How can I tell how old my Gibson banjo is?
How do you date a Gibson banjo? Chris, the first two digits indicates what year the banjo was built (00 means 2000), the next two digits indicates the month it was built (02 would mean Feb.), then there should be a dash and another number following the dash. This number could be a single, double or triple digit number.
What year did Gibson start making banjos?
When Gibson started making banjos in 1948 they went to the bowtie fingerboard and used inferior rims and tone rings.
Why did Gibson stop making banjos?
The used market is overloaded and prices are very low. I understand Gibson has not made a banjo since 2010. There is lots of competition in a narrow field. You may rest assured that if Gibson thought making banjos was sufficiently profitable, they would still make them today.
Did Gibson make banjos?
The late 1980s Gibson Banjos In 1988 Gibson started the one-piece flange models again. Between 1988 and 1994 the banjos are referred to as the Greg Rich era banjos. This design remained in place until Gibson stopped banjo production right after the flood of the Cumberland River in 2010.
Where is the serial number on a Gibson banjo?
stamped into the wooden rim: and written inside the resonator, both in large chalk numbers in the center, and in smaller red or brownish numbers near the edge: You can also look for one of two types of decals inside the wooden rim. . .
Where are Stelling banjos made?
There have been two Stelling shops, the original shop in Spring Valley, California and the current shop in the tiny town of Heards, Virginia and all 7,000some Stelling banjos, mandolins and guitars in the world have been made in one of those two locations and have passed through Geoff’s hands.
When was the last Gibson banjo made?
Between 1988 and 1994 the banjos are referred to as the Greg Rich era banjos. This design remained in place until Gibson stopped banjo production right after the flood of the Cumberland River in 2010.
What is a Mastertone banjo?
They had a hollow metal tone ring drilled with holes on its inner and outer sides. The ring was raised off the rim by a series of ball bearings. The Mastertone name would forever associate the banjos with Loar and his mandolins, but the extent of Loar’s involvement in the ball-bearing tone-ring design is unknown.
When was the Greg rich era?
1987-93. It was made during the ‘Greg Rich Era’ at Gibson (1987-93) when production quality was at an all time ‘post war’ high.
How do I know what model banjo I have?
The model name is usually found on the serial number sticker inside the resonator or rim of the banjo.