SKU: HL.1241
Flathead 5-String
Banjos of the 1930s and
1940s. Reference.
Guitar Reference.
Softcover. 168 pages.
Published by Centerstream
Publications (HL.1241).
ISBN 9781574242461.
UPC: 884088397791.
8.5x11.0x0.383
inches.
While
Gibson produced literally
thousands of banjos prior
to WWII, only a handful
were made in the now most
desirable configuration:
the Original Flathead
Five-String Mastertone.
Since Earl Scruggs helped
to make them the most
sought-after banjos in
the world over 60 years
ago, these instruments
have amassed a cult-like
following. These
particular banjos
featured a completely
innovative design when
the Gibson Company
introduced them around
1930. They have since
become the benchmark in
design, sound quality,
and just sheer power
among banjo players. They
have therefore also
become the inspiration
for nearly every
successful 5-string banjo
that has been
manufactured for the past
five decades. Like Martin
Dreadnaught and Fender
Stratocaster guitars, the
Gibson Mastertone Banjo
has achieved an exalted
status: It is appreciated
far beyond its
utilitarian purpose as a
musical instrument, and
considered a truly
original American art
form. The Mastertone
design and style are
instantly recognizable by
musicians and music
lovers around the world,
even if imitated by other
manufacturers. Of the 130
or so Original Flathead
Five-String Mastertones
known to exist, 19 of the
absolute best are
featured here. The
Scruggs, Reno, Jenkins,
Crowe, Osborne, Huber and
Mills banjos are shown in
all of their glory, with
details of their known
histories and
provenances, as well as
never-before-seen photos,
bills of sale, factory
shipping ledgers, and
other ephemera relating
to these rare and highly
desirable
instruments.
Martin Bills
