1964 Gibson RB-250 Mastertone Bowtie Flathead
We don’t often see them coming through the Clubhouse, but this is a standout early-60s Gibson RB-250 Mastertone with serious vintage pedigree and player appeal.
Serial No. 229-891 documents this banjo’s production in Gibson’s well-recorded 1964 lineup. The original components include the mahogany neck and resonator, rosewood fingerboard, pearl Bowtie inlays, guitar-style peghead, and original vintage finish. The bridge has been replaced but otherwise, this banjo is as original as represented.
THIS BANJO COMES WITH AN ORIGINAL FLATHEAD TONE RING.
Early-60s Gibson flathead Bowties are famous for a reason. To those in the know, mid-decade Gibson flatheads are known for big tone, bluegrass mojo and classic vintage Gibson tone.
The 1964 date is important. Bowtie RB-250 Mastertones are prized by collectors for their mix of vintage mojo and mid-century practicality. Old enough to have good mojo, but young enough to be used on a regular basis. The fact that they feature Gibson Mastertone construction and one-piece-flange neck construction, combined with mahogany necks and resonators and vintage Bowtie cosmetics has made this mid-century run of RB-250s especially popular with Gibson enthusiasts of all types.
Don’t expect this banjo to be a prewar Gibson. It’s not, and you shouldn’t pay prewar prices for it. That’s not what makes this banjo special. This is a real 1964 Gibson Mastertone from one of the hottest postwar Bowtie years made especially for players who want an ORIGINAL vintage Gibson banjo they can still play.
Manufacturer: Gibson Model: RB-250 Mastertone Year: 1964 Serial: 229-891 Configuration: 5-string resonator Tone Ring: Original flathead Neck: Mahogany Resonator: Mahogany Fingerboard: Rosewood Inlays: Gibson pearl Bowtie / period Style 41 pattern Scale: ~26¼” F Standard/Period one-piece Gibson configuration Finish: Original style deep sunburst Originality: Represented as original except for replacement bridge.
WHY THIS ONE MATTERS:
It’s not just because it has Gibson written on the peghead. While the 1964 vintage is special enough, this banjo is a great mix of vintage Gibson qualities. It’s the combination of production date, RB-250 Mastertone model, Bowtie era construction details, original flathead tone ring and high level of originality that counts.
If you’re a collector looking for a vintage Gibson that you can actually PLAY, this one should matter to you.
