Circa 1925 Gibson PB-3 Mastertone Conversion 5-String Banjo Used

This Gibson Mastertone began life as a PB-3 plectrum model back in late 1925. Fast forward almost 50 years, when Gibson plectrum banjos were in low demand, and it was transformed to a bluegrass 5-string with the popular Hearts & Flowers inlay pattern on the newly crafted curly maple neck made by Bob Palmer. The original shell was recut for a bronze Sullivan “Tennesee 20” flathead tone ring . The holes in the heavy maple shell, for springs that had supported the original archtop tone ring, were neatly doweled, and the grooved tension hoop was replaced with a heavier notched version.

This conversion was done by Bob Palmer, a well-regarded banjo wizard who also upgraded the plain maple resonator by making a lathe-turned top-tension style with curly maple that matched the neck. The result is a bluegrass banjo powerhouse that can hold its own in any jam session.