1957 Gibson RB-250 Archtop Mastertone

1957 Gibson RB-250 Archtop Mastertone

Early Bowtie Era

From one of the most collectible epochs in postwar Gibson banjo production, this 1957 Gibson RB-250 Bowtie Mastertone features the classic early Bowtie-era look which made the RB-250 Gibson’s workhorse production model 5-string banjo.

The 1957 Gibson RB-250 features a genuine 1957 Gibson neck/headstock along with mahogany neck/resonator, rosewood fingerboard, pearl Bowtie inlays, traditional Gibson guitar style peghead, and the highly collectible one-piece flange from the earlier model RB-250.

Of special note, this instrument features a Gibson 4-hole archtop tone ring, serial number 7-7022-115, which dates to 1961. Rather than be represented as a 1957 factory-original component, the later-dated tone ring is fully disclosed as part of this instrument’s known history.

The early one-piece-flange RB-250 model design, combined with the use of mahogany, Bowtie embellishments, and archtop Mastertone format point to one of Gibson’s landmark 19th Bowtie-era decades. Collector’s guides list the 1957 RB-250, and surviving examples confirm that there is still considerable demand for these instruments among Gibson collectors and serious players of bluegrass music.

Identified by owner as completely original except for the bridge.

Documented specifications:

Manufacturer: Gibson
Model: RB-250 Mastertone
Year of Neck/Headstock: 1957
Config. : 5-string resonator banjo
Tone Ring: Gibson 4-hole archtop
Tone Ring Number: 7-7022-115
Tone Ring Date: 1961
Neck: Mahogany
Resonator: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Inlays: Pearl Bowtie design
Flange: One piece
Finish: Dark Gibson sunburst
Bridge: Replacement/new bridge

Collector’s Note: This instrument was not offered as a completely factory-original version of the 1957 RB-250. This instrument’s documented history includes a neck/headstock dating to 1957, as well as a Gibson tone ring dated to 1961. That information is provided here for the sake of full disclosure, and should be considered when evaluating this instrument.

Early Bowtie-era Gibsons are sought after by collectors and players who are interested in this defining Gibson era for what these instruments sound like and how they play. That this banjo features a period correct Gibson archtop tone ring makes this instrument particularly intriguing. This would be an excellent choice for the collector looking for a genuine 1950’s era Gibson Bowtie RB-250, as well as the serious bluegrass player who is seeking the sound and playability of an early Gibson Mastertone.

Blue Note Music - Vintage Instruments • Collector Grade Documentation