Style 6 was Gibson's highest numbered style and was available with either gold sparkle or checkered trim. In its original tenor version our converted Style 6 would have cost its original owner $300 in 1931. Next came the Bella Voce, with lyre and horn relief-carved onto the resonator. Our 6-string Bella Voce GB (guitar banjo) was priced at $400 when it was new in 1928. The Florentine was fancier still, featuring a fingerboard of engraved and tinted pearloid. Our 1931 plectrum model was $450 new. (Only the All American at $550 topped these models in the Gibson line.)
Gibson also continued improving banjo design, culminating in the "top tension" models, which featured head-tension adjustment capability without requiring removal of the resonator. The feature didn't catch on, but the top-tension models all had the flat-head tone ring that bluegrass players consider the ultimate tone ring design.
|
JE2881 Gibson PB Bella Voce plectrum, 1927, VG++, resonator refinished, original high-profile flat-head tone ring (weight 2 lbs, 12 oz), no case......$30000 | |
JE2882 Gibson TB Florentine tenor, 1928, EXC, original high-profile flat-head tone ring (weight 2 lbs, 13 oz), rare extended length fingerboard, no case......$45000 |
 |
JA5707 Gibson TB-6 five-string conversion, 1931, EXF, replica neck by Frank Neat, gold-sparkle trim, original low-profile flat-head tone ring, original tenor neck included, exceptionally fine instrument, HC......$37500
Full view |
 |
JA5618 Gibson GB-Bella Voce 6-string guitar banjo, 1928, VG++, 40-hole raised-head tone ring, two-pice flange, elaborate carving and painting on neck and resonator, fancy neck inlay, an extremely rare instrument, the ultimate guitar banjo, OHC.....$17500
Full view |
 |
JE2851 Gibson PB Florentine plectrum, 1931, VG+, neck cracked and reglued at heel, original heavyweight high-profile flathead tone ring (2 lb, 15.7 oz.), white holly finish, 1950s Gibson HC......SOLD
Full view |
