Gibson RB-250 • 1970’s • Natural
 
If you’ve ever wanted to summon the raw Appalachian power of a moonshiner who’s behind on child support but ahead on banjo licks, this 1970’s Gibson RB-250 is your ticket. This thing is peak “my grandpa could out-pick your grandpa,” wrapped in natural 70’s woodgrain and unapologetic vibes.
 
The rim? Classic 70’s Gibson: built like they still had optimism. The Mastertone block? Still flexing. The tone ring? Heavy enough to file a workers comp claim. You hit one G-run on this and every mandolin player within a 12-mile radius instinctively looks over like “who brought THAT guy?”
 
Condition-wise, she’s in Very Good shape for something older than most bluegrass festival parking lots. A couple dings, small dents, and that perfect “I’ve been played, loved, and maybe dropped once during a spirited front-porch hoedown” patina. Nothing structural, nothing scary — just honest wear from a life well lived and loudly played.
 
The back still has that warm natural finish, the inlays look like they stepped out of a time machine, and the hardware has that vintage Gibson “I’ve survived the 70’s, I fear nothing” energy. Neck feels great, frets are ready to rip, and the banjo is absolutely capable of ruining Thanksgiving dinners when you pull it out unprompted.
 
Comes with the original hard shell case — a time capsule that smells like memories, old wood, and possibly the first three chords to “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.”
 
If you want a vintage Mastertone that doesn’t cost “sell your truck” money, and you want tone so strong it could unionize, this RB-250 is ready to go home with you.