Larrivee Serial Numbers (approximate). Yes, please do post your tune here on this page. 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. In 1941 the fretboard became Brazilian rosewood. http://www.mugwumps.com. Since Spruce was needed for the war-time effort, some J-45s in 1943 have a mahogany top. tailpieces (see fourth row of pictures below) on many of their unmarked banjos, and their (Numerical ID) Example: Serial number 0191456 = Harmony Standard Series guitar built in 2019. Gibson changed the name again in the 1950s to the SJ-200. Electric guitars having the serial number on the back of the headstock. Higher grade models (such as the Super 400, L-5, J-200, etc.) Yes, paging Scott to the Collector's Corner, please. George Youngblood of Youngbloods Music Workshop. B&D models stopped around 1968 following Baldwins (Gretschs parent company) 1967 purchase of the ODE company. Like all other companies, there are exceptions. RB -- regular banjo (5-string) TB -- tenor banjo. Like the SJ-100 of the same year, the J-55 had a stair-step headstock that persisted for only 2 years. Since that day in 1989, Deering has breathed new life into the Vega name, blending over a century of tradition with Deering's banjo building expertise, to create a range of heritage rich open back and longneck banjos that are as integral to the modern folk . $80 in depression era dollars was beyond the means of most people of the time but 300+/- were built during its 3 year production run. It was available with a Snakehead and had a shaped fingerboard extension. 541 Concert: rosewood back & sides with colored wood appointments. 593 Similar to 590 but with pearl (vs ivoroid) tuner buttons. target no need to return item. I have owned a beautiful Kay company banjo for over 30 years. The Gibson LG series of flat-top guitars were developed as the natural evolution of the earlier L-Series. For a period of time, this was the top of the line. 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. Sometimes a higher model number means a bigger and fancier instrument but there does not appear to be a thoughtful of consistent method for ascribing model numbers. It's difficult to positively identify the manufacturer of these . 340 Rosewood back & sides, MOP, colored wood appointments & a Tree-of-Life fretboard inlay. I'll have to record it and post a tune. 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. thurgood marshall school of law apparel Projetos; bubble buster 2048 town Blog; cell defense the plasma membrane answer key step 13 Quem somos; how to make a good elder scrolls: legends deck Contato; hillsdale college football. To most people all banjos look (and sound) the same. The Southerner Jumbo (later shortened to: Southern Jumbo and then SJ) was a fancier J-45. 1978 $1079 Tobacco sunburst is dropped for Fireburst; Maple is now described as Natural. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. In 1926 Gibson introduced the L-series guitars with the L-0 at $35 and the L-1 at $50 (1928 prices). Semi-hollow guitar serial numbers are found inside the 'top' F-hole on a label. MK-35 models were mahogany back & sides, rosewood fingerboards with dot inlays & nickel hardware. In some cases there are no pickguards. I removed the resonator today and there is a hand written number 8 and that's it. The introduction of a truss rod cover to the headstock caused the inlay patterns to adjust as well. Gibson needed to revitalize its lineup of flat-top guitars the LG-Series was born. The fingerboard typically has inlays made of silver or steel. Some J-45 models with non-bookmatched two piece Adirondack spruce tops and some examples with four piece tops. The one delivered first to Ray Whitley was not the model now seen as the beginning of the Super Jumbos, but a simpler 12 fret version. Carl and August Larson built instruments between 1900 and 1944. The other digits in the serial number can tell you when your banjo was made. Thanks for the feedback! The electronics cover on the back was matching solid figured maple. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Copyright 2023 Banjo Hangout. JR, jumbo size guitar with East Indian rosewood back & sides, chrome tuners. These appear to have a unique serial number scheme. 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. MIDWEST BANJO CAMPJune 1-4, 2023New Manchester, IN This was expanded in 1935 to about 1/3 of the top area. I just received this mando-banjo I bought on e-bay and I'm hoping someone can help me identify the builder. FLC, Flamenco guitar with Canadian cypress back and sides, friction pegs (machine heads on some examples). Other singing cowboys who later owned Super Jumbos include Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. If1970s, would be Japanese, more likely. $ 5,719.00 $ 5,149.00. It is most common after 1923 when most Gibson model As had this shape. This should be considered a guide to get you within a year of the correct date. The grade of top wood was tighter grained. The soundboard was so large and the body so deep that the sound was immense. side of the top of the peghead (see last set of pictures below). It is, therefore, not unusual to find older mandolins with replacement bridges. A head on a long neck open back banjo might sound completely different on a 12-string banjo. It's always made of hardwood such as ebony and makes up the front-facing top half of the banjo's neck. 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). Sounds great and the instrument is very easy to play. MIDWEST BANJO CAMPJune 1-4, 2023New Manchester, IN, 'Pisgah Banjo Co. raffle for Arnold Shultz Fund extended to March 10, 2023' 2 hrs, 'Pisgah Banjo Company banjo raffle extended to March 10' 2 hrs, 'Lost Indian: Samuel Bayard collection ' 3 hrs, 'Lost Indian: Samuel Bayard collection' 3 hrs, 'Flinthill FHB-300 - Killer bluegrass banjo for the money!' 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. The public seems to have favored this shape over time as it fetches better prices now. CMI acquired Gibson around May 1944. Mid to late 1944, the neck block revert back to mahogany, though poplar is occasionally used. Blake507 - Posted-12/26/2013: 15:42:17. A2-Zs were theoretically made during the Loar period of 1921-25, but only between 1923 and 1924. The original price in 1942 was $45. Please see the, Epiphone: Current Serial Number Information, Gibson J-35 & Advanced Jumbo Flat-top Acoustic Guitars, Gibson Jumbo Deluxe and J-55 Flat-top Acoustic Guitars, Gibson J-45 and J-50 Flat-top Acoustic Guitars, Gibson Southern Jumbos and Country Westerns, Gibson J-160E Flat-top Acoustic-Electrics, Gibson CF-100 Flat-top Acoustic-Electrics, Gibson MK Series Flat-top Acoustic Guitars, Gibson L-5S Solid Body Electric Guitars, Guitars & Stringed Instruments General Information, Care & Feeding of a Wooden Musical Instrument, Identifying Vintage Guitars, Banjos & Mandolins, 41530 Transition from 12 to 14 fret necks, 1 Banjos from various contracted builders, 2028 Earliest reference to Forrest Dale VT, 30620 Symphonie, Sultana, and Senorita introduced, 35341 Gretsch purchases Fred Bacon Banjo Company. JR3H, like JR, but with 3-piece back, herringbone binding & gold tuners. 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. Thanks for any assistance you can provide. Michael Wright has compiled one of the largest picture galleries of headstock photos in his book "Guitar Stories Vol. The neck was a broad round profile single piece mahogany with a bound coffewood fretboard and dot markers. For example: B&D had several un-numbered models between 1913 and 1920. Gibson believed that these choices would allow them to focus on their more profitable lines. Weekly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, banjo news and more. banjos. 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. The following versions evolved quickly to 14 frets clear of the body. Gold-plated tuning gears, LOTS of abalone inlay. By the end in 1985-86, Gibson was basically down to the Les Paul model alone. These appear to be the easiest to find and quite reasonable to buy. It appears that many mandolin owners of earlier models chose to upgrade their bridges to the fancy new adjustable models after 1921. The swing of a lathe is measured as the total diameter of a finished turned piece, such as a wood bowl. I would sure like to hear what it sounds like. Pearl dots on fretboard. 2. 519,409 In 1894, he patented this wild banjo with a neck that folds in on itself at the 10th fret in order to facilitate transportation. The bracing for the new larger models was X braced: there were 3 transverse tone bars between the braces 1 more than the Martin as Gibson experimented with bracing design heavy enough to support the large tops and light enough to be resonant and responsive. 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 . Find the worth of your vintage banjo from 1920s to 1970s. 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. Some rectangular examples, black bridge pins (2 pearl dots on rectangle bridge), Headstock appointments: gold decal: Only a Gibson is Good Enough banner. Approximate Chronology (there are always exceptions): There were a few natural finished J-45N models made during 1942. LG-0 | Introduced 1958 | Discontinued 1973, LG-1 | Introduced 1947 | Discontinued 1968, LG-2 | Introduced 1942 | Discontinued 1962, LG-2- | Introduced 1949 | Discontinued 1962, LG-3 | Introduced 1946 | Discontinued 1963, B-25 | Introduced 1962 | Discontinued 1976, FJ-N | Introduced 1963 | Discontinued 1970, F-25 | Introduced 1963 | Discontinued 1970, B-15 | Introduced 1967 | Discontinued 1970, Brazilian rosewood rectangular through bridges, 2 screws in the bridge with MOP dot covers, Basically the same as LG-1 with a mahogany top, Single plastic tortoise shell binding top and back, Narrow neck design with 14 degree headstock angle, Same basic guitar as LG-2 with average wood, Wood imperfections covered by a dark sunburst, Tall scalloped braces change to low-profile rough cut, Enlarged rectangular bridge with closed slot, Fire striped plastic pickguard teardrop shape, Last use of the Banner decal on headstocks, Basically the same as an LG-2 with better materials, Bottom belly rosewood bridges with adjustable saddles, Back, sides and neck finished in walnut stain, Body shape: 16 wide, round shoulder dreadnought shape, Top: Select spruce, 2-piece bookmatched with scalloped X-bracing, Neck: mahogany, single piece, unbound, 19 fret, dot markers, Bridges: Rosewood belly-down. Vega continued to mark their banjos "A.C. Fairbanks" until the middle teens. The Southerner Jumbos were the most expensive flat-top guitars Gibson offered at the time. They are essentially an Advanced Jumbo with minor compromises: they filled a gap between the J-35 and the J-55. There is a Kay company logo on the headstock but absolutely no other identifying marks. Many have no identification at all. Each model of the Mark Series was available in natural or sunburst finish. Factory Order Numbers (FON) in the 2800s to 2900s and 300s to 500s and some in the 600-800s and 1000s range. 2: The Histories of Cool Guitars". Late 1930s through 1942: ? adjustment wheels 2 feet and extensions on top of the base for the wheels. The headstock shape is very similar and it has the hexnut . They were well suited for orchestral arrangements as well as individual play and accompaniment. They could be strung with steel or nylon strings. What's the history on the this jo, are you the original owner? Mid 1950s: the pickguard changed from the teardrop to the larger undulating shape like the pre-war J-35s. 1973 $895 L-5S a few instruments shipped and cherry sunburst is the only available finish. CONTACT US; Headstock Shape. I own the book and have found it to be an invaluable resource in identifying these old guitars. 2 foot pressed arm rest and flat head tone ring. 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: . cases they carry no identifying name at all. The braces were generally thin and numerous compared with other manufacturers. Introduced August 1942 and J-45s are still available today. GB -- guitar banjo. Thinner cog gears with no bevel on the edge of the cogs. Prairie State instruments have the patented rod and/or tube reinforcing, occasionally found on other Larson built guitars. 1952: The headstock gold decal logo was replaced by an inlayed pearl script and crown. The only available finish was sunburst until 1954. I have to say that it is most interesting. The system is not known for certain but might have restarted as consecutive numbers beginning at 1000. Tuners, hardware and tailpieces were probably purchased from Lyon and Healy who had a factory just down the street from the Larson shop. Frets refers to the number of frets that are clear of the body. Gibson had helped in the war effort and seen many employees enlist. In some cases, teachers would I'm thinking it was made by the Iida folks for a NAMM show or something. 1946 onward: No feet the bottom of the bridge flush on the instrument top. 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. Western movies were tremendously popular and the singing cowboy heroes needed instruments as big and bold as untamed West. There was a line of black inlay (or ebony layer) along the centerline of the back of the neck. The Gibson stamped on tailpiece cover and inlaid in headstock. The Mark Series, though not a wild success in terms of overall sales, did sell reasonably well. MK-35-12 models were only made in 1977. Banjo Headstock Designs. Bound rosewood fingerboard with small fret wire, clamshell tail piece with Morris inscribed. The soundhole binding does not extend the full depth of the soundhole. Gibson discontinued the A-3 around 1922. Between 1934 and 1938, Gibson only offered the sunburst finish. 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. The examples weve seen vary from the Gibson catalogs quite a bit. It would surprise me if there were 12 of those made as K banjos, however. The new design was thinner and much easier to handle and play. The necks and heels were rounder. Its price tag was $55 as compared to the Martin D-18 at $65 and D-28 at $100. If you would like to use content from this page, see our Terms of Usage policy. Martin Flat Top Guitar Body Sizes and Designations: The body size designation is stamped on the neck block starting in October 1930. These digits should match the 4 digits found on the back of the peghead of your banjo. The headstock carried an inlayed script Gibson. Gibson Banjos 1925 and Later: . Research our price guide with auction results on 40 items from $35 to $2,928. World War II changed many aspects of the guitar world. At least then you will know the model name. This makes up for the shallow break angle, and also does away with string trees, which are not needed in this case.