A well-preserved Blue Bell RB-1000 banjo from Japan, dating from the 1970s. Essentially a Gibson RB-800 copy, featuring maple wood, wreath inlays and chequered binding, equivalent to the Ibanez Artist series but rebranded for the Japanese market.

Despite some age-related wear, it is in good condition: patina on the hardware, minor marks in the finish, and small cracks in the binding, which have, however, been repaired with adhesive.

The new setup, comprising a new head, bridge and strings as well as various fine adjustments, has brought the banjo back to life. It has a full, characteristic sound.