Gibson has announced another limited edition banjo model, this time a Style 5 Deluxe.

Though not specifically an artist-signature model, this new model is loosely based on a unique pre war Gibson owned by Bernie Leadon, an original member of The Eagles, and a studio and road guitar/banjo player of many years’ experience.

The vintage Style 5 banjos were made of walnut, with engraved, gold plated parts. This new model uses curly maple and chrome instead, and has a radiused fingerboard. These variations from the pre war specs come at Leadon’s suggestion.

Only ten of these banjos will be made, selling for $8,889 with a hard shell case and certificate of authenticity.

More photos and detailed spces can be found on the Gibson web site.

The mandolin division at Gibson Original Acoustic Instruments is a place of legends. Names like Lloyd Loar and Charlie Derrington are ever present in the minds of mandolinists. Danny Roberts, of the Grascals, has also served a stint with Gibson in recent years.

The latest addition to the staff at Gibson OAI is mandolinist, producer, and luther, David Harvey.

David Harvey, master musician and producer has joined the Gibson Original Acoustic Instruments Division (GOAI) as master luthier.

In David’s new role he will oversee the mandolin production and be an active participation in all quality control matters. David will also conduct clinics and dealer events throughout the country and will play an integral role in the presence of Gibson Original Acoustic Instruments in the Bluegrass community worldwide.

David has an extensive background in instrument construction and repair and has served many bluegrass stars as the ‘go-to’ guy for needed repairs and set up.

You can read the full press release here.

The proposed merger between Gibson Guitar and TC Group which was announced in January ‘08 has been shelved.

The two companies issued a joint press release late last week.

Gibson Guitar, the world’s premier musical instrument manufacturer and leader in music technology and TC Group, an international leader in sound processing, amplification, computer recording and speakers, announced that they have discontinued discussions regarding a potential merger between the two companies. The decision followed an intensive effort by both parties to consummate the deal within the targeted timeline, but a number of issues remained unresolved, and both Gibson and TC agreed that it was best that the merger proceedings not continue. TC Group’s goal is to continue to produce and distribute innovative and respected high-performance audio products for business partners around the world. Gibson Guitar remains loyal to its many customers and will continue to dedicate its future to producing the best musical instruments in the world while engaging and building its family of brands through innovative technology and potential new business partners.

Here’s a brief update to our post from last week about Gibson’s new limited edition Earl Scruggs Flint Hill Special banjo model.

In our previous post, we mentioned that no pricing information was found on the Gibson site, and that our efforts to reach someone there for details were unsuccessful.

A commenter indicated that the suggested retail prices were $18,499 for the first five and $11,999 for the remaining production run. We also reached Janet Davis of Janet Davis Music, a large and prominent dealer for Gibson Banjos, who told us that they are offering them for $16,665 (1-5) and $10799 (6-20).

Only 20 will be built, and Janet Davis Music Center is taking orders at this time. They are being built now, and should be ready for delivery in 2-3 weeks.

Only one or two of the first five are still available. Each banjo is personally and professionally shop adjusted before it is shipped to you from our facility.

A true investment you can enjoy forever!

You can see more details about the new Scruggs banjo in our earlier post.