Huber banjos has just announced the latest in their signature artist series banjos, the Huber Ron Block model. The new banjo is patterned after the pre war flathead Granada that Ron has played for years as a member of Alison Krauss & Union Station, and is a faithful replica but for the use of a one piece flange in place of the tube and plate fitted in the original.
Ron’s Huber model is made with a curly maple neck and resonator, finished in dark brown. The neck is wider than the stock Huber, and inlaid with the classic Hearts & Flowers pattern, as is the fiddle cut headstock. The banjo is gold plated, engraved with the same Granada pattern as Ron’s pre war, and finished with an antiqued binding to approximate the appearance of an older instrument. Like all the Hubers, it features the Huber tone ring, and their 3 ply, hide glue maple rim and rosewood fingerboard.
The Ron Block model will sell for $4950.
In keeping with Ron’s personal set up preferences, each Block model Huber will be assembled with an 11/16” bridge, and with the head tensioned more loosely than the common Huber practice – tuned to a G rather than a G# note. They will be shipped with a slightly heavier string gauge as well, again as per Ron’s set up.
Steve Huber told us that he was excited about the new Block model while it was being prototyped, and felt like it sounded great when it was first assembled. When Ron came by the shop and played it himself, though, that distinctive tone was immediately present.
“Ron gets a terrific tone, and this set up really suits his right hand. We are pleased to be able to offer this replica banjo for Ron, and for the many banjo players out their who admire his sound.”
Additional photos can be found on the Huber web site.
