1939 Kalamazoo KTB (Gibson) Resonator Tenor Banjo

Overview: This is the cleanest example of an old Kalamazoo tenor banjo that I've yet seen. It's a Gibson-made "second tier" instrument but was made right on the same floor that Gibsons were made on. The difference is that it lacks a tonering, has simpler appointments, and a non-adjustable truss rod in comparison to the "proper Gibson" models. The fit, finish, and build quality is on the same level, though. This banjo is loud and forward but also has decent warmth and an even sound to it. I have it strung DGBE (Chicago/baritone uke tuning) at the moment and that's what it's setup for, too.

Repairs included: Jose leveled and dressed the frets, fit a new Remo frosted-top head, fit a new bridge with B-string compensation, fit new Gotoh geared, guitar-style tuners (this had friction pegs when it came in), added side dots, and set it up. It's playing bang-on and ready to go.

• Weight: 5 lbs 11 os
• Scale length: 22 7/8"
• Nut width: 1 1/8"
• Neck shape: medium V
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: 13/16"
• Depth at seventh fret: 59/64"
• Head diameter: 11”
• Resonator diameter: 13 5/8"
• Depth overall at rim: 3 3/8"
• Rim wood: ply maple
• Tonering: none (shaped rim top)
• Bridge: ebony/maple new
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 1/16" overall (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 32w, 24w, 16, 12 for DGBE tuning
• Truss rod: non-adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: narrow/lower

Condition notes: It's all-original with the exception of the tuners, bridge, and head. It's in great shape, too, with only minor usewear in evidence. Some of the hardware shows a little tarnish but overall it looks grand.

It comes with: It has an original chip case.

Consignor tag: JW