Jim Mills Playing 1936 RB75 Flathead 'Ellie'

This powerful tone of an original RB Flathead 518-3 is among one of the best examples in the world both for tone and condition

[traceymontague]

R.I.P to one of the greatest u will be miss

[whippingstar]

Jim could make a 2x4 with nails and fishing line sound like heaven.

[brianc]

Jim's just got that ability to pull some serious tone, and he resides among a very small group of pickers that, For the lack of a technical term. Jim's Got It!!! Besides his incredible skill, and knowledge of banjos, he's a helluva nice fella to talk to!!
Many thanks for posting this clip, absolutely love his rendition of Bonaparte's retreat!!

[reubenvalles]

I really enjoyed the way it sounded.  I like that D tuning lower end stuff

[robertford]

He is good most can't pick like that, good clear sound, will make you envious, if ain't careful God gave him a great talent, got a place in God's band, somewhere

[leafforever]

This is not Don Reno's banjo (Nellie). I believe his was a 1935 Gibson RB-3 Mastertone, serial # 518-1. He traded the famous, Gibson RB-Granada Mastertone #9584-3 banjo, with/to Earl Scruggs, that Earl has played for most of 'his' great career, for 'Nellie'.. I believe a Martin guitar was part of the deal, as well. I may be wrong. The one Jim is playing sounds dull. It may need a complete setup with new strings, of course. But, its still, a beautiful Prewar Gibson.

[jbcurdog]

And Jim never could get it in tune! A good set up will do wonders.

[cbowenrbvl]

518-3 doesn't Jerry Cox own that banjo? If ya don't like the sound and want to give it away I'll gladly take it

[terry]

Definetly needs setting up. With a good set up it would probably sound good. Head is too loose. 
Terry

[docmhc]

This banjo sounds weak and and very tinney (sp). Don't like the sound of it at all.

[lindseywalker]

Banjos are easy to tune. They just won't stay that way.

[dangeoopatrick]

Jim can pick up and play any banjo just like he has been picking it for years, he is not only an incredible great picker he has another great Jim is always smiling and nice to people, a rare quality these days.
I could watch Jim talking about banjos all day long.
Have any of you guys got Jims book about the Gibson banjos called ‘Mastertone Banjos’... Gibson Flatheads from the 1930-1940’s it’s a really good interesting, informative read. I have two copies.
The icing on the cake for me would be for Jim to sign my copy, but sadly I live over the pond in the UK.
Keep making these videos of Jim you guys and thanks for sharing.

[MrJbaker]

Just remarkable playing Jim...Jack Baker

[joshuamills]

This banjo obviously hasn't been set up in a LONG time. Probably 10 years or more. It looks like the strings haven't even been changed in as long!

[rianadams]

That one, to my ear, just don't have it.

[teakbridge]

Head is incredibly loose...imagine what it would do if properly tightened.

[josephanderson]

What would really really help is to record these in an anechoic sound chamber or very close to that otherwise it sounds like a cacophony.

[bobbywilliams]

the more i listen to it the more i like it

[jbcurdog]

Maybe it's the video??? Or maybe it's just the strings??? I know it's not jim mills!!! But it sounds awful to me... like a old lard can!!! Not all pre war banjos are equal. Just my honest opinion

[banjomasterr]

To be honest I really think this banjo is dull sounding