banjo headstock identification

The bridge were early simple rectangular with through-saddles. Inlays and bindings are remarkably consistent through the years. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/276603. I just have a few questions. 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. Sunburst finish changes slightly: a cremona brown fading from the center amber to a reddish brown perimeter. The first Gibson J45 guitars were only slightly different from the discontinued J-35. He lived in Illinois all his life. Our 19th Year * Sign Up Now MK-53 models were maple back & sides, rosewood fingerboards with dot inlays & nickel hardware. 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 . Depending on the selected source, there is disagreement about these numbers. Buckbee (1861-1897) banjos can frequently be identified by their You have your choice of 3 different peghead shapes. The 1975 price was $1,999. Wiley Morris of the Morris Brothers Hillbilly Band and Charlie Monroe (Bill Monroes brother) took to the instrument for its potential in the roots of Bluegrass music. The sunburst finish was generally $30 less than natural finish. It took Gibson 2 years to develop their response: The Jumbo of 1934. You'll find Epiphone serial numbers in the standard places. Example: S3021234 = Samick Korea / 1993 / February . 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. The examples weve seen vary from the Gibson catalogs quite a bit. 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. Starting in 1977, Gibson adopted the current date-based serial system which codes for the year and day of production. The second type of headstock, as you can tell by its name, is the angled or tilted-back headstock. Mid 1950s: the pickguard changed from the teardrop to the larger undulating shape like the pre-war J-35s. They were available in steel string or classical. Bodies: Rosewood, oak, mahogany, koa and maple. The back and sides were still mahogany but the Southerner Jumbo had a dark wooden stripe separating the 2 back pieces. Kay company banjos were normally not that high-quality but this one is different. These appear to have a unique serial number scheme. 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. ARIA 921C. Unfortunately, the information is confusing and inconsistent. 1959: Larger crown frets and the adjustable bridge. The narrower guitar sizes allowed for available materials. 1970 onward: 1 piece maple. The Jumbos had a slight V shaped neck with the Gibson truss rod and a pointed French heal somewhat unusual for Gibson. Martin introduced their versions of acoustic-electrics: the D-18E in 1958 and D-28E in 1959. Some SJNs with plastic Special Bridges. 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 The rosettes were simple white-black-white. In the early years, due to the depression and the following wartime austerity, demand for this expensive instrument was limited and production quantities were small. Steel Guitar. Schall hardware is pretty unique and the fifth This is the smallest model, chrome tuners. Augustino LoPrinzi has developed a fine reputation for classical guitars, ukuleles, steel string and 12-string guitars. It was intended to be more affordable and more readily available than its main competition: the Martin D-18. Many banjo manufacturers, in addition to making banjos under their own names, made unmarked banjos for others to sell as well. What's the history on the this jo, are you the original owner? In 1987, after the Gretsch family had re-acquired their name, re-introduced the B&D Silver Bell but the market didnt seem to care. It shared many features with the L-5 archtop electric acoustic: The neck was basically an L-5 neck in scale, section and detail. FLC, Flamenco guitar with Canadian cypress back and sides, friction pegs (machine heads on some examples). This information is approximate and has not been verified by the LoPrinzi family. Approximate Chronology (there are always exceptions): There were a few natural finished J-45N models made during 1942. For example, the serial number 90237XXX corresponds to a production date of 1/23/97. At the time, the Nick Lucas model was the largest flat-top Gibson offered. The guitar designs, however, were not the problem. To accommodate the pickup, the standard production neck was pushed up to a neck-body joint at the 15th fret. 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. Introduced August 1942 and J-45s are still available today. All Rights Reserved. I have owned a beautiful Kay company banjo for over 30 years. ECL changed its name shortly afterwards to: Norlin Inc. for ECL president Norton Stevens and CMI president Maurice Berlin. This is a high-quality instrument. Blake507 - Posted-12/26/2013: 15:42:17. During 1880-1890 Fairbanks joined with William A. Cole, a successful performer and teacher, and produced approximately 9000 banjos as Fairbanks & Cole. The following are believed to be accurate known numbers: The following serial numbers are approximate at best. Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. The financial strain became too much and the company sold in 1940 to Gretsch. If you want to use any of this information: See the notes below. The swing of a lathe is measured as the total diameter of a finished turned piece, such as a wood bowl. 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. Yuletide. The body dimensions basically match the LG-series: 14 1/8 wide by 19 1/2 long by 4 1/2 deep. S2M, size 2 guitar with mahogany back & sides. Serial Numbers. The swing distance is important because it dictates how large a turned piece can be on that particular lathe. Factory Order Numbers (FON) in the 2800s to 2900s and 300s to 500s and some in the 600-800s and 1000s range. 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 . The early instruments built in Nashville suffered from inexperienced workers and climate-control problems in the humid South. These were Gibsons first flat-top cutaways. Gibson discontinued the A-3 around 1922. Many have no identification at all. Gibson developed the truss rod in 1921. For example: In general: Bacon serial numbers begin in 1906 (1 and 2 digit) and run consecutively until the sale of the company to Gretsch in 1940 (5 digit). expressed on the sides and back of the 1934 versions. 1973 $895 L-5S a few instruments shipped and cherry sunburst is the only available finish. http://www.mugwumps.com. By 1936, with the depression still gripping the nation, Gibson moved to stay competitive and offer a more affordable option: The Advanced Jumbo (Advanced meaning that the size advanced: got bigger) with rosewood and fancier appointments that would compete with the Martin D-28 at $80 and the Jumbo 35 at $35 to compete with the Martin D-18. Western movies were tremendously popular and the singing cowboy heroes needed instruments as big and bold as untamed West. their better banjos is also distinctive, with a small additional bump on either Over time the J-35 braces began to appear scalloped. Dimensions: 16 wide, 10 1/4 long and 4 1/2 deep. 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. Frets refers to the number of frets that are clear of the body. $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. The fingerboard of the L-5S is in with select abalone. They are available for binding that is .060 and .090 binding. The headstock carried an inlayed script Gibson. The soundhole had an additional thick white purfling ring. Like everything else connected to instrument identification issues there are many exceptions. For a period of time, this was the top of the line. The back braces were tall and thin and Gibson scalloped the top braces. It is very showy though. Tuners, hardware and tailpieces were probably purchased from Lyon and Healy who had a factory just down the street from the Larson shop. Worthy of mention is the Jumbo Deluxe, though it is believed that only 3 were ever made in 1938. 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 were 3-piece solid maple bodies. This was available in brown, black or blonde finish. Google Play. Occasionally the labels have fallen out or been removed during repairs making it a bit trickier to date the instruments. . Gold-plated tuning gears, LOTS of abalone inlay. Some rectangular examples, Headstock appointments: Decal Only a Gibson is Good Enough banner. That way I'll be sure to hear it, since I will get a heads up when you post. The bridge was a small rectangular block type with a through saddle. ARCHIVED TOPIC: Vintage Kay Company Banjo - Need Help Identifying Model, Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. The 1975 price was $659. Deering. Ironically, the script logo on the headstock was old-style. There is a Kay company logo on the headstock but absolutely no other identifying marks. The braces were generally thin and numerous compared with other manufacturers. Manchester University, Instruction * ConcertsJams * More 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. . It was reintroduced in limited editions in 1991. Some FONs for 1942 include 7116-7119, 7434, 7705, 7721, 907, 910, 923, 928, 2004-2006, 2059, 2098, 2110, 2119. Information compiled by Leonard Wyeth 2008, L Wyeth, Century General Introduced 1933 for the Century of Progress Exhibition @ $55. These instruments live a bit outside that critique. Richard Schneider and assistant Abe Wechter acted as the on-site, full-time luthiers to collaborate and develop Kashas theories and bring them to a manufacturing reality. Pearl twin parallelogram inlays, Bridges: Rosewood belly-down. in the third row of pictures below: Lyon & Healy (1864-1940) made many grades of banjos in many styles, If you have additional information or corrections, please contact us. Jun 24, 2020 - The Art of Banjo Headstocks. The appointments of the Southerner Jumbo included more top binding and an additional set of rosette rings. Some early necks were cherry before 1912. There is a Kay company logo on the headstock but absolutely no other identifying marks. Gold-plated tuning gears, LOTS of abalone inlay. They were the J-45 and the Southerner Jumbo. Known Problems with Gretschs Serial Number System: Due to the various renumbering schemes, there are Gretsch-built Bacons and B&Ds with 3 digit, 4 digit and 5 digit serial numbers, which confuses identification of instruments made between 1910 and 1940. (The 1st year of the J-45 actually had similar appointments but they were reduced and simplified for model clarity in 1943). 1979 $1149 Antique Sunburst added to Fireburst, Cherry Sunburst and Natural. Similar to A-2 but with snakehead headstock, blonde finish, b/w binding, and A2-Z on the label. I'm kind of with Bob on the Korea origin - almost screams Sam Ickfrom the 1980s to me - except that it's a little understated and the finish isn't as thick as you normally see on a Samickpresentation banjo. It appears that they experimented right up to the point of discontinuing the line. Art Studios. 3 special model, serial number 8382, New York, circa 1920s, intricate abalone shell inlay to fingerboard and headstock which also bears the Company logo. Late 1930s through 1942: ? adjustment wheels 2 feet and extensions on top of the base for the wheels. The concept behind the J-45 was a high quality, affordable, big-sounding acoustic flat-top guitar. 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. Free or royalty-free photos and images. Each model of the Mark Series was available in natural or sunburst finish. 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 Silkscreen logos - Low end models. The hardshell case had a green or red silk lining. Acoustic Guitars. MK-81 models were rosewood back & sides, ebony fingerboard with figured abalone block inlays & gold plated hardware. 1974 $895 This was the best sales year for the L-5S shipping 555 instruments. Gibson had helped in the war effort and seen many employees enlist. Only about a dozen were made. 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. Its difficult to positively Research our price guide with auction results on 40 items from $35 to $2,928. The numbers are preceded by letters: A, B, C, or D which indicate the series. For more detailed information, get the following book: The Larsons Creations Guitars & Mandolins by Robert Carl Hartman. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. The appointments matched the MK-35 but the bracing was modified to accommodate the additional string tension of 12 strings. 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. The 2nd delivery to Ray Whitley was the more refined 14 fret SJ that is so well photo-dicumented. Also, the first batch of J-45s had more binding both on the body and soundhole. It became the working mans choice and one of the most enduring instrument designs in history. My understanding is that only 12 of these particular banjos were ever manufactured by Kay. Saga Bella Voce 70/80. They were mahogany back & sides with single layer binding front and back. Several other forces were at work for change: Introduced 1963, these were designed as dual-purpose instruments. So, take a look and . Description: Internally constructed from dense EPS foam, the exterior of this Gator banjo case is covered in rugged 600-denier ballistic . The current bridge height and neck angle was reached around 1910. peghead shape. Semi-hollow guitar serial numbers are found inside the 'top' F-hole on a label. CLB, Classic guitar of Brazilian rosewood, gold tuners. 15 Mahogany top, back & sides no binding, 17 Mahogany top, back & sides bound top. As a vintage instrument dealer, I see no collectors market for banjos like yours. In 1935, binding was added to the fretboard. Other Banjo-Related Topics They were well suited for orchestral arrangements as well as individual play and accompaniment. My understanding is that only 12 of these particular banjos were ever manufactured by Kay. It had chrome plated standard friction pegs, rosewood finished neck and headstock with matchin resonator. Your banjo is Asian made, likely Korea, but maybe Japan. The decade following saw a change in finish from varnish to shinier lacquer. However there were and are many different types, most of which can be found on this page. They are essentially an Advanced Jumbo with minor compromises: they filled a gap between the J-35 and the J-55. 593 Similar to 590 but with pearl (vs ivoroid) tuner buttons. 1952: The headstock gold decal logo was replaced by an inlayed pearl script and crown. New guitars were supplied with user applied pick guards, and extra saddles of different heights that could be easily inserted to adjust the string action to accommodate the swelling of the instrument with seasonal humidity changes. 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 Gibson Company was formed in late 1902 and the early mandolins evolved from the original Orville Gibson designs. 587 Similar to 585 but with pearl (vs ivoroid) tuner buttons. 1972 L-5S launched, but shipping totals list no instruments being shipped until 1973. Lyon & Healy routinely used talon or patent 1897 The selected tuners varied randomly by model and year. Late 1940's "i" touches the "G" on "Modern" non cursive/script Gibson Logo. GIBSON GARAGE FIND A DEALER GIBSON APP. The headstock had a black wood face veneer. Plectrum. To confuse matters, they also manufactured Bacon banjos that had been developed by Fred Bacon: the Professional, the Orchestra and the Blue Ribbon. 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). Yes, paging Scott to the Collector's Corner, please. Another useful JM, jumbo size guitar with mahogany back & sides, chrome tuners. mikehalloran - Posted-12/27/2013: 17:21:06. The neck holds the strings secure using tuners, four of which are located at the peghead, with the fifth string tuning peg located almost halfway up the neck.

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