Master luthier John Greven created this tour de force custom Dragon banjo in 1974.
John Greven worked at GTR at that time and is known for making custom instruments for people like George Harrison, Chet Atkins, Johnny Cash, Jim Messina, Stephen Stills, Billy Gibbons, etc.
The Dragon Banjo is the Mastertone style with a fat rim, two piece flange, two coordinator rods, brass "no hole" flathead tone ring, and Kershner tailpiece. Metal is gold-plated and hand-engraved extensively. The highly figured curly maple neck has elaborate pearl and abalone engraved inlay work. A unique Dragon inlay covers the entire peghead. The fingerboard inlays feature a beautiful design from a 1900's Bay State Banjo. There is detailed woodcarving on the back of peghead and neck heel. The back of the walnut resonator has a fierce looking Dragon inlay. Abalone purfling was used on the sides of the neck and sides/back of the resonator.
Featured in several magazines when released (see documentation link below), this unique banjo demonstrated the creative talent, unique approach to inlay work, and luthier skills of John Greven. While highly collectible as art, a vintage instrument, or an investment, this banjo sounds great and is very playable.
Includes OHSC, 48 Black and White shop photographs, two 1970's magazines heralding his work, several John Greven catalogues, the original letter of authenticity, and an Elderly Music appraisal and authentication.
Links
Sound sample - youtube.com/watch?v=Z5_gRoXiJ2U
More photos and videos - photos.app.goo.gl/N3yBr4J8q5PHGB3E8
John Greven bio - search.luth.org/john-greven/
John Greven interview - fretboardjournal.libsyn.com/po...hn-greven
Letter of Authenticity and other documentation - https://youtu.be/c7n9dsW5QZA
