1922 Gibson TB4 Conversion with Larry Brown Conversion Neck

It is truly amazing that we have seen a handful of these Gibson TB-4 banjos come in the store lately. This 12" 1922 model (FON 11691-15) also has it's original trapdoor resonator and  a beautifully crafted 5-string conversion neck made by local Asheville legend Larry Brown. These fantastic rims have a sound that's dark, mellow, and plunky . . .perfect for clawhammer. 

The hollow rim design is the brainchild of Victor Kraske, who had his own company in Chicago early in the century, and patented his design in 1908. He later (around 1910) went to work for Gibson in Kalamazoo, MI as a foreman, and then sold or licensed his design to them. When Gibson went into the banjo business, the Kraske pot was the heart of their very first banjo line. 

This banjo also includes a Superior hard case. Fantastic instrument!