
Title

Gibson Mastertone: Flathead 5String Banjos of the 1930s and 1940s,Used
Delivery time: 8-12 business days (International)
(Reference). While Gibson produced literally thousands of banjos prior to WWII, only a handful were made in the now most desirable configuration: the Original Flathead FiveString Mastertone. Since Earl Scruggs helped to make them the most soughtafter banjos in the world over 60 years ago, these instruments have amassed a cultlike 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 5string 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 FiveString 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 neverbeforeseen photos, bills of sale, factory shipping ledgers, and other ephemera relating to these rare and highly desirable instruments.
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⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
Shipping & Returns
Shipping
We ship your order within 2–3 business days for USA deliveries and 5–8 business days for international shipments. Once your package has been dispatched from our warehouse, you'll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number, allowing you to track the status of your delivery.
Returns
To facilitate a smooth return process, a Return Authorization (RA) Number is required for all returns. Returns without a valid RA number will be declined and may incur additional fees. You can request an RA number within 15 days of the original delivery date. For more details, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy page.
Shipping & Returns
Shipping
We ship your order within 2–3 business days for USA deliveries and 5–8 business days for international shipments. Once your package has been dispatched from our warehouse, you'll receive an email confirmation with a tracking number, allowing you to track the status of your delivery.
Returns
To facilitate a smooth return process, a Return Authorization (RA) Number is required for all returns. Returns without a valid RA number will be declined and may incur additional fees. You can request an RA number within 15 days of the original delivery date. For more details, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy page.
Warranty
We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
Warranty
We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
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Secure Payment
Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.
We accept payments with :
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Paypal, Shopify Payments, Shop Pay and more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the main focus of the book 'Gibson Mastertone - Flathead 5-String Banjos of the 1930s and 1940s'? A: The book focuses on the history and legacy of the Original Flathead Five-String Mastertone banjos produced by Gibson in the 1930s and 1940s, highlighting their significance in bluegrass music and their status as collector's items.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of the book is Jim Mills, who is known for his expertise in banjo history and craftsmanship.
- Q: How many pages does the book contain? A: The book contains 168 pages, providing in-depth coverage of the subject matter.
- Q: What kind of photographs can I find in the book? A: The book features rare, never-before-seen photographs of the banjos, along with archival documents that illustrate their histories and provenances.
- Q: Is this book suitable for beginners or only for experienced banjo players? A: This book is suitable for both beginners and experienced banjo players, as it provides valuable insights into the history and significance of the instruments while also serving as a collector's reference.
- Q: What type of binding does the book have? A: The book is available in paperback binding, making it easy to handle and store.
- Q: When was the book published? A: The book was published on August 1, 2009.
- Q: Does the book include any information on the craftsmanship of the banjos? A: Yes, the book discusses the craftsmanship of the Flathead Mastertone banjos, detailing their design and the innovations that made them highly sought after.
- Q: Can this book be used as a gift for someone interested in banjos? A: Yes, the book makes an excellent gift for banjo enthusiasts, collectors, and those interested in the history of musical instruments.
- Q: What is the significance of the Flathead Mastertone design in the world of banjos? A: The Flathead Mastertone design is significant as it revolutionized the banjo world with its power and tone, becoming the gold standard for bluegrass and traditional banjo players.