Hey there, I'm interested in the Vega and later on Gibson banjo endorsee's, the Mitchell brothers. They were a vaudeville era singing banjo duet that was evidently quite popular and also were part of guitarist and fellow Gibson endorsee Carson Robisons band. I have purchased 8936-1 and I know Gibson made at least 2 others for the brothers in the same litter 8936-2 and 8936-3? If any of you guys know the owners of the other stable mates maybe you can put us together. If any of you have any Mitchell brothers effemera, photos or knowledge of their history I'm keenly interested. Thanks

Does this help

http://www.jazzbanjo.com/subsite2/recordarchive/mitchellbros.htm

According to banjophiles 8936-3 is a 1928 PB Florentine flathead tpf walnut owned by T.Biggs

Carson Robison and his Pioneers

Edited by - Dr Ralph on 02/21/2012 17:03:47

Congratulations JohnVonk, I had been watching your new banjo at Musurgia in Brooklyn NY for some time. It's a BEAUTY of a plectrum!

There is a picture in The Country Music Story(p216) with the Mitchell Bros. with what appears to be checkerboard PT-6

I think Ken Cagle told me once of a pair of Florentines that the Mitchell's had that had a different crest on the resonator...or was I dreaming?

I always imagined something like http://www.turtlehillbanjo.com/images/Gibson/GibsonFlorentine1934.html  for their instruments, but my memory isn't what it used to be.

Edited by - DHutchens on 02/22/2012 16:37:12

I haven't received the Florentine yet but when I do I'll get my sons to take pictures and post them. This banjo has the standard Coat of Arms of Florence like most Florentines and is the "White Holly" painted finish. I hope to get it by weeks end. Cheers

I've got a 27 Florentine.I really enjoy picking on it.I'm sure you will enjoy yours. Congradulations.

I spent some quality time playing your banjo last summer! It's a beautiful classic plectrum! Glad to hear that it's going to a good home!

I know Carson Robison backed up my teacher Roy Smeck on several of Roy's early recordings, plus he wrote the song "I Love to Sing for People When they Talk" that Cynthia Sayer recorded.

quote:

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Originally posted by Dr Ralph

Does this help

http://www.jazzbanjo.com/subsite2/recordarchive/mitchellbros.htm

According to banjophiles 8936-3 is a 1928 PB Florentine flathead tpf walnut owned by T.Biggs

 

Carson Robison and his Pioneers

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Your banjo is also listed on banjophiles listed as owned by Mandolin Bros...you may want to call them to update their listings 

http://www.banjophiles.com/SerNumData/8XXX.htm

Thanks Dr. Ralph, I'll work on updating the philes. I got the banjo last night and it's been difficult to put it down. The banjo was expertly packed by Peter at Retrofret and arrived safely and is all original and in wonderful condition as advertised. Very little wear to the resonator and neck but checking and yellowing as to be expected. The coloring of the Venetian scenes has faded and is worn but the outlines are all there and up at the 22nd fret the painted colors are still visible. This banjo has been well played but not abused and it is my priviledge to be the current caretaker of the instrument. Thanks again Dr. Ralph for your help with the links! This banjo is prominently featured in more than 1 Gibson catalog from 1928 and 1929, I am stoked. I didn't have a clue! The historical significance of the banjo is just beginning to sink in. Oh the banjo plays wonderfully right out of the box. Hats off to Retrofret/ Musurgia for setting it up so well. I had a friend video me playing "California here I Come" and when I can get some help I'll post it. I'm sad to say I'm lame on computers but I'm trying to improve. Thanks to all for helping me research the Mitchell Brothers.

quote:

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Originally posted by John Vonk

Thanks Dr. Ralph, I'll work on updating the philes. I got the banjo last night and it's been difficult to put it down. The banjo was expertly packed by Peter at Retrofret and arrived safely and is all original and in wonderful condition as advertised. Very little wear to the resonator and neck but checking and yellowing as to be expected. The coloring of the Venetian scenes has faded and is worn but the outlines are all there and up at the 22nd fret the painted colors are still visible. This banjo has been well played but not abused and it is my priviledge to be the current caretaker of the instrument. Thanks again Dr. Ralph for your help with the links! This banjo is prominently featured in more than 1 Gibson catalog from 1928 and 1929, I am stoked. I didn't have a clue! The historical significance of the banjo is just beginning to sink in. Oh the banjo plays wonderfully right out of the box. Hats off to Retrofret/ Musurgia for setting it up so well. I had a friend video me playing "California here I Come" and when I can get some help I'll post it. I'm sad to say I'm lame on computers but I'm trying to improve. Thanks to all for helping me research the Mitchell Brothers.

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No problem John, glad I could help

I am real pleased that you have found the instrument of your dreams & hope that you get years of enjoyment picking it, I bet when you get to posting the video the only thing outshining the banjo will be your grin! 

That's a great statement about being the current custodian as opposed to being the owner, it must be cool knowing that your name will be forever associated with the history of that banjo..get them records updated!!!

Good luck with your quest to find out more about the Mitchell brothers, if I come across anything I will be sure to let you know

Cheers

Doc

Here is the Video of California Here I Come,

Cheers,
JPV

VIDEO: CaliforniaFlorentine.MOV (click to view)

Right on

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Originally posted by John Vonk

 I have purchased 8936-1 and I know Gibson made at least 2 others for the brothers in the same litter 8936-2 and 8936-3? If any of you guys know the owners of the other stable mates maybe you can put us together. If any of you have any Mitchell brothers effemera, photos or knowledge of their history I'm keenly interested. Thanks

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 Hi John, 

Pleased you are happy with your purchase.

I do not know who the owner of #8936-2 may be now, but I do have about 14 good color photos of this 'Mitchell Brothers'  Florentine plectrum, from 3 years ago - and I am kicking myself for not pursuing the  purchase, at that time! 

Now if it had been a tenor ???

All the best,

Derek

www.banjocollector.com

Great job on a great banjo.

Nice one John

I can see why you're so pleased with your purchase that's a great looking banjo & if I'm not mistaken that's the grin of a contented man.  

I once owned 8936-3. I purchased it in 1973 from GTR, Inc. The banjo had a real Mystic about it since it once belonged to John Mitchell and traveled with him around the world while he and his brother performed for many dignitaries.
I converted this banjo to a 5 string and played it that way until about 1979 when it was put back together as the original plectrum and sold. This walnut plectrum original flathead Florentine banjo was in excellent condition, scenes and all, and a beautiful sounding five string conversion, a real pleasure to play and own.

I had the banjo set up with the original calfskin head and used it that way to record all of the songs on the
1973 Mercury LP album "Bluefield".
I also recorded with it again on the Leon Russell CD "Stop All That Jazz" on all of the songs featuring banjo.

I am glad to hear that this banjo is in good hands.

quote:

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Originally posted by DHutchens

I always imagined something like http://www.turtlehillbanjo.com/images/Gibson/GibsonFlorentine1934.html  for their instruments, but my memory isn't what it used to be.

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 That is an absolutely BEAUTIFUL banjo Doug! I know the Florentine is more well-known for the "fiddle style" peghead shape, but dang if that "double-cut" peghead shape ain't just CLASSIC! This would be at the top of my "wish list", if money were no object!

John

Did you go to the Retrofret showroom to see the banjo before you bought it?

That place is pretty much what my vision of heaven is like!

I didn't go to Retrofret to try the banjo but I usually do try to audition an instrument before I purchase it. I live in Los Angeles and a trip to Retrofret probably would have cost close to the price of the banjo! I love their site and the eclectic variety of the stock. I had taken out a BHO classified wanted ad for a pre war Gibson plectrum banjo and although I didn't purchase a banjo directly from a member I talked to 4 or 5 members with instruments for sale. I started following Collector's corner and thanks to the Old Timer, Dr. Ralph and other members I was alerted to instruments on ebay or at dealers that had plectrums. Plectrums are rare and you just can't find them at your average music store. I was aware of Retrofret's stellar reputation and in fact they offered no problem return policy if I was unhappy with the instrument. I had followed this banjo for over a year and then a funny thing happened. I read an article in Vintage Guitar magazine asking dealers what the rarest, crazyest, instrument they had ever scene was ? The proprietor of Retrofret replied a customer had brought in a 1930's Gibson Advanced Jumbo plectrum guitar and after examining that he believed he had seen the most odd ball guitar. This prompted me to call Retrofret to see if they had acquired a AJ plectrum but alas the guitar is the prized possesion of it's current owner and not for sale. I inquired about the Mitchell Brothers banjo and was informed of a price reduction so I took the plunge. I felt secure with the purchase because of the reputation of the dealer and the excellent in hand description provided by Peter their banjo expert. The banjo was as described and I'm a lucky man!