banjo headstock identification banjo headstock identification

The new design was thinner and much easier to handle and play. The 1975 price was $1,999. The flood of returning soldiers with a broader world-view brought new musical tastes and new hopes for the future. Though it has gone through a number of refinements over the years, the basic design has not changed since. 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. This is a strong playing. The name variations included Bacon and Day and B&D for all the instruments co-developed by Fred Bacon and David Day. Buckbee (1861-1897) banjos can frequently be identified by their 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. 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. 1959: Larger crown frets and the adjustable bridge. The Kalamazoo plant kept going for a few years as a custom-instrument shop, including the Mark Series instruments, and was ultimately closed in 1984. The individual artist's touch on the . The only available finish was sunburst until 1954. Sha-Sw. T-V. W-Y. S3M, Size 3 guitar with mahogany back & sides. This is a high-quality instrument. http://www.mugwumps.com. Prairie State instruments have the patented rod and/or tube reinforcing, occasionally found on other Larson built guitars. Edited by - mikehalloran on 12/27/2013 17:30:00, Charles in SC - Posted-12/27/2013: 20:38:42. Grupo Musical. Like everything else connected to instrument identification issues - there are many exceptions. It took Gibson 2 years to develop their response: The Jumbo of 1934. The fingerboard was rosewood with 9 inlaid position markers. Augustino LoPrinzi has developed a fine reputation for classical guitars, ukuleles, steel string and 12-string guitars. Only about a dozen were made. The Aria 921C was a good quality 5-string banjo made in the early 1970s. 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. The top and back bindings were black plastic with red line highlights. It appears that many mandolin owners of earlier models chose to upgrade their bridges to the fancy new adjustable models after 1921. 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 1934 was single bound, front and back with dot markers on the rosewood fretboard and a horizontal script logo inlay on the headstock. Script Gibson logo, Fretboard: Twin parallelograms inlays unbound 19 fret. Pickguards between 1909 and 1921 +/- show a stamped patent date of Mar. All listed sizes are for 12 fret to body models: These dimensions were similar for all Larson made instruments. Since Spruce was needed for the war-time effort, some J-45s in 1943 have a mahogany top. Our 19th Year * Sign Up Now The soundhole binding does not extend the full depth of the soundhole. These bridges had movable saddles up to about 1917 when they changed to a one-piece compensating bridge design through early 1921. The Mark Series guitars were particularly interesting among the Gibson flat tops made in the 1970s due to their unique bracing. Design your own Huber Banjo. The saddles were wider than usual. It is very showy though. Dark stained plain birch back and sides. Starting in 1977, Gibson adopted the current date-based serial system which codes for the year and day of production. ARIA 921C. 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. Gretsch started a new serial number system. 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. 3 special model, serial number 8382, New York, circa 1920s, intricate abalone shell inlay to fingerboard and headstock which also bears the Company logo. Lyon & Healy routinely used talon or patent 1897 RRRR = Ranking number (may be more or less digits) Example: 3021234 = Samick Korea / 1993 / February / unit 1234. They did provide paper labels for the instrument that they represented but did not provide labels for custom instruments or other shops or manufacturers. 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. 1908 into 1916: Elevated pickguards of plastic tortoise shell clamped to the body with a removable clamp and pinned to the bridge. Materials and methods of production were reviewed and revised. 1976 $929 In June of 1976 the price rose to $999, and two new finishes were added: tobacco sunburst and natural maple. Late 1940's "i" touches the "G" on "Modern" non cursive/script Gibson Logo. Late 1960's Gibson Logo around 1969 with no dot over the "i". Identify vintage banjo fleur de lis inlays on headstock & carved heel . mikehalloran - Posted-12/27/2013: 17:21:06. The 1975 price was $549. Introduced 1954, discontinued in 1978, reintroduced in the 1980s and still produced today. At the time, the Nick Lucas model was the largest flat-top Gibson offered. Pearl dots on fretboard. At the turn of the century, Orville Gibson was refining his notion of the superior mandolin: carved in the tradition of violins for greater volume and tone as well as comfort. Gretsch used a new serial format showing: Month/Year/Production Number (3-4 digits), stamped as follows: Its not clear whether the 3-4 digit production number is the total production for the month or for the year. 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. Not many were sold and the production run was therefore limited to 2 years. Why not post a little tune with it. This is a high-quality instrument. target no need to return item. The guitar designs, however, were not the problem. Ohio banjo player Steven Moore has his first solo project, Just a Little Talk with Myself, just recently released. Post war logo, 1947/8 to '60s found on various guitar like Melody Maker, Les Paul Jr, Special, Lg0, Lg2, Sg Jr, Special, ecc, ecc.Note the dot link to G. '70 Gold logo - Decal instead silkscreening. Martin introduced the large body dreadnaught in 1932 It was bigger, bolder, and louder than anything Gibson had to offer. The 1975 price was $439. Headstocks of US models also use the Gibson headstock shape. Though there appear to be exceptions, necks between 1912 and 1923 are 3-piece mahogany. Some banjo . The financial strain became too much and the company sold in 1940 to Gretsch. 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. This was expanded in 1935 to about 1/3 of the top area. If the serial number is legible the instrument can be relatively easy to date. The story of how Greg Deering came to own the over 130 year old Vega trademark is one of childhood dreams and an unmissable opportunity. The Gibson Super Jumbo first appeared in 1937. set of identifying characteristics can be found at Brown or black finish, some binding only on the top and in the soundhole with one ring around the soundhole. An entire bin was a "lot" and would contain 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. The somewhat radical headstock shape was discontinued at Gibson with the Mark Series but appears to have been an influence on the young Paul Reed Smith who later used a similar shape for his electric instruments. Martins 1st steel string: 1922, 18 Mahogany body after 1917, no volute on headstock, 40 Rosewood body, MOP top & soundhole but not neck base, 41 Rosewood body, MOP top & soundhole but not neck base, 1969+ D-only, 42 Rosewood body, MOP top, soundhole & neck base but not sides, 45 Rosewood body, MOP top, soundhole, neck base & sides, S (1967 on) 12 fret neck, slotted headstock, Dyer (1906 1923?) Good size logs of spruce were government controlled during the war and were not easily available shortly after. My understanding is that only 12 of these particular banjos were ever manufactured by Kay. It also had a black veneered headstock (front and back) and a black inlay in the back of the neck. Some rectangular examples, Headstock appointments: Decal Only a Gibson is Good Enough banner. Like the SJ-100 of the same year, the J-55 had a stair-step headstock that persisted for only 2 years. There was some amber color. The rosettes were simple white-black-white. For example, one head might sound right for one player on a five string banjo, but be disappointing on another players tenor banjo. There are a few examples of A-2Zs with black tops, though this was probably used to cover some imperfection in the selected tops. The aluminum shell was chrome plated with 24 chrome-plated brackets. Blake507 - Posted-12/26/2013: 15:42:17. The space between the headstock center and the top of the lathe bed is the radius of the lathe swing. MK-81 models were rosewood back & sides, ebony fingerboard with figured abalone block inlays & gold plated hardware. See more ideas about banjo, guitar inlay, ukulele. The hardshell case had a green or red silk lining. Some J-45 models with non-bookmatched two piece Adirondack spruce tops and some examples with four piece tops. The Southerner Jumbo (later shortened to: Southern Jumbo and then SJ) was a fancier J-45. There were 5226 made. A simpler variation on the SJ-200 with fewer appointments and a lower price tag was the SJ-100. Gibson had helped in the war effort and seen many employees enlist. Then Gibson developed the adjustable bridge. Late 1974 gold covered recording pickups are replaced with humbuckers. The top and back bindings were black plastic. It was reintroduced in limited editions in 1991. their better banjos is also distinctive, with a small additional bump on either S3R, Size 3 guitar with East Indian rosewood back & sides, chrome tuners. The soundhole size coincided with the overall size of the instrument. CONTACT US; Headstock Shape. The following versions evolved quickly to 14 frets clear of the body. Similar to A-2 but with snakehead headstock, blonde finish, b/w binding, and A2-Z on the label. 1955: Gibson stopped scalloping the bracing it was faster to produce but not as strong. What's the history on the this jo, are you the original owner? Jun 24, 2020 - The Art of Banjo Headstocks. 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. The early instruments built in Nashville suffered from inexperienced workers and climate-control problems in the humid South. The selected tuners varied randomly by model and year. Also, the first batch of J-45s had more binding both on the body and soundhole. During the Folk Boom of the 1960s, Gretsch produced a line of 5 string open back banjos with regular and long necks. The Gibson stamped on tailpiece cover. The LG-Series is 2 narrower than the J-Series. Most old Hfners do not have serial numbers. Factory Order Numbers (FON) in the 2800s to 2900s and 300s to 500s and some in the 600-800s and 1000s range. See the notes below. Serial number records exist for instruments built before 1975 and after 1980. The narrower guitar sizes allowed for available materials. The appointments matched the MK-35 but the bracing was modified to accommodate the additional string tension of 12 strings. 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 original V shape of the necks of the J-35s was replaced by distinctly round necks (baseball bats) and a tear drop pickguard. 587 Similar to 585 but with pearl (vs ivoroid) tuner buttons. There were 431 made. They were available in steel string or classical. 118 Midtown Ct # M It had binding on front, back, soundhole and the fretboard; The Gibson inlaid into the headstock and a better grade of spruce top. You may, . It appears that they experimented right up to the point of discontinuing the line. The concept behind the J-45 was a high quality, affordable, big-sounding acoustic flat-top guitar. The model started production in 1938 as Gibsons top-of-the-line flat top guitar. First factory order number (FON) on neck block of J45s in 1942 was 907 and 923. It was the heart of the depression and the instruments cost $60 without a case. Heads have different effects on different kinds of banjos. bands even in the early 1890s. Each type of banjo head has a unique contribution to your banjo's tone. It took Gibson 2 years to develop their response: The Jumbo of 1934. These had black plastic laminate headstock overlays with Bacon engraved in blockletters and a small, metal plate engraved Bacon Folk Model. F/FF = Factory code (No factory designator for some 1993 and earlier models) Y/YY = Year of manufacture (Single digit for some 1997 and earlier models) MM = Month of manufacture. These shoes are shown in an 1890s Washburn banjo catalog, on low end models with . In any event, these should be used only as a guide and not assumed to be absolutely correct. In 1941 the fretboard became Brazilian rosewood. "F" Style mandolins have a carved nautilus shaped curl on the upper left-hand bout. Gibson TP-6 tailpiece became standard. By the records, between 200 and 300 were built. Size 3 Gurian, either acoustic or amplified. For a period of time, this was the top of the line. It had a 24 3/4 scale and was constructed of all solid woods. A flourish inlay under The Gibson in the headstock. purchase these instruments and put their own names on them, but in many other The tuners were individual Kluson with amber buttons. . 1952: The headstock gold decal logo was replaced by an inlayed pearl script and crown. Buy in monthly payments with Affirm on orders over $50. The later pickguard clamps have a stamped patent date of July 4, 1911. The FON is the only identification number on Gibson's lower grade models (like the ES-125, ES-140, J-160E, etc.) Headstocks say LoPrinzi. Many banjo manufacturers, in addition to making banjos under their own names, Other singing cowboys who later owned Super Jumbos include Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. Example: S3021234 = Samick Korea / 1993 / February . 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 bridge was a small rectangular block type with a through saddle. Late 1930's Thicker Gibson Logo. Saga. Timing is everything In 1969 the Gibson parent company: Chicago Musical Instruments (CMI) was acquired by the South American brewing conglomerate: E.C.L. Banjo not included or available. Most CLM, Classical guitar with mahogany back and sides. USA produced Epiphones of this era bear standard Gibson serialization and include the "Made in USA" stamp on the back of the headstock. Take a closer look at the serial number found on the back of the headstock and reference the guide below. Factory numbers (when the exist) appear in pencil inside on the block where the neck meets the body. The headstock face was veneered in black. feature both a serial number and a FON. Your banjo is Asian made, likely Korea, but maybe Japan. Gibson discontinued the A-3 around 1922. 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 final production versions had a double-braced red spruce top and rosewood back and sides with a sunburst finish. Thanks for the history, I always love the story. Some rectangular examples, black bridge pins (2 pearl dots on rectangle bridge), Headstock appointments: gold decal: Only a Gibson is Good Enough banner. It was Gibsons most prestigious solid body (and therefore expensive, with a couple of exceptions). MB -- mandolin banjo. 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. Description: Internally constructed from dense EPS foam, the exterior of this Gator banjo case is covered in rugged 600-denier ballistic . 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. ss stewart presentation banjo - Google Search. Dimensions: 16 wide, 10 1/4 long and 4 1/2 deep. 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. Sunburst was the only finish available for the J-45 until much later as the sunburst finish can hide flaws in the wood; this was a significant advantage during WW2 when clear wood was being used for the war effort. 1940: #1 or #001 to 1965: approximately #84xxx. The current bridge height and neck angle was reached around 1910. Where no serial numbers are shown they simply are not known. Schall hardware is pretty unique and the fifth The necks and heels were rounder. They were now able to get better materials.