It's difficult to positively identify the manufacturer of these . In 1923 it appears that Gibson began to assemble A-2s with left-over blonde tops from A-3s. 1955: Gibson stopped scalloping the bracing it was faster to produce but not as strong. The early models had shallow neck sets that increased in angle around 1908. The tuners were individual Kluson with amber buttons. in the third row of pictures below: Lyon & Healy (1864-1940) made many grades of banjos in many styles, Though it has gone through a number of refinements over the years, the basic design has not changed since. There were 2 tone bars and a treble side X brace with a 102 degree angle about 1 below the 4 soundhole. banjos, not surprising since they bought out the Buckbee factory in 1898. If the fretboard was bound, they generally added a stripe of black under the side binding. teachers who sold them to students, some of which are tagged with the name of Prices were typically 30-40% more than other Gibson solid bodies; the Les Paul Recording, LP Custom and SG Custom. Though you were told there was only12 of this model made, it will not be any more valuable than if there 10,000 made. Factory Order Numbers (FON) in the 2800s to 2900s and 300s to 500s and some in the 600-800s and 1000s range. They were too late Gibson owned the market and the Martins were dropped 6 years later having only sold about 540 combined. Occasionally the labels have fallen out or been removed during repairs making it a bit trickier to date the instruments. In any event, these should be used only as a guide and not assumed to be absolutely correct. 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. 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. Like all other companies, there are exceptions. For example: B&D had several un-numbered models between 1913 and 1920. Banjo Headstock Designs. For sale for $50 cash, firm. Banjo not included or available. Weekly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, banjo news and more. 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. J-L. M. N-P. Q-Sch. It was available with a brown finish and came as a snakehead or paddle headstock. Silkscreen logos - Low end models. 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. Most 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. There are also examples of A-2Zs without the Z on the lable but still sporting the black perfling line. 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. Alternates can range from standard designs out there in the banjo world, old or new, or a custom. target no need to return item. Vega continued to mark their banjos "A.C. Fairbanks" until the middle teens. A flourish inlay under The Gibson in the headstock. Carl and August Larson built instruments between 1900 and 1944. 585 Grand Concert: rosewood back & sides, MOP, colored wood appointments and a Tree-of-Life fretboard inlay. This information is approximate and has not been verified by the LoPrinzi family. GB -- guitar banjo. 15 Mahogany top, back & sides no binding, 17 Mahogany top, back & sides bound top. Style Designations (There are many exceptions to the following). The birch sides and back were stained red. 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. New Location: It had a 24 3/4 scale and was constructed of all solid woods. For photographic examples of the Gibson Cf-100 and CF-100E Click Here. These were Gibsons first flat-top cutaways. Dark stained plain birch back and sides. Gibson changed the name again in the 1950s to the SJ-200. Modern Gibson Logo open "b" and "o". Art Studios. C-series Factory location: Hinsdale, New Hampshire from 1973 to 1979, D-series Factory location: West Sansei, New Hampshire from 1980 to 1981, The designation S refers to the body size: 2 & 3 (increasing with number value). The examples weve seen vary from the Gibson catalogs quite a bit. The banner only a Gibson is good enough logo is replaced with the old style Gibson script gold logo, The blond J-50 is introduced (limited until 1954), Bracing system changed: non-scalloped, low cut braces, Larger pickguard with point at upper bout, Headstock appointments: pearl logo inlay and crown added, Adjustable bridge saddle offered as an option called J-45ADJ. These shoes are shown in an 1890s Washburn banjo catalog, on low end models with . See the notes below. Body designation Style designation, Serial number. The first group in late 1936 had larger soundholes and long scales: 25 1/2. 1979 $1149 Antique Sunburst added to Fireburst, Cherry Sunburst and Natural. Naming the parts of a banjo. To complicate matters, the Larson brothers appear to have used different numbering techniques for different brands that they supplied. serial number 8382, New York, circa 1920s, intricate abalone shell inlay to fingerboard and headstock which also bears the Company logo. 1980 $1249 By late 1980, the Gibson deluxe tuners with Crank button, and Posi-Lok strap button were added. The guitar designs, however, were not the problem. The exceptions were in 1979/1980 when the very fine Flying VII and active Les Paul Artist models were available; both were between $50 and $100 more, and were deleted almost as quickly as they dbuted. The later pickguard clamps have a stamped patent date of July 4, 1911. Between 1974 and 1984 production of Gibson guitars was slowly being shifted from Kalamazoo MI to Nashville TN. Numerous articles in Vintage Guitar Magazine over the years. The space between the headstock center and the top of the lathe bed is the radius of the lathe swing. LoPrinzi Guitars Plainsboro, New Jersey AMF years (serial numbers: high 3,000 4,000s) Tom LoPrinzi was still with the company. cases they carry no identifying name at all. RRRR = Ranking number (may be more or less digits) Example: 3021234 = Samick Korea / 1993 / February / unit 1234. At the time, the Nick Lucas model was the largest flat-top Gibson offered. Example: S3021234 = Samick Korea / 1993 / February . Martin introduced the large body dreadnaught in 1932 It was bigger, bolder, and louder than anything Gibson had to offer. The appointments matched the MK-35 but the bracing was modified to accommodate the additional string tension of 12 strings. Information gleamed from the Mandolin Cafs website over the years. The Maurer Company records have been lost. Introduced August 1942 and J-45s are still available today. Hard-stamped serial numbers. 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. set of identifying characteristics can be found at Pearl dots on fretboard. It appears that they experimented right up to the point of discontinuing the line. The instruments had modified fan bracing and asymmetrical bridges. Edited by - rfvelk on 12/26/2013 17:31:36, Blake507 - Posted-12/26/2013: 22:24:21. There is a steel tone ring on the maple rim, and the rim has a maple cap. For example: Gretsch stopped production of Bacon and B&D banjos. 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). MK-53 models were maple back & sides, rosewood fingerboards with dot inlays & nickel hardware. 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. It was intended to be more affordable and more readily available than its main competition: the Martin D-18. In general, higher model numbers meant more binding and ornament. It had chrome plated standard friction pegs, rosewood finished neck and headstock with matchin resonator. Google Play. side of the top of the peghead (see last set of pictures below). They were the J-45 and the Southerner Jumbo. Our 19th Year * Sign Up Now Gibson discontinued the A-3 around 1922. The original partners were Fred and Cassie Bacon and Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Winship. Deering Gabriella 5-string banjo headstock. A: One of the easiest ways to determine the age of your banjo is to inspect the serial number, if it has one. Mark Johnson; Regular Hours Mon-Fri: 10:00am-4:00pm Extended Hours January-April 8:30am-5:00pm; 239 West 400 North, Lindon UT; 801-785-3161 The fingerboard of the L-5S is in with select abalone. That way I'll be sure to hear it, since I will get a heads up when you post. Back & Sides: Mahogany but some released as Brazilian rosewood. Banjo serial numbers: During the 1920s, Gibson instruments were made in lots of 40s (for the most part, this procedure continues today). Sunburst finish changes slightly: a cremona brown fading from the center amber to a reddish brown perimeter. purchase these instruments and put their own names on them, but in many other In 1893, he patented a banjo neck fitted with a channel for the 5th string to pass through so it could be tuned at the headstock instead of its usual location. Gibson believed that these choices would allow them to focus on their more profitable lines. 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: . He was also a guitar enthusiast with a passion for physical and psycho-acoustics. Mismanagement was so severe during the final Norlin years that the Gibson Guitar Corp. was within 3 months of going out of business when it was bought by young Harvard Business grads: Henry E. Juszkiewicz, David H. Berryman and Gary A. Zebrowski in January of 1986. The fingerboard was rosewood with 9 inlaid position markers. serial number impressed to verso, 60 cm long I doubt you'll find this in a catalog. peghead shape. Several other forces were at work for change: Introduced 1963, these were designed as dual-purpose instruments. The A.C. Fairbanks Company (incorporated 1875) was succeeded in 1903 by the Vega Company (established 1889). The 5th string is not only shorter than the other four banjo strings, but this string is also the highest in sound (or pitch ). 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. Introduced is the year of introduction. 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. 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 . Gibson started making banjos in 1917. Find the worth of your vintage banjo from 1920s to 1970s. Information compiled by Leonard Wyeth 2008, L Wyeth, Century General Introduced 1933 for the Century of Progress Exhibition @ $55. I have never seen one like this in person or even a picture of one. Most were 3-piece solid maple bodies. There are no manufacture's labels or stamps on it. made unmarked banjos for others to sell as well. 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 bracing was revised to accommodate the moustache bridge and generally heavier than earlier models. Saga Bella Voce 70/80. In general, the Larsons used fancier hardware on the more expensive instruments so the date of the hardware should coincide with similar instruments of the period. Slanted mid 1940's Gibson Logo. Mid to late 1944, the neck block revert back to mahogany, though poplar is occasionally used. How did you come to own it? These can exist on any model numbers including the A-jr. Example: U8034853 U = Unsung, 8 = 1998, 03 = March, 4853 = manufacturing number. By the end in 1985-86, Gibson was basically down to the Les Paul model alone. Martin introduced their versions of acoustic-electrics: the D-18E in 1958 and D-28E in 1959. Identify vintage banjo fleur de lis inlays on headstock & carved heel. Have a vintage Harmony guitar? The J-160E was Gibsons second design for an electric flat-top guitar following the CF-100. mikehalloran - Posted-12/27/2013: 17:21:06. The electronics cover on the back was matching solid figured maple. I'll have to record it and post a tune. better-grade offerings frequently had notched, rather than grooved stretcher If you have additional information or corrections, please contact us. The 1975 price was $439. Lyon & Healy routinely used talon or patent 1897 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. They were popular with the Cowboy Singing Stars like Bob Baker (National Barn Dance WLS). Neck: mahogany single piece. Electric guitars having the serial number on the back of the headstock. Though it was discontinued in 1942, the last Advanced Jumbo left the Kalamazoo plant in 1940. These appear to have a unique serial number scheme. The 1975 price was $659. 3 special model, serial number 8382, New York, circa 1920s, intricate abalone shell inlay to fingerboard and headstock which also bears the Company logo. In 1947 the name changed to the J-200 and the standard back and sides became highly figured maple. See more ideas about banjo, guitar inlay, mandolin. The headstock carried an inlayed script Gibson. expressed on the sides and back of the 1934 versions. Gibson. Manchester University, Instruction * ConcertsJams * More Gibson TP-6 tailpiece became standard. Take a closer look at the serial number found on the back of the headstock and reference the guide below. If the serial number is legible the instrument can be relatively easy to date. In late 1 the use of factory order numbers was discontinued. About Larrive Guitar Labels Generally harp guitars, L.H. The selected tuners varied randomly by model and year. Michael Wright has compiled one of the largest picture galleries of headstock photos in his book "Guitar Stories Vol. The soundhole binding does not extend the full depth of the soundhole. 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?) The swing of a lathe is measured as the total diameter of a finished turned piece, such as a wood bowl. Body designations and style designations of Martin guitars are letter-number combinations separated by a hyphen. 1908 into 1916: Elevated pickguards of plastic tortoise shell clamped to the body with a removable clamp and pinned to the bridge. The neck was a broad round profile single piece mahogany with a bound coffewood fretboard and dot markers. The bass of this model will amaze you, and of course the clear brilliant treble is in perfect balance. For once, the hyperbole may have been closer to the truth. The following versions evolved quickly to 14 frets clear of the body. 593 Similar to 590 but with pearl (vs ivoroid) tuner buttons. It was initially called the De Luxe Jumbo for the few versions that were delivered before the model went into production. The financial strain became too much and the company sold in 1940 to Gretsch. These instruments live a bit outside that critique. CLR, Classic guitar with Indian rosewood back and sides, decorated binding, gold tuners. Martin Flat Top Guitar Body Sizes and Designations: The body size designation is stamped on the neck block starting in October 1930. The tuners were individual. For more detailed information, get the following book: The Larsons Creations Guitars & Mandolins by Robert Carl Hartman. First published as a folk music magazine in 1971 by Michael I. Holmes before going online in 1997, Mugwumps is a no-frills, highly informative site that's packed with well-written articles, detailed photographs, and historical ads of old instruments and parts. Hand Engraving. Martin Guitars seemed to take note of the successful sales of the Gibson acoustic-electrics J-160E and CF-100Es. Augustino LoPrinzi Guitar Maker Clearwater Florida (LoPrinzi name bought back from AMF) Instruments designed and built by Augustino and Donna LoPrinzi (daughter). Here's the photo gallery that I put together:velkdesign.com/assets/banjo/. Gibson Banjos 1925 and Later: . 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. Not many were sold and the production run was therefore limited to 2 years. So, take a look and . 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. 2 foot pressed arm rest and flat head tone ring. On 12 fret to the body guitars, in a break with tradition, the Larson brothers frequently inlayed the 10th fret instead of the ninth. The headstock had a black wood face veneer. The 2nd delivery to Ray Whitley was the more refined 14 fret SJ that is so well photo-dicumented. 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: CUSTOMER SERVICE. If you would like to use content from this page, see our Terms of Usage policy. The Gibson LG series of flat-top guitars were developed as the natural evolution of the earlier L-Series.