Late-‘30s Gibson TB-00 5-String Mastertone Conversion

The 1930s were the heyday of American banjo technology, but in those days, tenor banjos were so much more common than 5-strings. Because of that, there is a cottage industry of builders and banjo enthusiasts devoted to rigging old tenor pots with 5-string necks. Many of the most famous banjo players in bluegrass and country music use these conversions on stage. With the ability to pick and choose specific parts and fittings, these banjos can be dialed for the right sound.  Make no mistake—this 5-String "Mastertone" Conversion is a bluegrass banjo. It starts with a the three-ply shell from a 1930s TB-00. The shell is stamped with a serial number (3493-76), so that puts it to approximately '37-39. The 5-string Curly Maple neck was built by Toronto luthier Bruce Dowd. The neck profile is full-feeling C with the slightest hint of a V. It's a comfortable carve, and the Maple Flame and figure is stunning. The nut measures 1-3/8", and it has a flat fingerboard with Hearts and Flowers inlay. U