Earl Scruggs is arguably the most influential banjo player in history. He popularized the three-finger banjo picking style, now called "Scruggs style," which is a defining characteristic of bluegrass music and was highly influential on multiple genres. The Epiphone Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe is inspired by Earl's longtime musical companion- a rare Gibson RB-Granada Mastertone five-string that was his primary banjo from 1949, when he acquired it, up until his passing in 2012. The Epiphone Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe Banjo features a 3-ply maple resonator with figured maple veneer, 3-ply maple rim, and gold hardware, including a gold plated armrest with Earl Scruggs-inspired engraving. The 26.4" scale-figured maple neck has an ebony fretboard with 22 medium/tall frets and is adorned with the famous "Hearts and Flowers" and a Mastertone Block inlaid in mother-of-pearl. A hardshell case is also included.