Laminated maple back and sides is discontinued (FON batch 2828 used maple back and sides). Vega continued to mark their banjos "A.C. Fairbanks" until the middle teens. Most have the patented L&H tailpiece shown in the inset. There were 1424 made. The 1975 price was $659. Martin Guitars seemed to take note of the successful sales of the Gibson acoustic-electrics J-160E and CF-100Es. Starting in 1923, models included: the Silver Bell, the Super Banjo and the Blue Bell. ', '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'. Manchester University, Instruction * ConcertsJams * More Banjo Headstocks - Pinterest Augustino & Thomas LoPrinzi Guitars usually have the date of manufacture on the label. The last 4 digits are a neck number. Weve seen some serial number lists that are as much as 8 years out-of-sync with this list. A flourish inlay under The Gibson in the headstock. Hard-case rugged and gig-bag light! Script Gibson logo, Fretboard: Twin parallelograms inlays unbound 19 fret. They could be strung with steel or nylon strings. The Mark Series, though not a wild success in terms of overall sales, did sell reasonably well. www.stonebanjo.com - Peghead Shapes They were available in steel string or classical. ECL changed its name shortly afterwards to: Norlin Inc. for ECL president Norton Stevens and CMI president Maurice Berlin. Tuners, hardware and tailpieces were probably purchased from Lyon and Healy who had a factory just down the street from the Larson shop. Augustino LoPrinzi Guitar Maker Clearwater Florida (LoPrinzi name bought back from AMF) Instruments designed and built by Augustino and Donna LoPrinzi (daughter). Vega Banjos - Deering Banjo Company In mid 1944 bookmatched two piece Sispruce tops reappear. There was a line of black inlay (or ebony layer) along the centerline of the back of the neck. Banjos with pegheads like that shown in the first picture below are usually made by Buckbee. This is a strong playing. The public seems to have favored this shape over time as it fetches better prices now. So, take a look and . Banjo serial numbers: During the 1920s, Gibson instruments were made in lots of 40s (for the most part, this procedure continues today). Pearl dots on fretboard. 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. 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. All Rights Reserved. They are maintained by Donna LoPrinzi in Clearwater Florida. Ebony Fretboards were generally thicker than other builders. My understanding is that only 12 of these particular banjos were ever manufactured by Kay. They did provide paper labels for the instrument that they represented but did not provide labels for custom instruments or other shops or manufacturers. PB -- plectrum banjo. The Mark Series guitars were particularly interesting among the Gibson flat tops made in the 1970s due to their unique bracing. It was built for Hollywood singing star Ray Whitley as the worlds biggest and fanciest acoustic guitar. The appointments roughly followed the Southerner Jumbo but the design was primarily electric: it had a 3-ply top with ladder bracing to reduce the low-end response for the single coil pickup placed at the base of the fretboard. The final production versions had a double-braced red spruce top and rosewood back and sides with a sunburst finish. As a vintage instrument dealer, I see no collectors market for banjos like yours. banjo headstock identification The pickguard was longer than earlier models and it had a moustache bridge (though slightly smaller and less ornate than that used on the SJ-200). Factory Order Numbers (FON) in the 2600s to 2700s. The following numbers are the earliest known serial number for the year listed. Lion Banjo Mfg Co - Rock Rapids, Iowa - S. Nathaniel Adams Identifying and Dating Kay Guitars - S. Nathaniel Adams the bins that were used to move instruments from . Each model of the Mark Series was available in natural or sunburst finish. Saga Bella Voce 70/80. There were 2 tone bars and a treble side X brace with a 102 degree angle about 1 below the 4 soundhole. Hard-stamped serial numbers. Identifying Unmarked Banjos - Bill's Banjos The headstock had a black wood face veneer. See more ideas about banjo, guitar inlay, ukulele. The 1975 price was $549. banjo headstock identification The labels with an image of Orville Gibson are generally found on instruments with serial numbers below 10,000. Carl and August Larson built instruments between 1900 and 1944. Good size logs of spruce were government controlled during the war and were not easily available shortly after. . RB -- regular banjo (5-string) TB -- tenor banjo. Gibson. In 1935, binding was added to the fretboard. serial number impressed to verso, 60 cm long Gator GL-BANJO-XL Banjo Light Weight Case - $50 (Lynnwood) The focus of the site is antique and vintage banjos and mandolins, but there are . 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. 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. The 1934 version had a classic Gibson sunburst: the small amber center around the bridge about 1/4 of the top area. These appear to have a unique serial number scheme. You may, . Identification. In late 1 the use of factory order numbers was discontinued. serial number impressed to verso, 60 cm long Australian zither . Jul 15, 2021 - A study of banjo head peg heads. 1-6 digits stamped into the top edge of the headstock-often difficult to read. Late 1974 gold covered recording pickups are replaced with humbuckers. Example: U8034853 U = Unsung, 8 = 1998, 03 = March, 4853 = manufacturing number. 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. For a period of time, this was the top of the line. Inlays and bindings are remarkably consistent through the years. Grupo Musical. The 1975 price was $1,999. In 1926 Gibson introduced the L-series guitars with the L-0 at $35 and the L-1 at $50 (1928 prices). 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. Information gleamed from the Mandolin Cafs website over the years. JM, jumbo size guitar with mahogany back & sides, chrome tuners. The name variations included Bacon and Day and B&D for all the instruments co-developed by Fred Bacon and David Day. identify the manufacturer of these banjos in many cases, but some identify Worthy of mention is the Jumbo Deluxe, though it is believed that only 3 were ever made in 1938. They were the J-45 and the Southerner Jumbo. Gibson developed the truss rod in 1921. Gold War era logo - This type is called "Banner logo". Since Spruce was needed for the war-time effort, some J-45s in 1943 have a mahogany top. Saga. Bodies: Rosewood, oak, mahogany, koa and maple. Ironically, the script logo on the headstock was old-style. 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. Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. Music Love. 1970 onward: 1 piece maple. Like everything else connected to instrument identification issues there are many exceptions. The grade of top wood was tighter grained. There is a Kay company logo on the headstock but absolutely no other identifying marks. The Southerner Jumbos were the most expensive flat-top guitars Gibson offered at the time. Following many prototypes, shapes and bracing patterns, the Mark Series was launched in 1975. For sale for $50 cash, firm. Occasionally the labels have fallen out or been removed during repairs making it a bit trickier to date the instruments. What's the history on the this jo, are you the original owner? Free or royalty-free photos and images. It was during the years of 1977 through 1986 that most of the high-end lines at Gibson were discontinued: The ES-350T, L-5S and the Mark Series among them. Hand Engraving. Gibson had changed its neck profiles and headstock shape on the successful J-Series. The decade following saw a change in finish from varnish to shinier lacquer. their better banjos is also distinctive, with a small additional bump on either How to customize a Huber Banjo; . Vintage banjo from 1920s to 1970s - price guide and values - Carter's department to department had 40 cubbyholes. B-series Factory location: Grand Street, New York City from 1972 to 1973. It worked. I just have a few questions. Sunburst was the only finish available for the J-45 until much later as the sunburst finish can hide flaws in the wood; this was a significant advantage during WW2 when clear wood was being used for the war effort. Some FONs for 1942 include 7116-7119, 7434, 7705, 7721, 907, 910, 923, 928, 2004-2006, 2059, 2098, 2110, 2119. The 31 year old part time musician has mostly been found on the contest stages in recent years, taking first in the National Bluegrass Banjo Championship twice, and in the RockyGrass, RenoFest . The standard early Gibson A models had a soft V shaped neck. A total of 2,477 J-35s were made according to Gibson records. Gibson style one piece flange, probably zinc, also Gibson style flange brackets, 4 resonator screws. It is most common after 1923 when most Gibson model As had this shape. How did you come to own it? of their later banjos had elite tailpieces, Orpheum-like hardware, and long, To confuse matters, they also manufactured Bacon banjos that had been developed by Fred Bacon: the Professional, the Orchestra and the Blue Ribbon. This was expanded in 1935 to about 1/3 of the top area. banjo headstock identificationleap year program in python using for loop. Late 1930s through 1942: ? adjustment wheels 2 feet and extensions on top of the base for the wheels. It would surprise me if there were 12 of those made as K banjos, however. 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. These can exist on any model numbers including the A-jr. 14" resonator on the banjo examined is probably non original (Korean). The tuners were individual Kluson with amber buttons. Between 1934 and 1938, Gibson only offered the sunburst finish. better-grade offerings frequently had notched, rather than grooved stretcher peghead shape. string peg perch is typically carved out from the side of the neck as shown $ 5,719.00 $ 5,149.00. 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. Pearl twin parallelogram inlays, Bridges: Rosewood belly-down. Between 1975 and 1979, Gibson worked with Dr. Michael Kashas acoustic theories for guitar and Luthier Richard Schneiders design applications to create a unique instrument for the Gibson acoustic lineup. For example, the serial number 90237XXX corresponds to a production date of 1/23/97. It is not clear how many were made, but it is likely that there are less than 12. The concept behind the J-45 was a high quality, affordable, big-sounding acoustic flat-top guitar. If you continue, we will assume that you agree to, http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/276603, 'Pisgah Banjo Co. raffle for Arnold Shultz Fund extended to March 10, 2023', 'Pisgah Banjo Company banjo raffle extended to March 10', 'Flinthill FHB-300 - Killer bluegrass banjo for the money! http://www.mugwumps.com. cases they carry no identifying name at all. During the war years women played a greater role in manufacturing while young men were fighting overseas. 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 instruments had modified fan bracing and asymmetrical bridges. By 1941, either natural or sunburst were available. The 5th string is not only shorter than the other four banjo strings, but this string is also the highest in sound (or pitch ). They are very pricy at over $20.00 each, but worth it if you want . I'll have to record it and post a tune. Factory numbers (when the exist) appear in pencil inside on the block where the neck meets the body. Some J-45 models with non-bookmatched two piece Adirondack spruce tops and some examples with four piece tops. Towards the end, the line actually continued to increase in sales. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. It marked the beginning of a new era for Gibson. The following versions evolved quickly to 14 frets clear of the body. There can easily be more numbers within each year listed. S3R, Size 3 guitar with East Indian rosewood back & sides, chrome tuners. Some SJNs with plastic Special Bridges. He was also a guitar enthusiast with a passion for physical and psycho-acoustics. Plectrum. Information compiled by Leonard Wyeth 2008, L Wyeth, Century General Introduced 1933 for the Century of Progress Exhibition @ $55. The aluminum shell was chrome plated with 24 chrome-plated brackets. There are some examples of two piece bodies used with the transparent or natural finishes. All Rights Reserved. The Gibson Super Jumbo first appeared in 1937. 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 ). The new design was thinner and much easier to handle and play. Body designations and style designations of Martin guitars are letter-number combinations separated by a hyphen. The name evolved from De Luxe Jumbo to Super Jumbo in 1939, and then to the Super Jumbo 200 (reflecting the price at the time, the case would be $28 extra). the teacher or distributor. The model started production in 1938 as Gibsons top-of-the-line flat top guitar. Martins 1st steel string: 1922, 18 Mahogany body after 1917, no volute on headstock, 40 Rosewood body, MOP top & soundhole but not neck base, 41 Rosewood body, MOP top & soundhole but not neck base, 1969+ D-only, 42 Rosewood body, MOP top, soundhole & neck base but not sides, 45 Rosewood body, MOP top, soundhole, neck base & sides, S (1967 on) 12 fret neck, slotted headstock, Dyer (1906 1923?) . 15 Mahogany top, back & sides no binding, 17 Mahogany top, back & sides bound top. S2M, size 2 guitar with mahogany back & sides. 2: The Histories of Cool Guitars". Please read the section on J-35s and J-55s as the J-45s and Southerner Jumbos replaced the earlier models it was a natural evolution. 2. 156137I know this is a mandolin forum, but the admins suggested I start here. Gibson Headstock Logos thru the years in Pictures Ohio banjo player Steven Moore has his first solo project, Just a Little Talk with Myself, just recently released. They were now able to get better materials. It was intended to be more affordable and more readily available than its main competition: the Martin D-18. 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. Serial Search - Gibson A New Leaf from Steven Moore. Factory Order Numbers (FON) in the 2800s to 2900s and 300s to 500s and some in the 600-800s and 1000s range. MK-99 models were handcrafted and signed by Richard Schneider. 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. "F" Style mandolins have a carved nautilus shaped curl on the upper left-hand bout. Slanted mid 1940's Gibson Logo. gibson one-of-a-kind Christmas banjos! This is a "fit-all" banjo case. Though it has gone through a number of refinements over the years, the basic design has not changed since. Instruction * ConcertsJams * More Our 19th Year * Sign Up Now Gibson TP-6 tailpiece became standard. During the period of 1909 through 1920 Gibson produced large numbers of mandolins. In 1923 it appears that Gibson began to assemble A-2s with left-over blonde tops from A-3s. In any event, these should be used only as a guide and not assumed to be absolutely correct. This is a headstock that tapers from narrow at the top to slightly wider at the base (the reverse of the traditional Gibson headstock shape). The 1970s are viewed by many collectors and players as the low point of Gibson manufacturing. Wyatt Fawley's banjo, model for the "Retrotone" banjo design : 1949 : 3399-86 -100 : 1-piece: Dots : I/N Auction 2/2007 with flathead ring from 1963 RB180 and 1959 RB100 neck : 1949 : 3399-90: RB-150: . The Mark Series guitars had 16 3/16 lower bouts with very narrow waists, and a headstock like no other in Gibson tradition. Gibson had helped in the war effort and seen many employees enlist. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/276603. The narrower guitar sizes allowed for available materials. Many have no identification at all. Take a closer look at the serial number found on the back of the headstock and reference the guide below. The sides and back were tinted mahogany with a sunburst red spruce top. 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. A maple, prewar style bluegrass banjo made like the classic banjos of the 1930's with the same materials and the same weight, design and features, the Golden Era is one of our most popular banjos for traditional bluegrass bands. 340 Rosewood back & sides, MOP, colored wood appointments & a Tree-of-Life fretboard inlay. Heads have different effects on different kinds of banjos. 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. The intent is to provide a rough dating guide. 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. By the end in 1985-86, Gibson was basically down to the Les Paul model alone. Brown or black finish, some binding only on the top and in the soundhole with one ring around the soundhole. When he passed, my grandmother bought it for me from his brother who was attempting to liquify his collection. Because there are few of these instruments around, little has been written about them, though some did find their way into the hands of influential artists of the day. Made in USA. S. S. Stewart Guitars Born of a Banjeau Maker Bottom belly ebony bridge with pyramids on the wings, Silk-screened script @ 15 degrees +/-: The Gibson, 3 on a plate open gear tuners white or black buttons, Top and body becomes all mahogany amber finish, Extra bridge pin centered below 6 in a line, L-0 Flattened lower bout increased to 14, Reintroduced as the least expensive Gibson flat-top @ $25, Body depth 3 ? at the neck and 4 3/8 at the heel, Pearl dot makers and double dots on the 12th fret, Old script silk-screened diagonal logo: The Gibson or just Gibson, Some striped tortoise plastic pickguards after 1933, Some bright white plastic pickguards after 1933, L-00 introduced as Gibsons lowest price flat-top @ $37.50, Small round amber area of sunburst just below the soundhole, Striped tortoise plastic pickguards added, Dot position markers on the fretboard edge, A few with banner logos decals on the headstocks, Light amber top Sheraton brown back & sides, Old script silk-screened diagonal logo: The Gibson, Flattened lower bout increased to 14 (possibly, Soundhole, bridge and bracing moved to compensate, Similar to the L-00 but with heavier braces, Pearl dot fretboard markers double on 12, Gold sparkle inlayed around top & soundhole, Tailpiece adjustable bridge option discontinued, Speckled celluloid pickguard added as an option, Some had 2 top braces under the fingerboard extension vs. one, Rosewood fretboard rectangle inlays at 3, 5, 7, 9, 12 & 15, Pearl diamond inlays in the rosewood rectangles, Gibson pearl diagonal headstock inlay in rosewood, in Pearloid, Pearloid headstock veneer replace with rosewood, Bound headstock, pearl Gibson, pearl truss rod cover and notched diamond inlay, No headstock binding, black truss rod cover and elongated diamond inlay, Body depth 4 at the neck and 4 5/8 at the heel, Brazilian rosewood pyramid bottom belly bridge, The Gibson pearl angled logo inlayed on headstock, Nick Lucas Special white label with picture of Nick Lucas, 14 fret neck to body joints (phased in by this time), Trapeze tailpiece with adjustable bridge option. Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher. GIBSON GARAGE FIND A DEALER GIBSON APP. Gretsch was contracted to make banjos for them. The 1934 was single bound, front and back with dot markers on the rosewood fretboard and a horizontal script logo inlay on the headstock. Unfortunately, the information is confusing and inconsistent. I have an open back banjo with a number 44 stamped in the ring, and May 2, 1899 carved in the support on the backside. This information is approximate and has not been verified by the LoPrinzi family. The only available finish was sunburst until 1954. Start your day off right, with a Dayspring Coffee Identifying How Old Your Banjo Is (The Easy Way!) - Pro Music Vault 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! There were many name variations for The Bacon Banjo Company, Inc. but it remained in Fred Bacons name from 1920 until the company closed in 1938. At the time, the Nick Lucas model was the largest flat-top Gibson offered. Acoustic guitars are punched inside the soundhole on a sticker behind the strings. First factory order number (FON) on neck block of J45s in 1942 was 907 and 923. Other attempts by Gibson to make-do with the materials available to them include laminated maback and sides finished in a dark mahogany stain and a few were built with a laminate maple back and a mahogany top. In some cases there are no pickguards. in the third row of pictures below: Lyon & Healy (1864-1940) made many grades of banjos in many styles, 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 original V shape of the necks of the J-35s was replaced by distinctly round necks (baseball bats) and a tear drop pickguard. The Larson bridge, if not otherwise specified by another company, is a rectangular flattened pyramid ebony style similar to those used by Lyon and Healy.

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