Custom 1923 Gibson Conversion Trap Door Style 1 Trap Door 1923 Maple

A rare find, a 1923 Gibson Style 1 Trapdoor conversion.

The neck is new, well made, and plays like a dream. It has a more modern Flying Eagle inlay pattern which is my favorite. Scale length is a healthy 26 and 3/4 inch and the nut measures 1 and 3/8 inch.

The neck fits to the pot perfectly and although I dont know who made the neck or who did the work they did a fine job as the fit and finish are very well done and the stain matches well.

It has the non ball bearing tubular style tone ring with the 60 holes in it. Essentially a precursor to the famous Ball Bearing Gibson designs.

The sound can only be described as old. If pre-war music is your thing then this banjo is for you. The great Buell Kazee played a similar model. Some Charlie Pool wouldn’t sound so bad on one of these either.

This one retains the original Joseph B. Rodgers hide head—what a treasure! The bridge, although period, is not original. Pot measures 10/5 inches. Old style Gibson label inside which says its from the "Gibson mandolin and guitar company."

I’d rather keep this one as it handles old time three fingered, two fingered, and claw hammer and even some bluegrass songs very well but I do want to buy back one of my old banjos so off she goes! Sail Away Ladies!

I might consider a trade for a nice Martin 000-15 if you've got one.