Its difficult to positively Each model of the Mark Series was available in natural or sunburst finish. During the Folk Boom of the 1960s, Gretsch produced a line of 5 string open back banjos with regular and long necks. It appears that they experimented right up to the point of discontinuing the line. See more ideas about banjo, guitar inlay, ukulele. The new design was thinner and much easier to handle and play. 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). 1975 $899 The first catalog appearance of the L-5S was in the 1975 Gibson Solid Body catalog. To complicate matters, the Larson brothers appear to have used different numbering techniques for different brands that they supplied. A: One of the easiest ways to determine the age of your banjo is to inspect the serial number, if it has one. The headstock face was veneered in black. Gibson had changed its neck profiles and headstock shape on the successful J-Series. Your banjo is Asian made, likely Korea, but maybe Japan. Where possible, these numbers are in agreement with existing sales receipts. Other similar details include: single-cutaway body, ebony fingerboard with block inlays, flowerpot headstock inlay, L-5 tailpiece with contrasting silver on gold with L-5 engraving (changed to TP-6 in 1978) and multilayer body binding throughout. Approximate Chronology (there are always exceptions): There were a few natural finished J-45N models made during 1942. Factory numbers (when the exist) appear in pencil inside on the block where the neck meets the body. Larrivee Serial Numbers (approximate). There is a steel tone ring on the maple rim, and the rim has a maple cap. CUSTOMER SERVICE. The soundhole binding does not extend the full depth of the soundhole. Hard-case rugged and gig-bag light! PB -- plectrum banjo. Martin Flat Top Guitar Body Sizes and Designations: The body size designation is stamped on the neck block starting in October 1930. See more ideas about banjo, guitar inlay, mandolin. 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. Though it was discontinued in 1942, the last Advanced Jumbo left the Kalamazoo plant in 1940. When it came out in 1942 it was the most expensive Gibson flat-top in the line. The top and back bindings were black plastic. At the time, the Nick Lucas model was the largest flat-top Gibson offered. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/276603. It had chrome plated standard friction pegs, rosewood finished neck and headstock with matchin resonator. Thinner cog gears with no bevel on the edge of the cogs. The centerline of the neck had the black inlay. Bridges: Ebony Sometimes with a flattened pyramid rectangular bridge shape. Occasionally the labels have fallen out or been removed during repairs making it a bit trickier to date the instruments. Gibson TP-6 tailpiece became standard. 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. There is a Kay company logo on the headstock but absolutely no other identifying marks. Hand Engraving. Several other forces were at work for change: Introduced 1963, these were designed as dual-purpose instruments. These appear to have a unique serial number scheme. Intermediate Grade and Best Grade were generally X braced with laminated braces for added strength. The early models had shallow neck sets that increased in angle around 1908. Higher grade models (such as the Super 400, L-5, J-200, etc.) Kay company banjos were normally not that high-quality but this one is different. S2R3H, identical to S2R, but with 3-piece back, full herringbone purflings, gold tuners. Dimensions: 16 wide, 10 1/4 long and 4 1/2 deep. These can exist on any model numbers including the A-jr. English mandolin banjo, by cuckoo, circa 1900s, of typical form, 'Cuckoo' imprinted on the headstock, 55 cm long American Orpheum mandolin banjo , by Rettberg & Lange, no. It will be interesting of one of the BHO members has a vintage Kay catalog with that particular banjo. Skip to main content. In any event, these should be used only as a guide and not assumed to be absolutely correct. If you continue, we will assume that you agree to, http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/276603, 'Pisgah Banjo Co. raffle for Arnold Shultz Fund extended to March 10, 2023', 'Pisgah Banjo Company banjo raffle extended to March 10', 'Flinthill FHB-300 - Killer bluegrass banjo for the money! Features: Carved curly maple body, with ornate multilayer binding, laminated maple neck, ebony fingerboard with abalone block inlays, gold-plated hardware throughout, two gold plated pickups with separate volume and tone, three-way selector switch. George Gruhns Guide to Vintage Guitars by George Gruhn and Walter Carter. A head on a long neck open back banjo might sound completely different on a 12-string banjo. Go back. In 1935, binding was added to the fretboard. The original V shape of the necks of the J-35s was replaced by distinctly round necks (baseball bats) and a tear drop pickguard. It had a 24 3/4 scale and was constructed of all solid woods. They were well suited for orchestral arrangements as well as individual play and accompaniment. The back and sides were Brazilian rosewood and the tops Adirondack red spruce. serial number 8382, New York, circa 1920s, intricate abalone shell inlay to fingerboard and headstock which also bears the Company logo. 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. This was quickly reduced to avoid model confusion between the J-45s and the more expensive Southerner Jumbos. 615-264-4959. 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. In some cases, teachers would purchase these instruments and put their own names on them, but in many other cases they carry no identifying name at all. mikehalloran - Posted-12/27/2013: 17:21:06. The birch sides and back were stained red. Most information about Larson Brothers instruments comes from their catalog published around 1930. Q: What is the first step in determining the age of my banjo? Knob changes usually following other Gibson electrics. purchase these instruments and put their own names on them, but in many other 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. The Gibson stamped on tailpiece cover. The last 4 digits are a neck number. You may, . Body designation Style designation, Serial number. Sha-Sw. T-V. W-Y. The original price in 1942 was $45. Factory Order Numbers (FON) in the 2800s to 2900s and 300s to 500s and some in the 600-800s and 1000s range. The early instruments built in Nashville suffered from inexperienced workers and climate-control problems in the humid South. My understanding is that only 12 of these particular banjos were ever manufactured by Kay. 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. Some J-45 models with non-bookmatched two piece Adirondack spruce tops and some examples with four piece tops. The first versions of the Super Jumbo guitar had a neck joint with 12 frets clear of the body placing the moustache bridge geometrically in the center of the distinctly round 16 7/8 lower bout. USA produced Epiphones of this era bear standard Gibson serialization and include the Made in USA stamp on the back of the headstock. It appears that many mandolin owners of earlier models chose to upgrade their bridges to the fancy new adjustable models after 1921. The top and back bindings were black plastic with red line highlights. This was adapted to the mandolin over the next few years. AMF ceased production of LoPrinzi guitars. Like everything else connected to instrument identification issues - there are many exceptions. 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. which do not feature a paper label. USA produced Epiphones of this era bear standard Gibson serialization and include the "Made in USA" stamp on the back of the headstock. Plectrum. LoPrinzi Rosemont, New Jersey built by Augustino LoPrinzi (and apprentices) with Augustino on the headstocks. Mythology has it that the Southerner Jumbo was specifically targeted at the Southern market honoring rising Country music trends. The electric version included a P-90 pickup at the end of the soundboard like the later versions of the J-160E. 3 hrs, 'Pisgah 12 Builders Choice Custom Walnut Dobson 5+1 String Banjo' 3 hrs, 'Custom 12inch Billybilt Banjo w Figured Maple neck and Curly maple RIckard Pot and Balch head' 4 hrs, '11inch Billybilt Banjo with Antique Spunover SS Stewart Pot and Curly Maple neck' 4 hrs, I see no collectors market for banjos like yours.<, We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. 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. Headstocks say LoPrinzi. Timing is everything In 1969 the Gibson parent company: Chicago Musical Instruments (CMI) was acquired by the South American brewing conglomerate: E.C.L. and many were left unmarked. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. Dimensions: 16 wide, 10 1/4 long and 4 1/2 deep. Like all other companies, there are exceptions. It was during the years of 1977 through 1986 that most of the high-end lines at Gibson were discontinued: The ES-350T, L-5S and the Mark Series among them. You'll find Epiphone serial numbers in the standard places. Sometimes (rarely) the labels are easy to read: the model and serial numbers hand-printed in ink and sometimes the information was written in pencil and is now barely legible. The necks were 1-piece mahogany V shape with a Brazilian rosewood fretboard at 12 radius. 1921 early: 3/8 adjustment wheels, short base and aluminum compensated bridge top. The back and sides were still mahogany but the Southerner Jumbo had a dark wooden stripe separating the 2 back pieces. themselves through common hardware and design characteristics. 118 Midtown Ct # M When he passed, my grandmother bought it for me from his brother who was attempting to liquify his collection. 2. Gold-plated tuning gears, LOTS of abalone inlay. 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 . There were 2 tone bars and a treble side X brace with a 102 degree angle about 1 below the 4 soundhole. The necks and heels were rounder. The concept behind the J-45 was a high quality, affordable, big-sounding acoustic flat-top guitar. In 1923 it appears that Gibson began to assemble A-2s with left-over blonde tops from A-3s. 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. Worthy of mention is the Jumbo Deluxe, though it is believed that only 3 were ever made in 1938. B-series Factory location: Grand Street, New York City from 1972 to 1973. Scott Zimmerman may be able to shed some light on this. In 1947 the name changed to the J-200 and the standard back and sides became highly figured maple. Gibson needed to revitalize its lineup of flat-top guitars the LG-Series was born. Late 1960's Gibson Logo around 1969 with no dot over the "i". Deering Gabriella 5-string banjo headstock. Mid to late 1944, the neck block revert back to mahogany, though poplar is occasionally used. CMI acquired Gibson around May 1944. Another useful I chose a .090 binding that is layered, for a nice pin-striped look and Stewart MacDonald Guitar Shop Supply makes the perfect set of bits for routing headstock for binding called Piloted Binding Router Bits. Early 1970's block shaped no dot over the "i" closed "b" and . 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. In 1947 a natural finish J-45 was finally offered and given the designation: J-50. 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. Its not clear how it works during this period. David L. Day was in his 70s. 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 ). Between 1934 and 1938, Gibson only offered the sunburst finish. There can easily be more numbers within each year listed. 2005-2023 acousticmusic.org. After October 1930 the body and style designations and the serial number appears stamped on the neck blocks: Since the Larson brothers built guitars for many brand names, identification can be difficult, but there are a number of stylistic and structural building techniques that help narrow the exercise. Martin introduced the large body dreadnaught in 1932 It was bigger, bolder, and louder than anything Gibson had to offer. Angled (Tilted-Back) Headstock. teachers who sold them to students, some of which are tagged with the name of Information compiled by Leonard Wyeth 2008, L Wyeth, Century General Introduced 1933 for the Century of Progress Exhibition @ $55. Most old Hfners do not have serial numbers. The public seems to have favored this shape over time as it fetches better prices now. Yet somehow, there's a certain cool factor to this one. They are very pricy at over $20.00 each, but worth it if you want . To most people all banjos look (and sound) the same. The headstock carried an inlayed script Gibson. 1973 $895 L-5S a few instruments shipped and cherry sunburst is the only available finish. MK-72 models were rosewood back & sides, 3 piece ebony/rosewood fingerboards with dot inlays & nickel hardware. MK-35 models were mahogany back & sides, rosewood fingerboards with dot inlays & nickel hardware. Gibson changed the name again in the 1950s to the SJ-200. Acoustic Guitars. It's always made of hardwood such as ebony and makes up the front-facing top half of the banjo's neck. However there were and are many different types, most of which can be found on this page. All listed sizes are for 12 fret to body models: These dimensions were similar for all Larson made instruments. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. For example, the serial number 90237XXX corresponds to a production date of 1/23/97. The Mark Series guitars had 16 3/16 lower bouts with very narrow waists, and a headstock like no other in Gibson tradition. and What's it sound like? It became apparent early that the new design concept was good: they were, in fact, louder and more cutting in tone. They didnt sell well but did live up to their design intent of a heavier, booming tone with good overall balance. I just received this mando-banjo I bought on e-bay and I'm hoping someone can help me identify the builder. MK-99 models were handcrafted and signed by Richard Schneider. The bracing was revised to accommodate the moustache bridge and generally heavier than earlier models. The 1975 price was $549. Example: U8034853 U = Unsung, 8 = 1998, 03 = March, 4853 = manufacturing number. By 1939 the 3 tone bar system was reduced to 2 tone bars and the angle of the X braces change to approximately 95 degrees. S3M, Size 3 guitar with mahogany back & sides. Unfortunately, the information is confusing and inconsistent. 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 Many banjo manufacturers, in addition to making banjos under their own names, Our 19th Year * Sign Up Now The Maurer Company records have been lost. 587 Similar to 585 but with pearl (vs ivoroid) tuner buttons. The model started production in 1938 as Gibsons top-of-the-line flat top guitar. JM, jumbo size guitar with mahogany back & sides, chrome tuners. Identify vintage banjo fleur de lis inlays on headstock & carved heel . 1972 L-5S launched, but shipping totals list no instruments being shipped until 1973. A total of 2,477 J-35s were made according to Gibson records. The fretboard was bound but without extension and The Gibson was stamped into the tailpiece cover. Martin introduced their versions of acoustic-electrics: the D-18E in 1958 and D-28E in 1959. It was a refinement of the slope-shoulder design of the original Jumbo but slightly deeper: 4 13/16. An entire bin was a "lot" and would contain The soundboard was so large and the body so deep that the sound was immense. DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device. During 1942 two new models were introduced to the Gibson line-up to replace the J-35 and J-55. For example: The custom series of Epiphone Texans built with cooperation from Paul McCartney: some were built in Bozeman Montana and some in Japan.
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