1970s GTR Hearts and Flowers 5-String Banjo, Natural Mahogany, Iida-Made
$ 1,299.99
One of only a few hundred GTR banjos ever made, built by the Iida factory in Japan between 1974 and 1978 for George Gruhn, Tut Taylor, and Randy Wood. Every GTR left the factory in dark mahogany, and George Gruhn confirmed to us that the lacquer on this one was removed after production, making it the only natural-finish GTR we have seen. Flathead tone ring, two-piece flange, Hearts and Flowers inlay, and a matte finish that throws no glare under stage lights. Watch the video to hear it.
In stock
This 1970s GTR Hearts and Flowers banjo is one of only a few hundred GTR banjos ever made, and the only one I have seen with a natural mahogany finish. GTR banjos were built by the Iida factory in Japan between 1974 and 1978 for three of the most knowledgeable people about the construction of banjos, and here at Banjo Warehouse we do not expect to see another one like this.
What Does GTR Stand For?
GTR stands for George Gruhn, Tut Taylor, and Randy Wood. George Gruhn founded Gruhn Guitars, still one of the most famous vintage instrument shops in the world. Tut Taylor was the legendary flat-picking dobro man. Randy Wood is one of the finest luthiers to ever work on fretted instruments. In the mid 1970s these three partnered to import a small run of banjos built to their specifications, and the banjos went over very well.
Who Made GTR Banjos?
The Iida factory in Japan built every GTR banjo. Iida was one of the best acoustic instrument builders in Japan during the 1970s, and these banjos come from what collectors now call the “lawsuit era,” when Japanese factories were building Gibson “Mastertone” style instruments so faithfully that they drew legal attention. GTR banjos were only offered from 1974 through about 1978, and George Gruhn himself has said he does not remember exactly how many were made, only that it was a few hundred.
The Hearts and Flowers Model
Four inlay patterns were offered on GTR banjos, and this is the #1 model: the Hearts and Flowers pattern with the fiddle-shaped peghead. The mother of pearl work on the fretboard and headstock is clean and well cut, with the GTR script logo at the crown and a “Custom made” truss rod cover. Inside the resonator you will find the original GTR, Inc. label with the Nashville address.
Why This Banjo Has a Natural Finish
Every GTR banjo left the factory in one finish only: dark mahogany. This one is natural mahogany, and we wanted to know why, so we called George Gruhn and asked him. He told us the lacquer would have been removed after the fact, because every banjo that came out of the factory had finish on it. Someone along the way took this banjo down to the bare wood, and the result is a warm, matte mahogany look that no other GTR banjo we know of has.
A Finish Made for the Stage
There is a practical side to this finish too. A glossy banjo throws glare every time you turn it under stage lights or in front of a camera. This matte natural mahogany does not. If you play out, or your band shoots video, this banjo photographs beautifully from every angle. Watch the video and you will see exactly what I mean.
Tone Ring and Hardware
GTR banjos were built with a flathead tone ring and a two-piece flange, the same basic recipe as some of the prewar Gibson flatheads that defined the bluegrass sound. This one wears a Remo Weatherking head and the original style tailpiece and armrest. The chrome shows honest light wear consistent with its age.
Specifications
- Model: GTR #1, Hearts and Flowers inlay, fiddle-shaped peghead
- Built by the Iida factory, Japan, between 1974 and 1978
- Neck: mahogany with rosewood fretboard
- Rim: multi-ply maple
- Resonator: mahogany with concentric ring purfling, GTR, Inc. Nashville label inside
- Tone ring: 20 hole flathead
- Flange: two-piece
- Head: Remo Weatherking
- Finish: natural matte mahogany (factory lacquer removed, confirmed by George Gruhn as done after production)
Condition
This banjo is in very good vintage condition. The frets show little wear, the inlay is intact, the neck is straight, and it plays cleanly up the fretboard. The natural finish is smooth and even. The plating shows light scratches in places, which you can see in the photos. Comes with a functional hardshell case.
Hear This Banjo
Press play below to hear this GTR in my hands. A flathead tone ring and a maple rim give it that dry, punchy bluegrass voice.
About Banjo Warehouse
Banjo Warehouse has been selling fine banjos since 1980, now based in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Every instrument we sell is inspected and set up in our shop before it ships. If you have questions about this GTR, call us at (404) 218-8580.
Want to know when new banjos arrive? Join our email list: https://f02c7f60b02f11ef81a461960b153e18.eo.page/9n1z3
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