SOLD –
(USED) This is a (very early) vintage (1976) Gold Star banjo made during the first year of production for Gold Star. The introduction of these Japanese (initially Sumi, then Tokai) banjos into the American market generated lots of attention, and they soon became regarded as superior to the American-made Gibsons of that era. Their quality in tone and high production standards became legendary. In the first few years of production This model G-12W arch top combines the projection of the arch top style and the clarity and sustain of maple. The tone is quite different from a standard flat top banjo and many payers including Ralph Stanley and Doug Dillard were known for their dynamic archtop banjo tone.
Gold Star was the very first maker to build a banjo with a Pre War style flanged maple rim and cast bronze tone ring outside of the Gibson company, and they managed to do it with amazing accuracy.
This G-12W Gold Star is very well-preserved. The maple finish is beautiful, the frets are in great condition, with minimal fret and fretboard wear. It plays well. With a rim of multi-ply rock maple, original bronze tone ring, two piece flange, fiddle cut headstock with the traditional wreath pattern. Ebony fretboard and headstock overlay. Maple neck with a band of dark ebony down the center. Adjustable truss rod, adjustable coordinator rods, presto tailpiece, compensated 5/8″ bridge, tarnished nickel plating and beautiful soft gloss patina on the wood parts.
The case appears original and it has RR spikes installed at frets 7 and 10. The head is a 5-Star, with obvious signs of use. The bridge is a Presto-style. The armrest is tarnished nickel with an overlay of maple. We’ve not seen this (wooden) overlay on other Gold Stars of this era, so we assume it’s been added. The action is low and it plays easily. Now: We’ve been selling banjos for thirty years and messing with them for forty. We are here to say: This is one incredibly loud banjo! This thing can peel paint and stop a clock. If you’ve been looking for a banjo that can “cut through the mix”, we’ve found your banjo. 🙂 Yee-haw!
Serial # 760247 (1976)
AMW Price: $1,800 (SOLD)
For more information, email info@acousticmusicworks or call (412) 422-0710
Prompt Delivery and Professional Packaging
We have a range of shipping options thanks to our long-term relationship with UPS FedEx DHL. Our warehouse staff is extremely skilled and will package your products according to our precise and exact specifications. Your items will go through an exhaustive examination before they will be safely packaged prior to being shipped. Every day we ship thousands of packages to clients across many countries. This shows our commitment to be the largest retailer on the internet. Both Europe as well as the USA have warehouses and distribution centres.
It is important to note that orders with more than one item will be subject to a processing period that is based to the item.
Prior to shipment before shipping, we'll examine thoroughly the items you've purchased. Currently, most orders are shipped within 48 hours. The delivery time will be between 3-7 days.
Returns
Due to multiple parties such as the factory and the warehouse, we're unable to fully manage stock. The levels of stock can change at any time. You may not receive your order once it has been placed.
Our policy is valid for a period of 30 days. Unfortunately, if thirty days have passed since you purchased your product, we are unable to offer you a return or exchange.
For your item to be eligible for return the item must not be opened and in the condition you received it. It should also be in the original package.
Related products
Acoustic Guitar
2009 John Walker Ruby Elite, Mini Jumbo, Sitka Spruce, Maple – USED – SOLD Other Acoustics
Acoustic Guitar
2007 Collings SoCo Deluxe, FIRST EVER! Quilted Maple, Mahogany – USED – SOLD Collings
Acoustic Guitar
1993 Collings OM1 Cutaway Custom, Translucent Black, Haircut Headstock, Maple – USED – SOLD Collings
Electric Guitar
2006 Weber Yellowstone Archtop, Sitka Spruce, Maple Back and Sides – USED Other Electrics
Electric Guitar
Electric Guitar
1991 Gibson Historic Series L-4, 16″ Archtop, Florentine Cutaway – USED – SOLD Other Electrics
Acoustic Guitar
2008 John Walker Ruby Elite, Small Jumbo, Sitka Spruce, Figured Maple – USED – SOLD Other Acoustics
Acoustic Guitar
1940s Epiphone Triumph Archtop, 17″ Wide, Spruce Top, Maple B/S – USED – SOLD Other Acoustics
Electric Guitar
1966 Harmony H72, USA Made, DeArmond Mustache Gold Foil Pickups – USED Other Electrics
Electric Guitar
1973 Twin Pickup Gibson Johnny Smith Archtop, Wine Red – USED – SOLD Other Electrics
Electric Guitar
1965 Gibson ES-120T, Laminated Maple, Single Coil Neck Pickup – USED Other Electrics
Acoustic Guitar
2010 Eastman AR910 Archtop, Carved Spruce Top, Carved Maple B/S – USED – SOLD Eastman
Electric Guitar
1998 Paul Reed Smith PRS McCarty Hollow Body, 10-Top, Natural – USED – SOLD Other Electrics
