Banjo Hangout - Collector's Corner Forum Feed

Bob Gibson Tribute Vega Long Neck

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 23 May 2012 23:30:15 CST

Thanks to Dan Pennington for making a dream come true!

Read the full story and description of the "process" in the Long Neck group...http://www.banjohangout.org/group/longneckbanjo/blog/3828

windsor banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 22 May 2012 18:57:37 CST

hi everyone

i recently inherited an AO Windsor banjo and i no nothing about it

i was hoping there was somebody out there that could give me some info about it. its age and maybe wot its worth

i do know the germans bombed the business in december 1940 in birmingham england. so i no it at least 72 years old. but thats all i know

it has model 8 stamped on it

ene info would be greatly appreciated

thankyou

Marc

Gibson Post Flood Banjo's

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:03:25 CST

Does anyone know what the last serial numbers would be for Gibson Banjo's? I have a JD Crow with serial number #75 1008 45. It seems it was produced after the flood but maybe not. Did they make "some" after the flood? Did they finish up the ones they had parts for? Any help would be appreciated.

help identify this German? banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:26:32 CST

I recently got an old no-name banjo I'd like to know more about. The best clues seem to be the hardware. The banjo itself is a short scale open back with a nine inch maple pot and a laminated maple and walnut neck. The tuners are the only marked part on it. They are friction -type tuners marked DRGM 63957, made of plated brass and have ebonized wood (possibly pear) buttons. I have found that this is a German design registry number that seems to date them to the mid 1890s.

The tailpiece is flat ,lyre shaped and of the tie-on type and the dowel brace is an elaborate thing that holds two wedges.

Mandolin Brothers said only that it is not a known American maker and neither they nor Elderly recognized the tuners.

I'm hoping someone familiar with German banjos from the late 1800's will recognize the hardware. I will add photos later.

1964 Gibson Mastertone RB250 found.

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 22 May 2012 14:02:39 CST

If anybody wants one, I visited Tall Toad Music at 43 Petaluma Boulevard North, Petaluma, CA (707) 765-6807 on Saturday and found a 1964 Gibson RB250 bowtie in pretty good shape with what appears to be the original finish and hardware including the Kluson tuners and flathead ring and case. A geared 5th tuner and a Snuffy Smith bridge have been added. It is on consignment at $2,895.00.

I played it and the sound isn't bad. I looks like Gibson RB250's looked like when I started picking. After some consideration, I have decided to direct my $3000 elsewhere and thus share this information

Standard Disclaimers invoked.

The future of Earl's Banjo(s)

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:09:58 CST

Does anyone know the future of Earl's Granada and any other prewar flatheads that he might have still owned?

Help Identifying an old Ibanez

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:28:45 CST

I bought this Ibanez way back. I haven't been playing it much and am looking to sell it. I am not sure what it is worth. I can't find any identification on it other than the Ibanez badge at the top. Is anyone familiar enough with these things to help me identify what I should ask for it?

First time I ever heard...

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 22 May 2012 07:28:37 CST

...that Matsumoku made Gibson RB-250s in the 70's:

http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-musical-instruments-other-Banjo-Cutler-Gibson-RB-250-Pearl-inlaid-W0QQAdIdZ369563348

Gibson Bella Voce on Antiques Roadshow

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 22 May 2012 04:41:34 CST

A woman brought a Gibson Bella Voce on Antiques Roadshow last night. I think it belonged to her father or grandfather. I was an authentic 1930s model. It had been replated and apparently had been varnished to preserve the finish. The appraiser valued it at $15,000 because of those two things. He seemed very knowledgable, but I that appraisal was low. Did anybody else see that and what did you think?

Miller Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:47:31 CST

Does anyone know ANYTHING about a Miller Banjo??? I won it this weekend, it had been signed 14 years ago by the Dillard band [who played the Darlins' on Andy of Mayberry show]. I cannot find out anything online about a banjo with the logo Miller is on the neck. Says it was made in Korea. I am stumped and would love some direction.

Thank you all so much. Contact me at f1955@aol.com.

Help Identity this Banjo?!

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:52:49 CST

Hey guys, new to the forum and pretty much a rookie to banjo. Found this online for sale and bought it. Need help identifying the make. Can't find "quest" banjos anywheres. Its really heavy and seems to be a nice quality. The guy who sold it said he got it in an old apartment he cleaned out that was left with a bunch of stuff. As you can see it also has "guy" inlayed near the body. No other markings or serial numbers. Hope these pics help. Thanks

Steel strings on an old Buckbee?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:10:40 CST

I've got an old buckbee and have thought about putting steel strings on it. Would this warp the neck?

I'm pretty sure I would have to replace my friction tuners because I'm not sure that they would hold the tension.

Modern pre Rich Gibsons

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 21 May 2012 11:58:02 CST

Someone help me out here. I'm trying to understand the quality ofr Gibson between the late 50's and post Rich era. When were the multi ply rims used? When were the Stew Mac banjos? I thought that even RIch was using Stew Mac kits (so to speak) well into his time at Gibson. I remember playing a very early Scrugg's model and was not impressed and as I remember this was basically a Stew Mac kit banjo. At what point did they get their act together?

What's this top tension?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 21 May 2012 10:10:15 CST

http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/msg/3027726988.html

how much $$$ for a 1920's Vega Whyte Laydie #2 ?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 21 May 2012 08:36:37 CST

A freind of mine has one, but he's been out of the loop for about 30 years and hasn't got a clue as to how much it's worth.

My appreciation in advance for any info.

Jake.

Capo identification

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 21 May 2012 07:52:45 CST

Hello all.

I found that little guy yesterday,I am curious to know who made it,it is stamped ,PAT PENDING MAY 7 89.

It is a neat object.

Thank you for your help.

best regards.

Jean P

Banjo Identification Needed

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 21 May 2012 05:51:56 CST

Bacon "The Band Orchestra" Open Back Banjo Serial Number 0-6916
I need all the information on this Banjo.
It is a 5-String.
It has a wooden Co-Ordinator Rod with serial number stamped on it.
I have no pictures of the Banjo.
It is in good condition.
What year was the banjo made.
What is a fair price to sell the Banjo.
I have played the Banjo. It sounds great.

Fairbanks or Boston maker slothead banjos?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 20 May 2012 12:53:39 CST

Hey all you experts on the Victorian era banjo makers. I'm just wondering if anyone has ever encounters a Boston maker (in particular Fairbanks/Vega) made slothead banjo? It could be any of the banjo family (giraffe to cello) but I was just wondering if they ever did something in that vein. If you have a pic, I'd most appreciate seeing it. Thanks

Identify year and Value of this banjo?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 20 May 2012 10:30:44 CST

Hi, I posted the other day about my banjo, but I didn't post any pictures so here are some pictures that should help! I tried the mugwumps site to find the age, but the serial # wasn't listed. The number is 99016. I am looking for the age, and approximate value and any other helpful information. Thanks!

Looking for info on Vega # 99016

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 19 May 2012 16:06:16 CST

I have a Vega Banjo # 99016 and can not find any info on it! Wanting to know the year and an approximate value. Any other information would be great as well! Let me know if you need more info in identifying it, thanks.

stelling crusader tony pass rim

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 19 May 2012 14:47:39 CST

can any of you pickers tell me if gibson flanges hoops rims ect fit a stelling crusader thanks best bwishes johny

Gibson Kalamazoo Necks

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 19 May 2012 07:24:42 CST

Can anyone tell me if the original necks on a Gibson Kalamazoo 5 string were maple or mahogany or both or either? I have found different originals with both and also have found information that each was not used on the necks. So either the originals aren't so original or the information is wrong.

Thanks!

RB250 Tone Ring

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:45:00 CST

Wanted to see if anyone can tell me what tone ring might have come in a 1985 Gibson RB250. It is 20 hole flathead with no markings any where. Thanks.

Please Help Me To Identify This Banjo!

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:35:47 CST

Once again, I'm calling upon the awesome BHO knowledge base to help me identify what this banjo is. Also: what would be a fair price for it if it's in decent condition?

As always, thanks.

David Akeman' banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:53:24 CST

What happened to hos banjo? Is it in a museum?

b&d silver bell plectrum with simple dot inlay?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:56:49 CST

Do these exist. I am checking out one today and the inlays have been described as simple dots and not diamonds or anything fancy. I couldn't find any pics of any silver bells with this pattern. I am very green with these banjos as I am a 5string gibson guy myself, but this seems like a deal I can't pass up so any info would help. Thanks!

Orpheum banjo behemoth!

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:15:47 CST

Heres a true Banjosaurus!

15 inch pot Orpheum guit-jo,beautifully made with a huge grumble tone.

Pictured next to a nice little SS Stewart for size comparison.

1981 Goldstar FE with original case great cond. value?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:13:44 CST

What is the value of these on average?

Anyone looking for one of these in super shape, let me know.

Thanks !

????Ebay Granada???????

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:10:29 CST

Boys and Girls do we let this one go......

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Granada-Banjo-1927-Pre-War-Gibson-Granada-Banjo-/110881911663?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item19d113b36f&autorefresh=true

I have the top bid at $3.55. Lets see if I get it.....and if I do I'll put it back up with no reserve..........

Does anyone smell a rat? Along with the photos comes an offer to skip the bidding process........ $1500.00 I'm not an English teacher but when someone uses witch for which and ware for wear....I start thinking .... with no history on Ebay and a name like oldhabit45629 and )

I have to wonder.....If you get it for 5.31 I'll be mad:):):)

Ever seen a marking like this?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:12:02 CST

In reference to an old (turn of the century?) banjo I purchased (http://www.banjohangout.org/topic/235633)

I found the number 13 on both the dowel stick and inside of the pot where the neck connects. Could be the 13th banjo this person made? Could mean made in 1913? I don't know what to make of it. Has anyone seen this before? There are no other markings on the banjo.

Info needed / help cleaning Epiphone Super Wonder X

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:35:43 CST

I received a call to come get this banjo and clean it up. I am cleaning this for the banjo owner's son, which will make him the 4th generation owner of this instrument.

I have done some quick research on this banjo and found this old thread on BHO about the Epiphone Super Wonder X so that answers some of my questions.

I'm attaching some photos of this banjo before I break it down and clean it this weekend. My intention is to only clean the banjo by hand and not use any harsh chemicals or abrasives to the metal or wood.

I would appreciate any advice on what to do or not to do when handling this instrument. I am wondering what type of thumbscrews I can find to replace the nuts that have been replaced. I have no intention to repair the crack shown and leave it as is. I'm just cleaning the instrument.

Anyway, this banjo is being given as a gift to the current owner's adult son whose birthday is May 18th. I'd love to be able to print out that old BHO thread and this one and include it with the instrument.

And finally, what strings should I use for this banjo? And as silly as this may sound, what is the tuning?

Thanks in advance!

please help me identify this old banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 09:10:47 CST

Does anyone know who made this bango?

No marking, just Pat Pend on the tailpiece.

the case has a very old cutoms sticker from cuba.

I appreciate any suggestions.thank you gail

Inlays in conversion necks ... warts or no warts?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:37:51 CST

I'm still cutting inlay ... and have been at it for a week. While sitting there for hours on end ... things go through my mind, and this one's been eatin' me.

If you ordered a conversion neck form "whoever", and had your choice of inlays that closely replicate the original (sometimes ugly and assymetrical) inlays ... or inlays that look like Gibson's finest pre-war examples ... which would you choose.

I cut my inlays from copies taken directly from original instruments ... and I make corrections as I am cutting. Maybe I shouldn't be doing that ... but I do it.

I have produced nearly 2 dozen inlay sets this past week, and have cut a set of nearly every variation of the RB-75 that's commonly encountered, and some not so commonly encountered. I have to stop and get some stuff out, but if I were to continue cutting for another week, I could easily reproduce at least 1 set of inlays for every model that Gibson produced. I'm about 3/4 of the way there already. .. but like I said, I have to lay the saw down and clean up the bench.

So ... warts or no warts?

Wyatt

Help identifying a tenor banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:33:58 CST

This thing has been sitting around my basement for decades, anybody recognize it and can tell me anything about it, thanks!

70s Gibson Tenor....

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:03:46 CST

Saw a listing this morning and thought I would share. I wish there were better photos in the ad: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/msg/3017395810.html

So I found this banjo case in my attic...

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 15 May 2012 23:50:27 CST

So I was cleaning my attic and I found a hardshell banjo case in bad shape. All the latches were busted and the case is now a two piece case. This isn't the first time I've found musical instruments in that fire trap, so I decided to pull it out before my house turns into a tinderbox.

So what was in the case? Its a beautiful The Bell Banjo. The banjo body looks to be in fantastic shape and its still in tune (well minus the broken string) It actually sounds pretty good for having dead strings and is extremely loud. Unfortunately, it looks like the banjo was getting restored before they stopped. Or maybe it fell apart over the years? Either way there is damage to the fret board.

It is missing several frets and several pieces of the fretboard as well. I am not a banjo player, but I've been wanting to learn. Is this worth fixing, should hang it on my wall, or should I just sell it to someone who can give it the love it deserves?

Since its missing a chunk of the fretboard, I'm guessing that the whole board would need to be replaced. What do you think repairs would run? I'm the stereotypical broke college kid so I'd need to save up for a bit to get this fixed.

Pics here.

1942, flyswatter archtop?

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 15 May 2012 23:25:06 CST

http://www.banjohangout.org/classified/28643

Whar is it really? FON, rim, reso, etc? I thought flyswatter pegheads didn't start until about 1949.

Pre war Gibson for sale

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:50:10 CST

I just found that little guy,I thought that I'll pass it along

http://martinsburg.craigslist.org/msg/3017874445.html.

W. A. Cole for your consideration.

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:43:54 CST

Just purchased this little jem.

Opinions on this 'Gibson'

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:45:46 CST

I'm not a bluegrasser but I thought I'd go over and check this out: http://flagstaff.craigslist.org/msd/3015728680.html. Any thoughts?

British Made Pre (WWI) War Hewett's Patent 5 string

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 15 May 2012 12:54:02 CST

This banjo came into my shop yesterday for a head replacement. I thought it was interesting enough that I would share photos on the hangout. The following is a link to some of the history of these banjos:

http://home.comcast.net/~banjopages/Stainer/Stainer.html

Originally, I had suggested to the owner that a Renaissance head might be better than a skin head, for reliability/stability, but It's an odd size (10 1/2") and space for the flesh hoop is limited without modifying the neck heel. I'm going to go with a natural colored calfskin head that I will mount on the existing flesh hoop.

gibson banjo id

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 14 May 2012 18:22:11 CST

Serial# 4020-401anyone know info on this? Looks like an rb4 but not sure. Thnx all!

1970 Gibson catalog listing of banjos

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:47:17 CST

There's a 1970 Gibson banjo catalog for sale on EBay today, and it lists all the models available. Surprisingly at that early date (to me) they WERE offering the All American and Florentine, in addition to the 800, 500, 250, 100, etc.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120914281226&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:US:1123

Standard disclaimer, I have nothing to do with the offered sale. I just thought it was interesting -- I thought these "top" models came out a few years later.

Gruhn; PB-4 flathead almost orig 5-string

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:48:43 CST

Gruhn has a very nice Holy Grail, pre-war, PB-4 flathead converted to a 5-string by grafting onto the fingerboard and neck for $70,000. That's getting downright reasonable for a great banjo.

Nice Slingerland

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:39:49 CST

Troubadour:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Slingerland-Troubadour-Jazz-Tenor-Banjo-/330733103755?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d013aaa8b

My Alvarez Is it a stealth banjo??

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:21:03 CST

Hello everyone: I have just posted some fair (not too good) Pics of my Alvarez on my homepage here in the Album.

I took em with a cellphone but that's all I have for now. I am attempting to I D this Banjo as to Model. (year would be nice too)

I found one that is VERY Much Like it on an old post here but mine does not have the little Bar inlay reading "Denver Belle"

But boy it looks like it otherwise. I know you get a lot of these requests but I'd sure appreciate any help you'd care to give.

It has the customary flathead tone ring and it is pretty nice overall. The reason I called it a stealth is that the Serial Number

is all there is it has NO other markings......(I thought they were required to give Name , Rank and Serial number when captured

Thanks Guys and Gals

Ron

He Won A B&D Serenader Banjo!

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 14 May 2012 11:49:40 CST

From January/February 1949 Fretted News. Dave Herbert won a banjo provided by Gretch for his banjo performance on a national show.

Guess what? The banjo was a Gretsch/B&D Serenader! Here is Dave with his prize B&D circa 1950.

I have been corresponding with Dave Herbert for several months and he has helped me complete a banjo project. Dave went on to have a successful banjo career in television in the 1950'-1960's. He was a TV personality in Cincinnati, Cleveland and Miami. He always had his banjo (later a VegaVox) in the show. In fact, he opened his Cincinnati TV show with "Four Leaf Clover", the Mike Pingitore record that inspired Dave to take up the banjo.

I thought you might be interested in news about a banjoist and banjo from back in the day.

..another highly sought after.............

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:13:46 CST

Left handed "Gibson" bottle-cap banjo!!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lefty-5-string-banjo-Gibson-left-handed-with-hard-shell-case-/320901921694?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ab73ebb9e

Another 1930 Kel Kroydon

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 13 May 2012 18:27:44 CST

A while back I acquired a Kel Kroydon pot, 9782-3, in really nice shape, missing its resonator..

While trying to decide what to do with it, I remembered a tone ring that an old friend showed me several years ago. He had bought it from an old fellow years before at a festival when the guy showed him “….the only part left of my banjo that burned when my shop burned down…..it was a Gibson……..” My friend bought it and never even cleaned it up to see what it might be. I asked him if he still had it and would sell it….yes to both questions; so I bought it.

When I got the ring, it looked terrible – all crusted black, with a couple of spots of gold showing. So I started cleaning it up and it was looking pretty good, but with no plating left. According to Steve Huber, it’s a prewar Gibson and it must have been from a Granada.

I brush-plated a very thin nickel plate on the ring and turned the rim (one of the nicest I’ve seen) to accept it and reassembled the pot. I put my spare RB-3 neck on it, one I made about a dozen years ago, and a Steve Gill prewar spec resonator. It has a Scorpion bridge.

A couple weeks after I put it together my friend Mike Munford stopped by and played it for a couple of hours. Well………don’t underestimate those Kel Kroydons!

Photos on my homepage in album “Kellie”.

Here's my homepage Soundfile of Mike Munford playing Kellie – fairly long - but some absolutely beautiful examples of Mike’s stellar abilities. Give a listen.

http://www.hangoutstorage.com/jukebox.asp?site=Banjo+Hangout&URL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ebanjohangout%2Eorg%2Fmyhangout%2Fmedia-player%2Faudio_player%2Easp%3Fisjukebox%3Dno%26musicID%3D26441

Avalon by Stadlmair: Who made this?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 13 May 2012 16:36:56 CST

Tenor banjo with Avalon brand name, plate reads "Henry Stadlmair Co Inc. / Distributors / New York". 10.5" rim with a simple solid brass tone ring. I am curious who made this.

I had a five string neck on it for a while: it made for a nice frailer.

(The dowel stick was replaced by a single aluminum rod at some point.)