Sharp eye and honesty recover stolen $32,000 Gibson banjo

A one-of-a-kind, hand-made custom Gibson banjo depicting the Battle of the Little Big Horn valued at $32,000 was returned to Nashville-based Gibson Musical Instruments by "Momma" Jo Garrison, a local music fixture as owner of the Music City Lounge. The rare banjo is slated to be displayed at Gibson's Bluegrass Showcase, part of the new Opry Mills shopping complex opening next May.

Earlier this week, Garrison noticed a man trying to sell the instrument in front of her establishment and recognized it as very valuable. She offered the man $60 for it, he gave her the banjo, took the cash and ran. Garrison immediately called Gibson who confirmed that the banjo had been reported stolen just a few days prior . Ric Olsen, Gibson Director of Security, enlisted Metro Detective Rick Mavity to take possession of the banjo. Mavity will continue an investigation to find the individual who sold the instrument to Garrison. In the meantime, Gibsons CEO Henry Juszkiewicz issued a note thanking Garrison for her honesty and good citizenship. Juszkiewicz commented, "Gibson appreciates and admires Jo Garrison for taking action to return this valuable banjo. It speaks well of her and the Nashville music community that we can look out for the best interests of one another."