Their first deluxe model
Early 20s Gibson TB-5
© Frank Ford, 2002; Photos by FF

Well, they didn't leave much off this one. Even though it was made in the early period of Gibson's banjo development, this TB-5 is adorned with mother of pearl inlay, engraving, gold plating, figured maple, shaded finish, and a solid Pyralin resonator.

Pyralin was a trade name for celluloid. Speaking of other names, we often refer to this imitation pearl ("pearloid") as "mother of toilet seat" and when it is bright and varied in color, as "clown barf." Not a whole lot of respect for what was an expensive and elegant instrument at the time. I suspect such talk might have offended this instrument's original owner, Lloyd Loar. . .

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