2010 Flint Hill FHB-280A Archtop Five-String Resonator Banjo with Original Hardshell Case

The 2010 Flint Hill FHB-280A is a five-string resonator banjo with an archtop tone ring, a mahogany neck and resonator, and a three-ply hard rock maple rim. It comes with the original hardshell case.

Flint Hill banjos are from an interesting period in the mid to late 2000s. This model, the FHB-280A, is particularly rare because of its archtop tone ring.

Watch the demo video above to hear this banjo played.

Who this 2010 Flint Hill FHB-280A is for

This banjo is for a five-string player who wants a resonator banjo with an archtop tone ring, a mahogany neck and resonator, and fretboard inlays patterned after the prewar Gibson Style 6 design. If you would like to talk through whether it is the right fit for your playing, call or text us at 404-218-8580 before you decide.

Setup

This banjo has had a professional setup by our banjo tech Tara.

The Flint Hill story: Saga, Recording King and the price

Flint Hill banjos were distributed by Saga (Gold Star) and made at the same factory in China as Recording King banjos from the same period. The story goes that the factory had extra inventory and sold it to Saga at a discount.

Because of that, we can sell these at a significant discount compared to Recording Kings from the same time period.

An archtop tone ring

This model, the FHB-280A, is particularly rare because of its archtop tone ring. The FHB-280A is modeled after the Recording King RK-R80, with a mahogany neck and resonator.

How this Flint Hill FHB-280A is built

The neck and resonator are mahogany, and the rim is a three-ply hard rock maple rim. The fretboard inlays are patterned after the prewar Gibson Style 6 design, and the fingerboard, peghead and resonator all carry cream binding.

The peghead has the brand name in script on a pearl-look plate above a decorative pearl-look peghead inlay, with four peghead tuners plus a side-mounted fifth-string peg, all with white buttons. The resonator back has two purfling rings. On the pot you will find the flange, the armrest, the tailpiece and a frosted white head. The label on the back of the peghead reads MADE IN CHINA.

Condition

Some honest wear and finish chipping on the headstock. The photographs show the front, the back, the peghead front and back, the fingerboard, the pot and the resonator so you can see it for yourself.

Case

Comes with the original hardshell case.

Specifications

Shipping and questions

Shipping is free. It ships insured with FedEx, with tracking sent to you personally.

Financing is available. We offer PayPal Pay in 4 on all website orders, and Afterpay on instruments under $4,000.

Questions about this banjo? Call or text us at 404-218-8580, or email [email protected]. Banjo Warehouse has been selling fine banjos since 1977, now based in Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Frequently asked questions

Who made Flint Hill banjos?

Flint Hill banjos were distributed by Saga (Gold Star) and made at the same factory in China as Recording King banjos from the same period. The story goes that the factory had extra inventory and sold it to Saga at a discount.

Is the Flint Hill FHB-280A an archtop banjo?

Yes. It has an archtop tone ring. This model, the FHB-280A, is particularly rare because of its archtop tone ring.

What is the Flint Hill FHB-280A modeled after?

The FHB-280A is modeled after the Recording King RK-R80, with a mahogany neck and resonator.

Why does a Flint Hill cost less than a Recording King from the same period?

The story goes that the factory had extra inventory and sold it to Saga at a discount. Because of that, we can sell these at a significant discount compared to Recording Kings from the same time period.

What woods are used on the Flint Hill FHB-280A?

A mahogany neck and resonator and a three-ply hard rock maple rim.

Where was the Flint Hill FHB-280A made?

Made in China. The label on the back of the peghead reads MADE IN CHINA.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. It comes with the original hardshell case.

What condition is this Flint Hill FHB-280A in?

It is used, with some honest wear and finish chipping on the headstock.

Has this banjo been set up?

Yes. It has had a professional setup by our banjo tech Tara.