The style 2 of the 1930s was the highest-priced non-Mastertone model, selling for $75 when the entry-level Mastertone, style 3, was $100. Style 2 banjos are relatively scarce, perhaps because a player considering one could get a Mastertone for just $25 more. As on the style 11 and Kel Kroydon banjos, Gibson added visual appeal to the style 2 through the use of a pearloid fingerboard and peghead overlay with stenciled designs. The neck and resonator are walnut, the hardware is nickel-plated, the flange is one-piece, and the tailpiece is a Grover Presto rather than the Grover “first model” usually seen on lower-priced non-Mastertone models.
#9520-39 (see Gibson banjo serial numbers vs. factory order numbers) remains in excellent original condition with its original hard shell case and an identifying number (possibly a phone number) scratched into the back of the resonator by a previous owner.
Photos courtesy of Lou Bourbon.