For Sale: Epiphone 1963 EB-88 Banjo 5 String w/Resonator & Lifton OHSC

Price: $3,000.00 USD

Epiphone 1963 EB-88 Banjo 5 String w/Resonator & Lifton OHSC

I am new to posting on Banjo Hangout - not sure of proper pricing - Offers considered and advice welcome

Banjo plays great and sounds amazing. 26.25” scale; new Remo Weatherking (1100-H) 11” high crown head tensioned with drum dial to 89; 24 hooks; 22 frets; weighs about 10 pounds and 10 ounces; has heavy 20-hole flathead Mastertone-style tone ring (often sourced from Cooper Foundry or Faulkner); Headstock drilled and fitted for two D-Tuner which are included (see Pictures); The tuners have been upgraded (see pictures); the neck heel was cracked and glued with a dowel inserted - good solid repair no issues plays great stays in tune (see pictures - heel cap could be added to cover dowel); new 5/8” tall bridge; railroad spike at 9th fret; had a sliding capo installed in the past -holes still remain; includes vintage leather banjo strap; comes in a very nice Lifton OHSC with green lining -all latches and hinges work fine; resonator is 13-7/8” diameter; total length of instrument is 37.75”

Epiphone/Gibson Specs:

This Epiphone EB-88 "Minstrel" is a rare, highly regarded vintage 5-string banjo manufactured by Gibson at their legendary Kalamazoo, Michigan factory between 1961 and 1969.

Origins and Production
The Gibson Era: After Gibson acquired Epiphone, they produced these banjos to provide inventory for Epiphone dealers. They were built on the same assembly lines alongside iconic Gibson Mastertone models.
Rarity: It is a true "sleeper" collector's item. Only about 421 total units were produced during its entire 1960s run.

Design and Key Specifications
The EB-88 is essentially a hybrid of two classic Gibson models, combining the lightweight construction of one with the premium sound components of another:
The Body Construction: The neck and multi-ply rim components are based on the Gibson RB-100. It features a mahogany neck and a maple resonator with a Sunburst finish.
The Tone Ring: Unlike the standard RB-100 (which used a simpler brass hoop), the EB-88 was upgraded with a heavy 20-hole flathead Mastertone-style tone ring (often sourced from Cooper Foundry or Faulkner). This gives it a massive volume and punch upgrade.
Hardware & Scale: It features 24 tension hooks, nickel hardware, a 26 1/4" scale length, and 22 frets that are wider than typical vintage banjo frets (closer to medium-jumbo or guitar-like frets).
Headstock: Adorned with a gold silk-screened Epiphone logo (though a few ultra-rare plectrum variants featured a pearl inlay instead).

Tone and Reputation
Players highly value the EB-88 on Banjo forums because it delivers the coveted, high-end "Mastertone growl" and sharp clarity at a fraction of the price of a vintage Gibson RB-250 or original pre-war flathead.


An Epiphone EB-88 "Minstrel" banjo with this serial number 131253 was manufactured in 1963 at the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Production Verification & Timeline
Historical Records: According to Historical Data Bases, other known EB-88 banjos produced in the exact same production batch include serial number 131240 and serial number 131257. All of these are confirmed 1963 models.
Serialization System: During the early-to-mid 1960s, Gibson used a shared 6-digit stamped serial number system for both Gibson and Kalamazoo-built Epiphone instruments. The 130000 through 134000 block is cleanly tied directly to 1963 production.

What This Number Tells Us About the Banjo
Because it was built in 1963, the banjo features the desirable "Bowtie Era" appointments. This means it was constructed during a peak production era for Gibson's craftsmanship. It features:
The "Bowtie" Headstock Shape: A distinct peghead shape reminiscent of the iconic Gibson RB-250 models of that same year.
Premium Early Parts: Being an early 1963 run, it houses the highly sought-after 20-hole flathead Mastertone-style tone ring, paired with a classic 1-piece flange and parallelogram fretboard inlays.

The Pot Assembly & Metal Hardware
Tone Ring: A heavy, nickel-plated 20-hole flathead Mastertone-style tone ring. These were often cast by the Faulkner foundry for Gibson during this window. It should sit snugly on a multi-ply maple rim.
Flange: A classic one-piece zinc flange (the same used on the Gibson RB-250 / Mastertone models of the early '60s).
Tension Hoop & Hooks: A notched nickel tension hoop secured by 24 standard Gibson-style J-hooks and nuts.
Tailpiece: A nickel-plated Waverly window-style tailpiece or a traditional Grover Presto tailpiece. It should not have any modern engravings or logos.
Armrest: A standard, unengraved single-leg nickel armrest.
The Neck & Headstock
Tuners: Planetary banjo tuners upgraded featuring white plastic buttons. The 5th string peg is geared for tuning stability.
Fretwire: The factory frets are noticeably wider than standard vintage banjo frets—measuring close to medium-jumbo guitar fretwire.
Inlays & Logo: A dark Brazilian rosewood fingerboard adorned with mother-of-pearl parallelogram inlays (with a distinctive double-parallelogram at the 12th fret). The headstock must feature a crisp, gold silk-screened Epiphone logo.

The Resonator & Case
Resonator: A maple resonator finished in a dark, rich Kalamazoo Sunburst to match the mahogany neck. The back of the resonator often showcases a subtle flame wood grain patterning.
Case: The original hardshell case, is a black Lifton or Gibson-branded case featuring a plush green interior fabric plush lining.

Banjo is available for Local Pickup and/or Sale.
Please ask all questions prior to buying or making an offer. I sell and ship to 48 continental USA states only. (Alaska and Hawaii pay additional shipping please contact me before buying) - NO International Shipping.

Shipping: 150 UPS or Fedex fully insured direct signature required

Posted By: rickbanjo
United States, Wilmington, DE, 19807

Condition of Banjo: Used - Very Good Condition

Type: 5-String Resonator, Brand: Epiphone

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