1960s Gretsch 5-String Resonator Banjo

I remember setting this instrument up for its owner on the spot sometime back. Miraculously, that's all it needed as it had arrived to him in fairly good order as it looks like it simply hadn't been played much in its lifetime -- the neck was still straight and the frets essentially untouched (as they are now). All I had to do was secure the neck better (bolt reinforcement for the joint), compensate the bridge as well as it could be, and go through the setup. It arrived back here playing just as it left -- spot-on. Yip!

Anyhow, this model is pretty basic but it is a Gretsch-built instrument and, compared to say a Harmony or Kay from the early '60s, this has a lot more going for it in the cool department. It's also, of course, built a little more solid than a "Chicago special," too.

While it looks like a bluegrass banjo, it's more like an "old-time banjo with a resonator slapped-on." It has a woodier, mellower voice despite that resonator but it still has enough volume to sit happily in a jam.

Repairs included: setup and adjustments.

Weight: 4 lbs 13 oz

Scale length: 26"

Nut width: 1 1/4"

Neck shape: medium C/slight V

Board radius: flat

Head diameter: 11”

Resonator diameter: 13"

Depth overall at rim: 3 1/8"

Rim wood: ply maple

Bridge: maple/ebony

Fretboard: ebonized maple

Neck wood: mahogany

Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
String gauges: lights (9s)

Truss rod: non-adjustable

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium-lower

Condition notes: it's all-original save the side dots that I added at some point for the owner. It's also pretty clean (save minor usewear/scratches/etc.). It does have its original friction tuners so, if you plan to use this on a daily basis, I highly suggest swapping the tuners over to 4:1 geared banjo pegs and would do this on the house if the parts are paid-for. If this is going to be a "recording session" or "once in a while" instrument, then save the pennies.

It comes with: an old chip case.

Consignor tag: DDL