The Gibson Regular Banjo/Resonator Banjo series is an iconic one for Bluegrass history, having been a staple instrument in the genre. This is a nice deal for a well aged banjo - having had a past headstock repair. While the repair yields no serial number currently, it is a nice player - more below. Full thickness 5 ply rim painted in black, nickel-plated metal parts (one piece flange, tension hoop, armrest). It has the standard flathead 20 hole tone ring. The original mahogany resonator is present, full bound with some splits in the binding. Original Gibson stamped tailpiece, all original hooks/nuts. Two internal coordinating rods, fully functional with a nice neck angle for easy bluegrass playability. Upgraded bridge with corian top. The neck has a standard 26.25" five-piece maple neck with 1.25" nut width. The original frets appear in good shape, the ebony fingerboard in good shape with well kept bowtie inlay, and three added rail road spikes. The fiddle peg head overlay complete with script Gibson logo in good shape with some light finish wear around the pearl. Original Five Star tuners are present. It is missing its serial number stamp behind the headstock - due to a repair long ago as explained by the original owner: "I bought the banjo new from a mom and pop music store in Shrewsbury, MA around 1975-76. That was my main axe until I got my first Stelling. That banjo accompanied me for a few months backpacking in Europe. Somewhere in Italy the neck cracked near the handstop on the back of the neck just above the nut. (I discovered it, to my horror, while serenading 2 young attractive Italian girls in the Piazza San Marco. (They requested "Teach Your Children".) Upon returning, the neck was repaired by Sandy Sheehan in Cambridge. He was the man to go to back then. I believe that he did what he called a "backstrapping" repair." Sonically this build is very impressive - with a straight neck and a nice robust and punchy tone these banjos are known for. Includes original hardshell case - complete with a bit of a "vintage" smell.