2003 Gibson Granada Mastertone 5-String Resonator Banjo

Update: Re-checked the serial number and found that this is a 2003 model. I've updated the info.

Let me begin by saying: I am not a bluegrass player. Forgive the woofs I sent to the mic in the video and my clunky playing. I am, however, an admirer of Mastertone banjos. This has a serial number of 03 63 and that places it at 2003 for production.

Make no mistake that this is a serious banjo. It has looks, it has bling, and it has sound to match its pedigree. Even with the head tension backed-off a little and the tailpiece not cranked-down (as per the video clip), this fella bites while also having that poppy, flathead voice in spades. 

It's all-original and near-mint save a replacement tailpiece (the broken original Presto is included), wear to the head, and a very light "speed-necking" to the back of the neck. The owner just dulled it slightly so the hands wouldn't stick in summer. I can totally relate. I buffed it up just a hair while giving it a setup, though.

My own work on it was just to give it a setup and compensate the bridge. It's playing on-the-dot, with a straight neck, and has a fast, slim-C neck profile. Action is 1/16" at the 12th fret.

Specs are: 26 3/8" scale, 1 1/4" nut width, 15/16" string spacing at the nut, 1 11/16" spacing at the bridge, 11" head, and 3 1/2" to 4" body depth.

Woods are: insanely flamed-maple neck, rosewood fretboard, a superb amount of pearl inlay, maple multi-ply rim, and a super-fancy flamed maple resonator.

There are RR spikes at 2, 4, and 5 for the 5th string.

The original Presto tailpiece with its engraved cover broke, so the owner put on one of these "hump" tails. However...

...I think it should be easy-enough to find another gold-plated Presto and swap the engraved Granada cover onto it, no?

That neck!

Its original, Gibson-branded hard case comes with it, of course. There's minor wear/scratching to it but it looks like something that might just be shopworn, to be honest.