Gold Star banjos were made in Japan for the U.S. importer Saga ca. 1976-1986, and quickly earned a reputation as being as good a banjo as was being made at that time. In 2004, Saga reintroduced the Gold Star line, but it is now being made in a new facility in China: this one is a 21st Century, Chinese banjo.

This GF-100W closely resembles a G****n RB-3 "Wreath" model, being a mahogany instrument with what has come to be called the "Wreath" inlay pattern.

This banjo shows some use with a bit of fret wear, some tarnish and a few dings on the south side of the heel, but is an easy playing banjo with great sound.

With hardshell case, it's consigned here for only $875.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

	The double-cut peghead has the traditional "Wreath" inlay.			The factory tuners were considered a weakness of the Chinese Gold Stars; this one has had those replaced by the top-notch Gotoh brand planetaries, which has caused some minor finish damage.
	The Remo head is clean and virtually new. Beneath that is a cast, bell bronze, flat head tone ring.			This mahogany instrument has a handsome stain.
	The ebony fingerboard has the traditional "Wreath" inlay pattern. There is some observable fret wear on the lower frets, but there are no buzzing or playability issues.			The mahogany neck is a one-piece design and has no dings or scratches, though there are three hefty dings in the downhill side of the heel.
	The mahogany resonator with two concentric rings is also in great shape, and has no blemishes.			There is but a small amount of tarnish on the nickel plating.
	The downhill side of the heel has three hefty dings. No idea what caused these, of course...

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