Rick, the RB-175 lacks the Mastertone tone ring. That means it doesn't cut as well as the RB-180. I have the RB-170, which is the standard neck version of the RB-175, and it's a nice banjo but the sound is very subdued. If I were looking for a Gibson longneck, my choice would definitely be the RB-180. It's kind of strange. The prices on the PS-5 have fallen considerably in the last 20 years, but the price of the RB-180s seems to be rising. Go figure.
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