesh tone ring, Art Deco inlays, dished flamed maple resonator, and gold hardware. Serial 90507-18. Excellent condition. Includes original case, head-tightening key, and warranty paper.
In stock
A Rare Piece of Gibson History
One of the most rare Gibson 5-string banjos of them all, the RB-18 was the highest top-tension model and was originally only sold for three years (1938-1940). With their from-the-front head adjustment, radiused fingerboard, Art Deco inlays, and carved-back resonator, the original top-tension models were designed to make earlier Mastertones obsolete both visually and structurally.
A Faithful Reissue
The banjo department at Gibson did their homework when they decided to reissue the RB-18, right down to the odd pearl script “Gibson” on the headstock and geometric Art Deco engraving on the armrest, tailpiece, tension hoop, and resonator flange. And yes, as with the originals, you can tighten or loosen the head without removing the resonator.
Features & Specifications
This 2005 example features a 20-hole Kulesh Gibson USA tone ring, rosewood fingerboard with Art Deco bowtie inlays, curly maple neck, and a stunning flamed maple resonator with tobacco sunburst finish and dished back. Gold-plated hardware throughout includes the engraved armrest, engraved tailpiece, and engraved tension hoop. The tuners feature amber-colored buttons.
Condition
Although it’s in excellent condition, it did get played and has very minor wear on the armrest and railroad spikes under the 5th string at the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th frets. There is almost no finish or fret wear to be found and the gold plating shows little sign of tarnish.
About the Reissue Top-Tensions
The reissue top-tensions were made from 1995 to 2005. Early on, they came with flat resonators, but around 1999-2000, Bill Sullivan started making the resonators dished inside. He got the idea from a prewar top-tension that came with a dished, solid wood resonator.
Serial Number: 18 0507-06
Condition: Excellent. Very minor wear on armrest. Railroad spikes at 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th frets.
Includes: Original hardshell case with The Gibson logo, head-tightening key, warranty paper
About Banjo Warehouse
I’m Geoff Hohwald, and I personally inspect every used banjo before it ships from my shop in Yellow Springs, Ohio. This RB-18 has been carefully examined, and I stand behind it with a 7-day approval period. If it’s not right for you, send it back for a full refund minus $125.
Local to Southwest Ohio? Stop by and try it in person. I’m located near Antioch College and serve the greater Dayton-Springfield-Xenia area.
Got questions? Call me directly at 404-218-8580 or email thebanjowarehouse@gmail.com. I’m always happy to discuss details, send additional photos, or arrange a video call so you can hear it play.
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