The examples weve seen vary from the Gibson catalogs quite a bit. Nice playability, great tone, strong low end and good sustain all the way up the neck. Several other forces were at work for change: Introduced 1963, these were designed as dual-purpose instruments. The banjo's fingerboard is where the magic happens. A flourish inlay under The Gibson in the headstock. Script Gibson logo, Fretboard: Twin parallelograms inlays unbound 19 fret. Most were 3-piece solid maple bodies. Huber Banjos offers our new owners the option of either customizing one of our stock models, or "designing your own dream banjo" from among the various wood and metal configurations, and the many . The passage of time confuses matters even further: They made some non-SilverBell models that had been developed in the 1930s that bore the B&D label like the Seniorita, and some later Gretsch SilverBells that carried only the Bacon label. The more economical Student Grade instruments were often ladder braced. Q: What is the first step in determining the age of my banjo? S3R3H, Like S3R, with 3-piece back, full herringbone binding, gold tuners. serial number 8382, New York, circa 1920s, intricate abalone shell inlay to fingerboard and headstock which also bears the Company logo. Kluson tuners no longer had circle stamp (exposed gears riveted instead of screwed in place) and shaft size of 7/32 to save wartime metal. They did not imprint the instruments with any particular brand. See also: Gibson J-160E for more historical context. 562 Standard size with rosewood back & sides, MOP and colored wood appointments. These appear to be the easiest to find and quite reasonable to buy. beautiful banjo. F Style mandolins have a carved nautilus shaped curl on the upper left-hand bout. 14" resonator on the banjo examined is probably non original (Korean). Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. In fact, he was part of a team of scientists paid as consultants by Gibson for their input on a project to create the finest sounding guitar based upon sound scientific logic, theory and research. The narrower guitar sizes allowed for available materials. Larrivee Serial Numbers (approximate). This is a "fit-all" banjo case. The 1975 price was $659. The focus of the site is antique and vintage banjos and mandolins, but there are . Manchester University, Instruction * ConcertsJams * More No serial numbers etc. I own the book and have found it to be an invaluable resource in identifying these old guitars. Gibson needed to revitalize its lineup of flat-top guitars the LG-Series was born. 1978 $1079 Tobacco sunburst is dropped for Fireburst; Maple is now described as Natural. Michael Wright has compiled one of the largest picture galleries of headstock photos in his book "Guitar Stories Vol. 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. The top and back bindings were black plastic. By 1939 the 3 tone bar system was reduced to 2 tone bars and the angle of the X braces change to approximately 95 degrees. Sounds great and the instrument is very easy to play. An entire bin was a "lot" and would contain They had dot markers on the fretboard and a moustache bridge with individual adjusters on each string. The bracing was revised to accommodate the moustache bridge and generally heavier than earlier models. Made in USA. They were mahogany back & sides with single layer binding front and back. They were the J-45 and the Southerner Jumbo. The Mark Series guitars were particularly interesting among the Gibson flat tops made in the 1970s due to their unique bracing. 593 Similar to 590 but with pearl (vs ivoroid) tuner buttons. Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher. The neck was basically the neck stocks from the L-5 archtop: 3 ply maple with single wide bound scalloped fretboard ends and headstocks and the early models had the L-5 flowerpot inlay on the headstock. Gibson changed the name again in the 1950s to the SJ-200. 585 Grand Concert: rosewood back & sides, MOP, colored wood appointments and a Tree-of-Life fretboard inlay. http://www.mugwumps.com. Approximate Chronology (there are always exceptions): There were a few natural finished J-45N models made during 1942. There is a Kay company logo on the headstock but absolutely no other identifying marks. The top and back bindings were black plastic with red line highlights. Some rectangular examples, Headstock appointments: Decal Only a Gibson is Good Enough banner. MIDWEST BANJO CAMPJune 1-4, 2023New Manchester, IN, 'Pisgah Banjo Co. raffle for Arnold Shultz Fund extended to March 10, 2023' 2 hrs, 'Pisgah Banjo Company banjo raffle extended to March 10' 2 hrs, 'Lost Indian: Samuel Bayard collection ' 3 hrs, 'Lost Indian: Samuel Bayard collection' 3 hrs, 'Flinthill FHB-300 - Killer bluegrass banjo for the money!' In 1947 a natural finish J-45 was finally offered and given the designation: J-50. They didnt sell well but did live up to their design intent of a. heavier, booming tone with good overall balance. During the period of 1909 through 1920 Gibson produced large numbers of mandolins. 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). The tuners were individual. The soundhole had an additional thick white purfling ring. The 5th string on a banjo lies within easy reach of the right-hand . Most have the patented L&H tailpiece shown in the inset. 2: The Histories of Cool Guitars". Leland Brilliantone (1910 1918?). There is a steel tone ring on the maple rim, and the rim has a maple cap. It is very showy though. 1952: The headstock gold decal logo was replaced by an inlayed pearl script and crown. Plectrum. Higher numbers also meant more money. About Larrive Guitar Labels The following versions evolved quickly to 14 frets clear of the body. MK-72 models were rosewood back & sides, 3 piece ebony/rosewood fingerboards with dot inlays & nickel hardware. (The 1st year of the J-45 actually had similar appointments but they were reduced and simplified for model clarity in 1943). A: One of the easiest ways to determine the age of your banjo is to inspect the serial number, if it has one. If the fretboard was bound, they generally added a stripe of black under the side binding. The top and back bindings were black plastic with red line highlights. Post war logo, 1947/8 to '60s found on various guitar like Melody Maker, Les Paul Jr, Special, Lg0, Lg2, Sg Jr, Special, ecc, ecc.Note the dot link to G. '70 Gold logo - Decal instead silkscreening. I have never seen one like this in person or even a picture of one. Though it has gone through a number of refinements over the years, the basic design has not changed since. These can exist on any model numbers including the A-jr. Though you were told there was only12 of this model made, it will not be any more valuable than if there 10,000 made. It is important to note that there are exceptions to every rule and the following is only a general guide for identifying Gibson "A" Style mandolins. . The necks and heels were rounder. Kay company banjos were normally not that high-quality but this one is different. PB -- plectrum banjo. $80 in depression era dollars was beyond the means of most people of the time but 300+/- were built during its 3 year production run. banjos. S2M, size 2 guitar with mahogany back & sides. By the end in 1985-86, Gibson was basically down to the Les Paul model alone. Customers can choose from these shapes or provide an alternate. . The body dimensions basically match the LG-series: 14 1/8 wide by 19 1/2 long by 4 1/2 deep. Start your day off right, with a Dayspring Coffee Gibson hoped to score the same type of success that had occurred with Lloyd Loar in the 1920s: redefining the acoustic guitar for generations to come. George Gruhns Guide to Vintage Guitars by George Gruhn and Walter Carter. All listed sizes are for 12 fret to body models: These dimensions were similar for all Larson made instruments. Many banjo manufacturers, in addition to making banjos under their own names, Kay company banjos were normally not that high-quality but this one is different. The intent is to provide a rough dating guide. The only available finish was sunburst until 1954. In 1923 it appears that Gibson began to assemble A-2s with left-over blonde tops from A-3s. Carl and August Larson built instruments between 1900 and 1944. Neck s/n DA5063 with L&B headstock inlay: T. Biggs : 1932 : 66-1: PB-3 : Shipped August 7, 1935: Gibson Shipping Ledger : 1932 : 66-2: PB-3: Flathead: 1-piece: There are also examples of A-2Zs without the Z on the lable but still sporting the black perfling line. It was built for Hollywood singing star Ray Whitley as the worlds biggest and fanciest acoustic guitar. The original V shape of the necks of the J-35s was replaced by distinctly round necks (baseball bats) and a tear drop pickguard. I'm leaning more in that direction. Gibson style one piece flange, probably zinc, also Gibson style flange brackets, 4 resonator screws. FLC, Flamenco guitar with Canadian cypress back and sides, friction pegs (machine heads on some examples). They did provide paper labels for the instrument that they represented but did not provide labels for custom instruments or other shops or manufacturers. Factory Order Numbers (FON) include the 2100s to 2500s, The adjustable truss rod reappeared in 1944, Tuners cogs got slightly thicker and with beveled edges. This peghead is found on low end, turn of the century, Lyon & Healy banjos, often with the L&H or Mystic brand stamped into the strut. First factory order number (FON) on neck block of J45s in 1942 was 907 and 923. When it came out in 1942 it was the most expensive Gibson flat-top in the line. The back and sides were Brazilian rosewood and the tops Adirondack red spruce. 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. He lived in Illinois all his life. The Mark Series guitars had 16 3/16 lower bouts with very narrow waists, and a headstock like no other in Gibson tradition. Most information about Larson Brothers instruments comes from their catalog published around 1930. It is not clear how many were made, but it is likely that there are less than 12. The last 4 digits are a neck number. I chose a .090 binding that is layered, for a nice pin-striped look and Stewart MacDonald Guitar Shop Supply makes the perfect set of bits for routing headstock for binding called Piloted Binding Router Bits. This information is approximate and has not been verified by the LoPrinzi family. When he passed, my grandmother bought it for me from his brother who was attempting to liquify his collection. Our 19th Year * Sign Up Now The following are believed to be accurate known numbers: The following serial numbers are approximate at best. The tradition had been Bug style mandolins: bowl-backs with flat or bent tops. Factory Order Numbers (FON) in the 2800s to 2900s and 300s to 500s and some in the 600-800s and 1000s range. It was basically a slope shoulder dreadnaught like a J-45 or Southerner Jumbo and designed for the country and western market. Dimensions: 16 wide, 10 1/4 long and 4 1/2 deep. In some cases there are no pickguards. To complicate matters, the Larson brothers appear to have used different numbering techniques for different brands that they supplied. It would have helped if the Larson brothers had sequential serial numbers but there is just enough contradictory evidence to prevent one from trusting numbers that appear to be sequential. Prairie State instruments have the patented rod and/or tube reinforcing, occasionally found on other Larson built guitars. The swing of a lathe is measured as the total diameter of a finished turned piece, such as a wood bowl. Download Old Banjo stock photos. English mandolin banjo, by cuckoo, circa 1900s, of typical form, 'Cuckoo' imprinted on the headstock, 55 cm long American Orpheum mandolin banjo , by Rettberg & Lange, no. 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. Ebony Fretboards were generally thicker than other builders. Vega continued to mark their banjos "A.C. Fairbanks" until the middle teens. Take a closer look at the serial number found on the back of the headstock and reference the guide below. No binding, no inlay and no decoration. Introduced 1954, discontinued in 1978, reintroduced in the 1980s and still produced today. After October 1930 the body and style designations and the serial number appears stamped on the neck blocks: Since the Larson brothers built guitars for many brand names, identification can be difficult, but there are a number of stylistic and structural building techniques that help narrow the exercise. A total of 2,477 J-35s were made according to Gibson records. There's a small snag in the outer pocket webbing - otherwise it's like new. So far as I can find Gibson appears to have only made "Stewart" instruments for a couple of years in the early 1930s. The public seems to have favored this shape over time as it fetches better prices now. A New Leaf from Steven Moore. 1968: Changed to a bottom belly bridge and 1960 style pickguard, 1969: Changed to a square shoulder dreadnaught, Original version: solid mahogany back but laminated mahogany sides, 1 piece mahogany neck & 17 degree headstock angle, Bound Brazilian fretboard with trapezoid inlayed markers, Individual Kluson tuners with white buttons later: keystone Pearloid buttons, P-90 single coil pickup with adjustable pole pieces. The fingerboard typically has inlays made of silver or steel. The USA distributors in the 60s and 70s used their own serial number systems and we do . These instruments live a bit outside that critique. The standard "Huber' shape, the popular "Double Cut" shape or the "Fiddle Cut" shape. identify the manufacturer of these banjos in many cases, but some identify The current bridge height and neck angle was reached around 1910. This technique of supplying interchangeable saddles/bridges was not new, it had been used by Selmer in France for their Maccaferri style instruments since the 1930s. Banjo serial numbers: During the 1920s, Gibson instruments were made in lots of 40s (for the most part, this procedure continues today). Worthy of mention is the Jumbo Deluxe, though it is believed that only 3 were ever made in 1938. Size 3 Gurian, either acoustic or amplified. 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. Ironically, the script logo on the headstock was old-style. Early 1970's block shaped no dot over the "i" closed "b" and . Example: S3021234 = Samick Korea / 1993 / February . The Southerner Jumbo (later shortened to: Southern Jumbo and then SJ) was a fancier J-45. (Folk Jumbo Natural and Folk-25). Pearl dots on fretboard. The sides and back were tinted mahogany with a sunburst red spruce top. It would surprise me if there were 12 of those made as K banjos, however. Over time the J-35 braces began to appear scalloped. 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. A head on a long neck open back banjo might sound completely different on a 12-string banjo. The Gibson Super Jumbo first appeared in 1937. The strings are tightly wound at the headstock so the banjo player can form cords along the fingerboard. 3 hrs, 'Pisgah 12 Builders Choice Custom Walnut Dobson 5+1 String Banjo' 3 hrs, 'Custom 12inch Billybilt Banjo w Figured Maple neck and Curly maple RIckard Pot and Balch head' 4 hrs, '11inch Billybilt Banjo with Antique Spunover SS Stewart Pot and Curly Maple neck' 4 hrs, I see no collectors market for banjos like yours.<, We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. tailpieces (see fourth row of pictures below) on many of their unmarked banjos, and their Slanted mid 1940's Gibson Logo. This was available in brown, black or blonde finish. The electronics cover on the back was matching solid figured maple. Like all other companies, there are exceptions. I'm thinking it was made by the Iida folks for a NAMM show or something. Gibson Banjos 1925 and Later: . LoPrinzi Guitars most from Plainsboro New Jersey. ARCHIVED TOPIC: VINTAGE BANJO IDENTIFICATION. A simpler variation on the SJ-200 with fewer appointments and a lower price tag was the SJ-100. Gretsch appears to have started a new numbering system at about that time. Where possible, these numbers are in agreement with existing sales receipts. 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. By 1941, either natural or sunburst were available. The binding on the top is b/w. The first versions of the Super Jumbo guitar had a neck joint with 12 frets clear of the body placing the moustache bridge geometrically in the center of the distinctly round 16 7/8 lower bout. Even the group of inexperienced entreprenuers could see and understand the value of the Gibson name. Martin introduced their versions of acoustic-electrics: the D-18E in 1958 and D-28E in 1959. Dark stained plain birch back and sides. Identify vintage banjo fleur de lis inlays on headstock & carved heel. The ones up until 1924 had either at best a ball bearing tone ring -- spring loaded ball bearings with springs to keep the skin heads tight. The soundhole binding does not extend the full depth of the soundhole. Here's the photo gallery that I put together:velkdesign.com/assets/banjo/. I am the third owner, the previous owner researched it and, based on the serial number, headstock design and inlays declares it to be a 1976 Gibson RB 250 MASTERTONE model with the 20 hole metal tone ring. The neck holds the strings secure using tuners, four of which are located at the peghead, with the fifth string tuning peg located almost halfway up the neck. Identification: "A" Style mandolins were symmetrical and shaped like a teardrop. 1974 $895 This was the best sales year for the L-5S shipping 555 instruments. Collector's Corner Occasionally the labels have fallen out or been removed during repairs making it a bit trickier to date the instruments. Though it was discontinued in 1942, the last Advanced Jumbo left the Kalamazoo plant in 1940. Mythology has it that the Southerner Jumbo was specifically targeted at the Southern market honoring rising Country music trends. 2. See more ideas about banjo, guitar inlay, ukulele. It took Gibson 2 years to develop their response: The Jumbo of 1934. Its not clear how it works during this period. 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. themselves through common hardware and design characteristics. The 2nd delivery to Ray Whitley was the more refined 14 fret SJ that is so well photo-dicumented. Not many were sold and the production run was therefore limited to 2 years. feature both a serial number and a FON. These had black plastic laminate headstock overlays with Bacon engraved in blockletters and a small, metal plate engraved Bacon Folk Model. This is the smallest model, chrome tuners. 1976 $929 In June of 1976 the price rose to $999, and two new finishes were added: tobacco sunburst and natural maple. It appears that they experimented right up to the point of discontinuing the line. Late 1930s through 1942: ? adjustment wheels 2 feet and extensions on top of the base for the wheels. target no need to return item. In some cases, teachers would Gibson believed that these choices would allow them to focus on their more profitable lines. You have your choice of 3 different peghead shapes. They were available in steel string or classical. I would sure like to hear what it sounds like. The instruments had modified fan bracing and asymmetrical bridges. The rosettes were simple white-black-white. I wouldn't be surprised if a few exist with other brand names. 519,409 In 1894, he patented this wild banjo with a neck that folds in on itself at the 10th fret in order to facilitate transportation. The choice to discontinue the Mark Series had to do with the general turmoil of the Gibson company in the last years of ownership by Norlin. Gibson had helped in the war effort and seen many employees enlist. Gibson The headstock had a black wood face veneer. Headstocks say LoPrinzi. You can buy the book here on Amazon and I would highly recommend it. 2005-2023 acousticmusic.org. 1970 onward: 1 piece maple. What's the history on the this jo, are you the original owner? 118 Midtown Ct # M STONE BANJO CO - PEGHEAD SHAPES. MB -- mandolin banjo. Gibson discontinued the A-3 around 1922. All Rights Reserved. I like it. The following are a rough guide. David L. Day was in his 70s. purchase these instruments and put their own names on them, but in many other The bridge were early simple rectangular with through-saddles. Intermediate Grade and Best Grade were generally X braced with laminated braces for added strength. Instruction * ConcertsJams * More Like everything else, we have seen exceptions to the listed dimensions; especially the nut widths. Like the SJ-100 of the same year, the J-55 had a stair-step headstock that persisted for only 2 years. The neck is the long piece of wood that attaches to the banjo body that guides the strings along the instrument's fretting surface (called the fingerboard ). To accommodate the pickup, the standard production neck was pushed up to a neck-body joint at the 15th fret. Every banjo has a story. Gibson introduced their first adjustable belly bridge 2 screws to raise and lower the bridge. Martin Flat Top Guitar Body Sizes and Designations: The body size designation is stamped on the neck block starting in October 1930. RB -- regular banjo (5-string) TB -- tenor banjo. At least one model, the Epiphone Spirit, was manufactured in the USA during the early 1980s in the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, MI. Instrumental. Information gleamed from the Mandolin Cafs website over the years. Brown or black finish, some binding only on the top and in the soundhole with one ring around the soundhole. During 1880-1890 Fairbanks joined with William A. Cole, a successful performer and teacher, and produced approximately 9000 banjos as Fairbanks & Cole. It might be a Fairbanks or Stewart, but there is no name anywhere on the instrument. Mid 1950s: the pickguard changed from the teardrop to the larger undulating shape like the pre-war J-35s. Body shape changed to square shoulder dreadnought. . They are maintained by Donna LoPrinzi in Clearwater Florida. It shared many features with the L-5 archtop electric acoustic: The neck was basically an L-5 neck in scale, section and detail. Martin introduced the large body dreadnaught in 1932 It was bigger, bolder, and louder than anything Gibson had to offer. There was some amber color. Angled (Tilted-Back) Headstock. The current bridge height and neck angle was reached around 1910. The Southerner Jumbos were the most expensive flat-top guitars Gibson offered at the time. There can easily be more numbers within each year listed. the bins that were used to move instruments from . This makes up for the shallow break angle, and also does away with string trees, which are not needed in this case. CLB, Classic guitar of Brazilian rosewood, gold tuners. The first number of the sequence indicates the decade of production, followed by the three digit day of the year, and finally the year. The J-160E was Gibsons second design for an electric flat-top guitar following the CF-100. USA produced Epiphones of this era bear standard Gibson serialization and include the Made in USA stamp on the back of the headstock. It will be interesting of one of the BHO members has a vintage Kay catalog with that particular banjo. Similar to A, but with double purfling on the soundhole. 1946 onward: No feet the bottom of the bridge flush on the instrument top. Banjo Headstock Designs. For example, the serial number 90237XXX corresponds to a production date of 1/23/97. These bridges had movable saddles up to about 1917 when they changed to a one-piece compensating bridge design through early 1921. JR, jumbo size guitar with East Indian rosewood back & sides, chrome tuners. and What's it sound like? In late 1 the use of factory order numbers was discontinued. The standard early Gibson A models had a soft V shaped neck. There was a line of black inlay (or ebony layer) along the centerline of the back of the neck. 1916 into 1921: the pin to the bridge was dropped. 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. Features: Carved curly maple body, with ornate multilayer binding, laminated maple neck, ebony fingerboard with abalone block inlays, gold-plated hardware throughout, two gold plated pickups with separate volume and tone, three-way selector switch. F/FF = Factory code (No factory designator for some 1993 and earlier models) Y/YY = Year of manufacture (Single digit for some 1997 and earlier models) MM = Month of manufacture. The Gibson Company was formed in late 1902 and the early mandolins evolved from the original Orville Gibson designs. Dr. Michael Kasha was a chemical physicist and the director of the Institute of Molecular Biophysics at Florida State University. For example: Gretsch stopped production of Bacon and B&D banjos. ss stewart presentation banjo - Google Search. The fingerboard of the L-5S is in with select abalone. Music Love. White from 1928 to 1943/44. These were Gibsons first flat-top cutaways. Most old Hfners do not have serial numbers. Check out our banjo decal selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our bumper stickers shops. The Gibson LG series of flat-top guitars were developed as the natural evolution of the earlier L-Series. In any event, these should be used only as a guide and not assumed to be absolutely correct. Its price tag was $55 as compared to the Martin D-18 at $65 and D-28 at $100. 1975 $899 The first catalog appearance of the L-5S was in the 1975 Gibson Solid Body catalog. The 5th string is a crucial distinguishing characteristic of the five-string banjo, both in the instrument's appearance and in the sound of the music. For example, one head might sound right for one player on a five string banjo, but be disappointing on another players tenor banjo. The Mark Series, though not a wild success in terms of overall sales, did sell reasonably well.
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