1-6 digits stamped into the top edge of the headstock-often difficult to read. It would surprise me if there were 12 of those made as K banjos, however. The FON is the only identification number on Gibson's lower grade models (like the ES-125, ES-140, J-160E, etc.) It will be interesting of one of the BHO members has a vintage Kay catalog with that particular banjo. Headstocks say LoPrinzi. banjo headstock identification new harrisonburg high school good friday agreement, brexit June 29, 2022 fabletics madelaine petsch 2021 0 when is property considered abandoned after a divorce There was a line of black inlay (or ebony layer) along the centerline of the back of the neck. 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: . They were now able to get better materials. The fingerboard of the L-5S is in with select abalone. 118 Midtown Ct # M 1978 $1079 Tobacco sunburst is dropped for Fireburst; Maple is now described as Natural. 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. The labels with an image of Orville Gibson are generally found on instruments with serial numbers below 10,000. Gold-plated tuning gears, LOTS of abalone inlay. 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 ). 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. These bridges had movable saddles up to about 1917 when they changed to a one-piece compensating bridge design through early 1921. expressed on the sides and back of the 1934 versions. For a period of time, this was the top of the line. Manchester University, All Forums
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 By 1941, either natural or sunburst were available. Larrivee Serial Numbers (approximate). The top and back bindings were black plastic with red line highlights. Body designations and style designations of Martin guitars are letter-number combinations separated by a hyphen. RB -- regular banjo (5-string) TB -- tenor banjo. The braces were generally thin and numerous compared with other manufacturers. If you would like to use content from this page, see our Terms of Usage policy. By the records, between 200 and 300 were built. During the period of 1902 to approximately 1909 the mandolins sported tailpiece covers with a curly top and internal white labels with an image of Orville Gibson holding a lyre mandolin. A-series Factory location: New York City from start to 1971. I just have a few questions. The current bridge height and neck angle was reached around 1910. The 1934 version had a classic Gibson sunburst: the small amber center around the bridge about 1/4 of the top area. During 1942 two new models were introduced to the Gibson line-up to replace the J-35 and J-55. In 1935, binding was added to the fretboard. S3M, Size 3 guitar with mahogany back & sides. The fretboard was bound but without extension and The Gibson was stamped into the tailpiece cover. Example of custom shape is well represented below with the "Tennessee Banjo". The headstock face was veneered in black. Some examples had the black (skunk) strip down the middle of the top similar to the Southerner Jumbos. At the time, the Nick Lucas model was the largest flat-top Gibson offered. To complicate matters, the Larson brothers appear to have used different numbering techniques for different brands that they supplied. 15 Mahogany top, back & sides no binding, 17 Mahogany top, back & sides bound top. It's always made of hardwood such as ebony and makes up the front-facing top half of the banjo's neck. It is the only typical American (USA) instrument, starting off as an instrument of the African slaves, then via the Minstrel Shows becoming part of typical American music styles like Jazz, Dixieland, Bluegrass, etc. The original partners were Fred and Cassie Bacon and Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Winship. Not many were sold and the production run was therefore limited to 2 years. I have owned a beautiful Kay company banjo for over 30 years. The sunburst finish was generally $30 less than natural finish. . 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. 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. Alternates can range from standard designs out there in the banjo world, old or new, or a custom. Towards the end, the line actually continued to increase in sales. Free or royalty-free photos and images. Check out our banjo decal selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our bumper stickers shops. GB -- guitar banjo. The space between the headstock center and the top of the lathe bed is the radius of the lathe swing. Gibson discontinued the A-3 around 1922. The original V shape of the necks of the J-35s was replaced by distinctly round necks (baseball bats) and a tear drop pickguard. Bound rosewood fingerboard with small fret wire, clamshell tail piece with Morris inscribed. purchase these instruments and put their own names on them, but in many other
Introduced is the year of introduction. Sunburst finish changes slightly: a cremona brown fading from the center amber to a reddish brown perimeter. Its difficult to positively
Early 1970's block shaped no dot over the "i" closed "b" and . Augustino & Thomas LoPrinzi Guitars usually have the date of manufacture on the label. ARCHIVED TOPIC: VINTAGE BANJO IDENTIFICATION. Kay company banjos were normally not that high-quality but this one is different. A-3s had refrigerator white tops with a black perfling line, adjustable truss rods and adjustable bridges. He lived in Illinois all his life. The neck heal had a white plastic cap. Gibson started making banjos in 1917. 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! I would sure like to hear what it sounds like. A flourish inlay under The Gibson in the headstock. In some cases there are no pickguards. Prices were typically 30-40% more than other Gibson solid bodies; the Les Paul Recording, LP Custom and SG Custom. It was built for Hollywood singing star Ray Whitley as the worlds biggest and fanciest acoustic guitar. The electronics cover on the back was matching solid figured maple. The birch sides and back were stained red. 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. All listed sizes are for 12 fret to body models: These dimensions were similar for all Larson made instruments. Gretsch appears to have started a new numbering system at about that time. The following versions evolved quickly to 14 frets clear of the body. 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. The L-series is very difficult to properly identify and date as they were inconsistent in their appointments and the catalog descriptions do not always agree with the actual instruments produced. 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-81 models were rosewood back & sides, ebony fingerboard with figured abalone block inlays & gold plated hardware. 1921 onward: Metal 90-degree pickguard support screwed into the body and additional screw to the neck. For example, the serial number 90237XXX corresponds to a production date of 1/23/97. 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. Here's the photo gallery that I put together:velkdesign.com/assets/banjo/. http://www.mugwumps.com. The first Gibson J45 guitars were only slightly different from the discontinued J-35. Saga Bella Voce 70/80. The only available finish was sunburst until 1954. You may, . What's the history on the this jo, are you the original owner? Start your day off right, with a Dayspring Coffee Gibson TP-6 tailpiece became standard. F Style mandolins have a carved nautilus shaped curl on the upper left-hand bout. Bridges: Ebony Sometimes with a flattened pyramid rectangular bridge shape. Semi-hollow guitar serial numbers are found inside the 'top' F-hole on a label. You can buy the book here on Amazon and I would highly recommend it. 587 Similar to 585 but with pearl (vs ivoroid) tuner buttons. The following site helps identify the labels with the date and location of production: All Gurian Guitars have serial numbers stamped on the neck block in characters visible through the soundhole. ss stewart presentation banjo - Google Search. MK-35-12 models were only made in 1977. Like the SJ-100 of the same year, the J-55 had a stair-step headstock that persisted for only 2 years. Some SJNs with plastic Special Bridges. Ironically, after almost 40 years of making some of the worlds finest banjos, the Bacon and Day banjos were the first to carry David L. Days name. The selected tuners varied randomly by model and year. Buy in monthly payments with Affirm on orders over $50. The Jumbo 55 (J-55) was introduce in late 1939 and discontinued in 1942. The early models had shallow neck sets and low bridges that increased in angle around 1908 with taller bridges. Gibson developed the truss rod in 1921. There were some 1 3/4 nuts available. Presentation banjos often turned up at NAMMand other shows. CLR, Classic guitar with Indian rosewood back and sides, decorated binding, gold tuners. New Location:
Each type of banjo head has a unique contribution to your banjo's tone. 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. It was available in red, black or two-tone sunburst finish, fleur-de-lis under The Gibson; Handel inlaid tuner buttons prior to 1916 (WWI) with a dotted + in each button. Materials and methods of production were reviewed and revised. The tuners cogs are peened on the shafts (the peening sometihas a waffle design). It was initially called the De Luxe Jumbo for the few versions that were delivered before the model went into production. My understanding is that only 12 of these particular banjos were ever manufactured by Kay.