MB -- mandolin banjo. Presentation banjos often turned up at NAMMand other shows. Rettberg & Lange (1898-1920) banjos were initially similar to Buckbee-made
B. Schall (1878-1907) manufactured many unmarked banjos for
Wiley Morris of the Morris Brothers Hillbilly Band and Charlie Monroe (Bill Monroes brother) took to the instrument for its potential in the roots of Bluegrass music. 587 Similar to 585 but with pearl (vs ivoroid) tuner buttons. At the time, the Nick Lucas model was the largest flat-top Gibson offered. The only available finish was sunburst until 1954. The other digits in the serial number can tell you when your banjo was made. Deering. Martin introduced the large body dreadnaught in 1932 It was bigger, bolder, and louder than anything Gibson had to offer. These shoes are shown in an 1890s Washburn banjo catalog, on low end models with . There's a small snag in the outer pocket webbing - otherwise it's like new. As a consequence, the details were grand in scale and the bindings high in contrast to look good in black and white on the silver screen. 2. set of identifying characteristics can be found at
Serial numbers are addressed elsewhere on the web site but can be found also on Gibsons website and George Gruhn & Walter Carters book: Gruhns Guide to Vintage Guitars. I'm kind of with Bob on the Korea origin - almost screams Sam Ickfrom the 1980s to me - except that it's a little understated and the finish isn't as thick as you normally see on a Samickpresentation banjo. The story of how Greg Deering came to own the over 130 year old Vega trademark is one of childhood dreams and an unmissable opportunity. Yuletide. Augustino LoPrinzi has developed a fine reputation for classical guitars, ukuleles, steel string and 12-string guitars. A simpler variation on the SJ-200 with fewer appointments and a lower price tag was the SJ-100. Identify vintage banjo fleur de lis inlays on headstock & carved heel. Gibson needed to revitalize its lineup of flat-top guitars the LG-Series was born. The space between the headstock center and the top of the lathe bed is the radius of the lathe swing. Tstyle of tuner lasts into early 1943 (FON 2221 last documented series with this tuner style), Late 1942 poplar neck blocks (Late 1942 FON 2119 with FON 2143 being the last documented series with mahogany neck block.). Our 19th Year * Sign Up Now
The 1934 was single bound, front and back with dot markers on the rosewood fretboard and a horizontal script logo inlay on the headstock. They could be strung with steel or nylon strings. If you count the plies in the rim it is about 12 or 13 which is what I have seen in a lot of Asian banjos. The designations were. Like everything else connected to instrument identification issues - there are many exceptions. By 1936, with the depression still gripping the nation, Gibson moved to stay competitive and offer a more affordable option: The Advanced Jumbo (Advanced meaning that the size advanced: got bigger) with rosewood and fancier appointments that would compete with the Martin D-28 at $80 and the Jumbo 35 at $35 to compete with the Martin D-18. This is a high-quality instrument. World War II changed many aspects of the guitar world. Augustino & Thomas LoPrinzi Guitars usually have the date of manufacture on the label. Western movies were tremendously popular and the singing cowboy heroes needed instruments as big and bold as untamed West. Starting in 1977, Gibson adopted the current date-based serial system which codes for the year and day of production. Information gathered from many sources but there are a few that need to be acknowledged: Dan Beimborns original Mandolin Pages web site and later contributions to the Mandolin Archive. CLB, Classic guitar of Brazilian rosewood, gold tuners. Alternates can range from standard designs out there in the banjo world, old or new, or a custom. At least then you will know the model name. Information gleamed from the Mandolin Cafs website over the years. 562 Standard size with rosewood back & sides, MOP and colored wood appointments. string peg perch is typically carved out from the side of the neck as shown
Laminated maple back and sides is discontinued (FON batch 2828 used maple back and sides). Gibson developed the truss rod in 1921. 2 foot pressed arm rest and flat head tone ring. Gretsch was contracted to make banjos for them. Size 3 Gurian, either acoustic or amplified. Late 1930's Thicker Gibson Logo. 541 Concert: rosewood back & sides with colored wood appointments. Dimensions: 16 wide, 10 1/4 long and 4 1/2 deep. Similar to A-2 but with snakehead headstock, blonde finish, b/w binding, and A2-Z on the label. I visited his place once when I was kid (probably mid - late 1970's) and his finished basement was filled with guitars, banjos, lots of different instruments. JR, jumbo size guitar with East Indian rosewood back & sides, chrome tuners. Introduced 1967, Basically an more economical LG-0. Ironically the first blond J-45s were actually built in July of 1942 (Called the J-45N for Natural) and the actual number of these shipped is not known for sure. The labels with an image of Orville Gibson are generally found on instruments with serial numbers below 10,000. This is the smallest model, chrome tuners. Larger 2.25 wide by .140 laminated maple bridge plates replace 1 7/16 x .125 solid maple bridge plates, Change the body shape to square shoulder dreadnaughts, Injection molded .075 thick styrene pickguard replaces the older .025 thick celluloid pickguard, Plastic bolt-on bridge replaces the rosewood bridge, White pickguard with Gibson logo screwed down to the top. Late 1974 gold covered recording pickups are replaced with humbuckers. They were mahogany back & sides with single layer binding front and back. The early instruments built in Nashville suffered from inexperienced workers and climate-control problems in the humid South. Gold War era logo - This type is called "Banner logo". 30, 1909. CONTACT US; Headstock Shape. Several cost-cutting measures existed between the Advanced Jumbo and the J-35 including scalloped braces on the advanced Jumbo and not on the J-35. Its price tag was $55 as compared to the Martin D-18 at $65 and D-28 at $100. G Edward Porgie - Posted - 06/16/2021: 14:40:30. Other Banjo-Related Topics
It is most common after 1923 when most Gibson model As had this shape. ', 'Pisgah 12 Builders Choice Custom Walnut Dobson 5+1 String Banjo', 'Custom 12inch Billybilt Banjo w Figured Maple neck and Curly maple RIckard Pot and Balch head', '11inch Billybilt Banjo with Antique Spunover SS Stewart Pot and Curly Maple neck'. "F" Style mandolins have a carved nautilus shaped curl on the upper left-hand bout. The fingerboard of the L-5S is in with select abalone. FLC, Flamenco guitar with Canadian cypress back and sides, friction pegs (machine heads on some examples). It became apparent early that the new design concept was good: they were, in fact, louder and more cutting in tone. The Southerner Jumbos were the most expensive flat-top guitars Gibson offered at the time. The centerline of the neck had the black inlay. The appointments matched the MK-35 but the bracing was modified to accommodate the additional string tension of 12 strings. Starting in 1923, models included: the Silver Bell, the Super Banjo and the Blue Bell. The Gibson CF-100 was introduced in 1950 (the CF-100E was introduced 1951) and discontinued in 1960. It was built for Hollywood singing star Ray Whitley as the worlds biggest and fanciest acoustic guitar. During the period of 1902 to approximately 1909 the mandolins sported tailpiece covers with a curly top and internal white labels with an image of Orville Gibson holding a lyre mandolin. The one delivered first to Ray Whitley was not the model now seen as the beginning of the Super Jumbos, but a simpler 12 fret version. By the records, between 200 and 300 were built. http://www.mugwumps.com. Neck: mahogany single piece. . Identification: "A" Style mandolins were symmetrical and shaped like a teardrop. Yes, paging Scott to the Collector's Corner, please. Saga. In 1941 the fretboard became Brazilian rosewood. Download Old Banjo stock photos. These instruments live a bit outside that critique. S3R3H, Like S3R, with 3-piece back, full herringbone binding, gold tuners. The 1975 price was $439. Since that day in 1989, Deering has breathed new life into the Vega name, blending over a century of tradition with Deering's banjo building expertise, to create a range of heritage rich open back and longneck banjos that are as integral to the modern folk . The FON is the only identification number on Gibson's lower grade models (like the ES-125, ES-140, J-160E, etc.) The exceptions are those guitars sold by Selmer in the UK which will (probably) have a number stamped into the back of the headstock and guitars sold by Van Wouw in the Netherlands. The original Factory Order Numbers (FON) appear to show the first De Luxe Jumbos were delivered bewteen March and June of 1938 to Joe Wolverton, Ray Whitley and Gene Autry. A: One of the easiest ways to determine the age of your banjo is to inspect the serial number, if it has one. Welcome to the Vintage Banjo Maker, please do sign up for email updates to keep in the loop about new additions to our research coming soon! 1959: Larger crown frets and the adjustable bridge. I just received this mando-banjo I bought on e-bay and I'm hoping someone can help me identify the builder. Style Designations (There are many exceptions to the following). Plectrum. In 1987, after the Gretsch family had re-acquired their name, re-introduced the B&D Silver Bell but the market didnt seem to care. Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher. About Larrive Guitar Labels Factory numbers (when the exist) appear in pencil inside on the block where the neck meets the body. Number on headstock, Open Back, Pink OHC liner, Klusons with white plastic buttons, bound f/b: I/N Auction 8/2007 : 1962 : 88909: RB-180 . There are also examples of A-2Zs without the Z on the lable but still sporting the black perfling line. Gold-plated tuning gears, LOTS of abalone inlay. Body designations and style designations of Martin guitars are letter-number combinations separated by a hyphen. My understanding is that only 12 of these particular banjos were ever manufactured by Kay. The J-160E was Gibsons second design for an electric flat-top guitar following the CF-100. The soundhole had an additional thick white purfling ring. $ 5,719.00 $ 5,149.00. If you have additional information or corrections, please contact us. Though it has gone through a number of refinements over the years, the basic design has not changed since. S2M, size 2 guitar with mahogany back & sides. You can buy the book here on Amazon and I would highly recommend it. Pearl twin parallelogram inlays, Bridges: Rosewood belly-down. Gibson had changed its neck profiles and headstock shape on the successful J-Series. The neck heal had a white plastic cap. Some J-45 models with non-bookmatched two piece Adirondack spruce tops and some examples with four piece tops. 1930s-40s R S Williams and Sons built "Stewart" 1940s R S Williams and Sons built bird's eye maple archtop 1940s R S Williams and Sons built bird's eye maple archtop headstock 1940s R S Williams and Sons built bird's eye maple archtop back Gibson. 3 special model, serial number 8382, New York, circa 1920s, intricate abalone shell inlay to fingerboard and headstock which also bears the Company logo. It was initially called the De Luxe Jumbo for the few versions that were delivered before the model went into production. (The 1st year of the J-45 actually had similar appointments but they were reduced and simplified for model clarity in 1943). The following are a rough guide. This moved the X away from the soundhole a bit. The A.C. Fairbanks Company (incorporated 1875) was succeeded in 1903 by the Vega Company (established 1889). GB -- guitar banjo. The Gibson LG series of flat-top guitars were developed as the natural evolution of the earlier L-Series. This is a high-quality instrument. Why not post a little tune with it. Maybell was a Slingerland brand name. In some cases, teachers would purchase these instruments and put their own names on them, but in many other cases they carry no identifying name at all. According to the Gibson catalog, natural finish was the only option in 1939 but we are told that at least 2 examples exist of a cherry sunburst from the same period. Check out our banjo decal selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our bumper stickers shops. This was quickly reduced to avoid model confusion between the J-45s and the more expensive Southerner Jumbos. Banjos with pegheads like that shown in the first picture below are usually made by Buckbee. Following many prototypes, shapes and bracing patterns, the Mark Series was launched in 1975. At the turn of the century, Orville Gibson was refining his notion of the superior mandolin: carved in the tradition of violins for greater volume and tone as well as comfort. A-series Factory location: New York City from start to 1971. 1923 into 1970: 1 piece mahogany necks. It appears to be all original except for the bridge, which appears to be a banjo bridge crudely slotted for 8 strings, and the head, which is probably plastic. Example of custom shape is well represented below with the "Tennessee Banjo". I'm thinking it was made by the Iida folks for a NAMM show or something. The back and sides were still mahogany but the Southerner Jumbo had a dark wooden stripe separating the 2 back pieces. Acoustic guitars are punched inside the soundhole on a sticker behind the strings. Body designation Style designation, Serial number. The first Gibson J45 guitars were only slightly different from the discontinued J-35. Gibson discontinued the A-3 around 1922. Frets refers to the number of frets that are clear of the body. Gold-plated tuning gears, LOTS of abalone inlay. Higher numbers also meant more money. GIBSON GARAGE FIND A DEALER GIBSON APP. They didnt sell well but did live up to their design intent of a heavier, booming tone with good overall balance. The electronics cover on the back was matching solid figured maple. Depending on the selected source, there is disagreement about these numbers. The 1975 price was $1,999. STONE BANJO CO - PEGHEAD SHAPES. 1934 was in the depth of the depression, and at $60 without a case, most families put food ahead of guitars. During the war years women played a greater role in manufacturing while young men were fighting overseas. This is a "fit-all" banjo case. It is the only typical American (USA) instrument, starting off as an instrument of the African slaves, then via the Minstrel Shows becoming part of typical American music styles like Jazz, Dixieland, Bluegrass, etc. USA produced Epiphones of this era bear standard Gibson serialization and include the Made in USA stamp on the back of the headstock. 1908 into 1916: Elevated pickguards of plastic tortoise shell clamped to the body with a removable clamp and pinned to the bridge. Most
Take a closer look at the serial number found on the back of the headstock and reference the guide below. In 1947 the name changed to the J-200 and the standard back and sides became highly figured maple. Factory Order Numbers (FON) in the 2800s to 2900s and 300s to 500s and some in the 600-800s and 1000s range. Modern Gibson Logo open "b" and "o". The Gibson stamped on tailpiece cover. For example: In general: Bacon serial numbers begin in 1906 (1 and 2 digit) and run consecutively until the sale of the company to Gretsch in 1940 (5 digit). I would sure like to hear what it sounds like. The following site helps identify the labels with the date and location of production: All Gurian Guitars have serial numbers stamped on the neck block in characters visible through the soundhole. The USA distributors in the 60s and 70s used their own serial number systems and we do . During 1880-1890 Fairbanks joined with William A. Cole, a successful performer and teacher, and produced approximately 9000 banjos as Fairbanks & Cole. Serial Numbers. For photographic examples of the Gibson Cf-100 and CF-100E Click Here. The bracing for the new larger models was X braced: there were 3 transverse tone bars between the braces 1 more than the Martin as Gibson experimented with bracing design heavy enough to support the large tops and light enough to be resonant and responsive. Some laminated maple necks with two walnut stripes down the center (5 piece neck), most with no truss rod (war time meallocations), Neck shape large and round (Baseball Bat) due to lack of truss rod, Poplar neck blocks. Deering Gabriella 5-string banjo headstock. 1975 $899 The first catalog appearance of the L-5S was in the 1975 Gibson Solid Body catalog. Description: Internally constructed from dense EPS foam, the exterior of this Gator banjo case is covered in rugged 600-denier ballistic . That being said, and allowing for the large numbers of prototypes and other Gibson anomalies, the following can be used s a guide to help get close to a proper model identification and its year of production. of their later banjos had elite tailpieces, Orpheum-like hardware, and long,
So far as I can find Gibson appears to have only made "Stewart" instruments for a couple of years in the early 1930s. All Rights Reserved. Worthy of mention is the Jumbo Deluxe, though it is believed that only 3 were ever made in 1938. teachers who sold them to students, some of which are tagged with the name of
Several other forces were at work for change: Introduced 1963, these were designed as dual-purpose instruments. There is a Kay company logo on the headstock but absolutely no other identifying marks. Buckbee (1861-1897) banjos can frequently be identified by their
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