Epiphone Mastertone Bowtie Open Back Banjo Natural Ibgcs
Estimated Shipping Widget will be displayed here!
- This item is covered for 3 years
Couldn't load pickup availability
Information
Information
Manufacturer Information
Epiphone
https://www.epiphone.com
Service.Europe@gibson.com
------------------------
Safety manager:
Gibson Europe B.V.
Email: Service.Europe@gibson.com
Address:
An Accessible "Bowtie" in the Mastertone Spirit
This Mastertone Bowtie Open Back adopts the iconic aesthetics of the Mastertone models from the "Bowtie" era, with an immediately recognizable visual personality. It features a "scroll" style headstock and refined details (mother-of-pearl logo, Crown-style inlays, and Bowtie markers), resulting in a retro-charming instrument designed to offer a true "vintage" feel while remaining affordable.
For Which Musician and Styles?
Designed for banjo players who want versatility, it performs well in clawhammer/frailing (rounded attack, organic groove) as well as in Scruggs style (precise articulation, dynamics). Its open back format and overall balance suit both an intermediate level player seeking a serious instrument and a motivated beginner wanting a quality and durable foundation.
Sound Characteristics
The combination of a laminated mahogany body and a single tone ring emphasizes a warm register, with a pleasant midrange response and a fuller low end compared to a brighter head. The Remo Fiberskyn head delivers an "old-school" grain: a less aggressive attack, a more matte feel, and musically balanced resonance, ideal for old-time rhythms, fingerpicking nuances, and fast phrases that need to remain clear.
Recommended Compatible Accessories
To complement the instrument daily, a chromatic tuner (universal), a banjo stand, and a set of picks (thumbpick/fingerpicks) can enhance comfort and precision depending on your technique. A premium gigbag is included for transport.
Technical specifications
| Shape | 11" / 279.4 mm open back banjo | Scale length | 26.4" / 670.6 mm |
| Material | laminated mahogany | Number of frets | 22 |
| Soundboard (head) | Remo Fiberskyn 11" / 279.4 mm | Nut | plastic |
| Binding | single-ply, fingerboard | Inlays | mother-of-pearl Bowtie and Mastertone Block |
| Tension hoop | notched nickel | Position marker | "Mastertone" inlay at the end of the fingerboard |
| Hooks | 24 (nickel) | Headstock veneer | "scroll" style |
| Tone ring | single | Bridge | 5-string, maple with ebony cap |
| Neck | mahogany (satin finish) | Tailpiece | early century style |
| Profile | C | Tuners | planetary with pearl buttons |
| Nut width | 30 mm / 1.18" | Plating | nickel |
| Fingerboard | laurel | Gigbag | premium gigbag (included) |
Questions frequently asked
Is this open back banjo suitable for clawhammer and Scruggs style?
Its open back design, single tone ring, and 11-inch Remo Fiberskyn head promote a mellow attack and warm tone. It is suitable for clawhammer/frailing rhythms as well as the articulated phrases of the Scruggs style.
What tonal characteristics does the Remo Fiberskyn head provide?
The 279.4 mm Remo Fiberskyn head softens the attack and delivers a more muted old-time grain. The resonance remains balanced, with pleasant midrange and a generous low end foundation.
Is the Epiphone Mastertone Bowtie Open Back suitable for beginners?
This model targets motivated beginners seeking a durable foundation, as well as intermediate players. The mahogany neck with a C-profile, combined with a 30 mm nut width, ensures precise playability.
What are the neck dimensions and number of frets?
The scale length measures 26.4 inches, or 670.6 mm, and the laurel fingerboard has 22 frets. The five-string bridge is made of maple with an ebony cap.
Is a case included with this banjo?
A premium gig bag is provided for transportation. Planetary tuners with pearl buttons and an early century-style tailpiece complete the setup.
