January 15th, 2024

Hello Folks,

     Today Julie and I are returning from Banjothon in Knoxville, TN. Without a doubt, it was the most incredible experience for enthusiasts of vintage instruments of the Bluegrass persuasion that I have ever attended. What started 25 years ago with a handful of Gibson "flathead" banjo enthusiasts…. in a home, then a church, then a club and for the past five years, in The Crown Plaza in beautiful, downtown Knoxville, has grown to include displays of guitars (all pre WWII Martin Dreadnoughts and fine Lloyd Loar signed Gibson mandolins….and every model and style of Golden Era Gibson banjos. This was not just a display or a "vendor’s" format, and it definitely was not a convention….there were no formal talks or speeches… rather, it was a vibrant celebration of the instruments which have created the sound and stopped the hearts of Bluegrass musicians for decades. It was a real "gathering". 

     For me personally, it was a very emotional experience….connecting with so many folks who I have known for 40 years and more…but only now meeting face to face for the very first time. At times it was overwhelming and even though it was only one day it seems like we have been swirling for days in a river of memories. Our primary goal was to present and display our most recent acquisition….what we are toting as the most singularly important vintage instrument to come to the market in my lifetime….the only pre-WWII, Gibson All-American five string banjo ever produced. During the early 1930s America was struggling to bounce back from the stock market crash and consequent economic and social upheaval that followed. Roosevelt touted his "New Deal" and, through his "fireside chats", tried to return a semblance of pride, order, hope and dignity to the American people. It is only logical to assume that Gibson latched onto this symbolic enthusiasm with the introduction of their most lavish, expensive and pride filled creation. There were only 25 Gibson All-American banjos produced. The were made of either walnut or white holly; they were lavishly decorated with figural carvings of a mostly patriotic theme that is remarkably similar to the "eagle motif" portrayed on the presidential podium! Of the 25 produced, only one was a five string…the rest were tenors. But not only is this a five string, but it is also configured with the most musically desirable components….the single piece cast flange and the high profile flat head tonering….it is the ultimate playing machine.

     Bringing this banjo down to Knoxville, solved a lot of mysteries for many folks. It turns out this banjo had been rumored about for decades, but had been tucked away and hidden. Its history evolved as we discussed it with other people who had contact with it over its lifetime. We were able to determine that the metal parts were replated and the finish was completely touched up only 30 years after it first came out of the factory. Then it was played for a couple of years, and put in the case for the last 50 years. It has spent more time in the case than out of the case and although refinishing, and replating are always frowned upon by purists, I strongly believe that what this banjo lacks in absolute originality, it more than makes up for in its provenance. We have the entire list of owners, with photographs, since it left the factory. This is my proudest moment.

 Best wishes,

John Bernunzio 

The inaugural podium of FDR….was this depiction of the American eagle the inspiration for Gibson’s All American?

I should’ve had a Photo Booth!!

More flathead and original five string Gibson banjos that I have ever seen in one place.