The Advanced Jumbo has been described by some as the finest no compromises most powerful flat-top guitar Gibson ever designed and built. This is the smallest model, chrome tuners. Gibson introduced their first adjustable belly bridge 2 screws to raise and lower the bridge. Dark stained plain birch back and sides. It had a 24 3/4 scale and was constructed of all solid woods. CMI acquired Gibson around May 1944. 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. The swing distance is important because it dictates how large a turned piece can be on that particular lathe. Late 1974 gold covered recording pickups are replaced with humbuckers. 1970 onward: 1 piece maple. 340 Rosewood back & sides, MOP, colored wood appointments & a Tree-of-Life fretboard inlay. 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. Vega continued to mark their banjos "A.C. Fairbanks" until the middle teens. "F" Style mandolins have a carved nautilus shaped curl on the upper left-hand bout. Tuners, hardware and tailpieces were probably purchased from Lyon and Healy who had a factory just down the street from the Larson shop. The hardshell case had a green or red silk lining. Back & Sides: Mahogany but some released as Brazilian rosewood. 585 Grand Concert: rosewood back & sides, MOP, colored wood appointments and a Tree-of-Life fretboard inlay. which do not feature a paper label. 1921 early: 3/8 adjustment wheels, short base and aluminum compensated bridge top. It worked. In 1941 the fretboard became Brazilian rosewood. Gibson discontinued the A-3 around 1922. Yuletide. The later pickguard clamps have a stamped patent date of July 4, 1911. The Mark Series guitars had 16 3/16 lower bouts with very narrow waists, and a headstock like no other in Gibson tradition. The fingerboard was rosewood with 9 inlaid position markers. At least then you will know the model name. The swing of a lathe is measured as the total diameter of a finished turned piece, such as a wood bowl. bands even in the early 1890s. Go back. 1974 $895 This was the best sales year for the L-5S shipping 555 instruments. The neck heal had a white plastic cap. It would have helped if the Larson brothers had sequential serial numbers but there is just enough contradictory evidence to prevent one from trusting numbers that appear to be sequential. (Folk Jumbo Natural and Folk-25). Many banjo manufacturers, in addition to making banjos under their own names,
It had chrome plated standard friction pegs, rosewood finished neck and headstock with matchin resonator. For more detailed information, get the following book: The Larsons Creations Guitars & Mandolins by Robert Carl Hartman. This peghead is found on low end, turn of the century, Lyon & Healy banjos, often with the L&H or Mystic brand stamped into the strut. Gibson. The 1934 version had a classic Gibson sunburst: the small amber center around the bridge about 1/4 of the top area. It is not clear how many were made, but it is likely that there are less than 12. Bottom belly ebony bridge with pyramids on the wings, Silk-screened script @ 15 degrees +/-: The Gibson, 3 on a plate open gear tuners white or black buttons, Top and body becomes all mahogany amber finish, Extra bridge pin centered below 6 in a line, L-0 Flattened lower bout increased to 14, Reintroduced as the least expensive Gibson flat-top @ $25, Body depth 3 ? at the neck and 4 3/8 at the heel, Pearl dot makers and double dots on the 12th fret, Old script silk-screened diagonal logo: The Gibson or just Gibson, Some striped tortoise plastic pickguards after 1933, Some bright white plastic pickguards after 1933, L-00 introduced as Gibsons lowest price flat-top @ $37.50, Small round amber area of sunburst just below the soundhole, Striped tortoise plastic pickguards added, Dot position markers on the fretboard edge, A few with banner logos decals on the headstocks, Light amber top Sheraton brown back & sides, Old script silk-screened diagonal logo: The Gibson, Flattened lower bout increased to 14 (possibly, Soundhole, bridge and bracing moved to compensate, Similar to the L-00 but with heavier braces, Pearl dot fretboard markers double on 12, Gold sparkle inlayed around top & soundhole, Tailpiece adjustable bridge option discontinued, Speckled celluloid pickguard added as an option, Some had 2 top braces under the fingerboard extension vs. one, Rosewood fretboard rectangle inlays at 3, 5, 7, 9, 12 & 15, Pearl diamond inlays in the rosewood rectangles, Gibson pearl diagonal headstock inlay in rosewood, in Pearloid, Pearloid headstock veneer replace with rosewood, Bound headstock, pearl Gibson, pearl truss rod cover and notched diamond inlay, No headstock binding, black truss rod cover and elongated diamond inlay, Body depth 4 at the neck and 4 5/8 at the heel, Brazilian rosewood pyramid bottom belly bridge, The Gibson pearl angled logo inlayed on headstock, Nick Lucas Special white label with picture of Nick Lucas, 14 fret neck to body joints (phased in by this time), Trapeze tailpiece with adjustable bridge option. These had black plastic laminate headstock overlays with Bacon engraved in blockletters and a small, metal plate engraved Bacon Folk Model. MK-81 models were rosewood back & sides, ebony fingerboard with figured abalone block inlays & gold plated hardware. The Gibson Super Jumbo first appeared in 1937. Bound rosewood fingerboard with small fret wire, clamshell tail piece with Morris inscribed. Any dealer would want to find this as part of an estate sale and put it out to see what the market would bear - but none would have high hopes for its value. The sunburst finish was generally $30 less than natural finish. MK-35-12 models were only made in 1977. For a period of time, this was the top of the line. Over time the J-35 braces began to appear scalloped. Augustino LoPrinzi has developed a fine reputation for classical guitars, ukuleles, steel string and 12-string guitars. It was the heart of the depression and the instruments cost $60 without a case. 2. The designations were. 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. 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. Gibson needed to revitalize its lineup of flat-top guitars the LG-Series was born. The back braces were tall and thin and Gibson scalloped the top braces. Neck s/n DA5063 with L&B headstock inlay: T. Biggs : 1932 : 66-1: PB-3 : Shipped August 7, 1935: Gibson Shipping Ledger : 1932 : 66-2: PB-3: Flathead: 1-piece: Larger top braces used, and bigger solid wood bridge plate and larger bottom-belly bridge. S3R3H, Like S3R, with 3-piece back, full herringbone binding, gold tuners. The original price in 1942 was $45. Instrumental. 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. In late 1 the use of factory order numbers was discontinued. The appointments of the Southerner Jumbo included more top binding and an additional set of rosette rings. 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. For example, the serial number 90237XXX corresponds to a production date of 1/23/97. Saga Bella Voce 70/80. Huber Banjos offers our new owners the option of either customizing one of our stock models, or "designing your own dream banjo" from among the various wood and metal configurations, and the many . The first two digits tell you the month the banjo was built, the last two digits before the dash or space will tell you the year, and the numbers . The exceptions were in 1979/1980 when the very fine Flying VII and active Les Paul Artist models were available; both were between $50 and $100 more, and were deleted almost as quickly as they dbuted. There are no manufacture's labels or stamps on it. MK-35 models were mahogany back & sides, rosewood fingerboards with dot inlays & nickel hardware. 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. 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. 615-264-4959. Gibson developed the truss rod in 1921. The FON is the only identification number on Gibson's lower grade models (like the ES-125, ES-140, J-160E, etc.) The following versions evolved quickly to 14 frets clear of the body. Its difficult to positively
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. 1921 onward: Metal 90-degree pickguard support screwed into the body and additional screw to the neck. Buy in monthly payments with Affirm on orders over $50. (Numerical ID) Example: Serial number 0191456 = Harmony Standard Series guitar built in 2019. 1972 L-5S launched, but shipping totals list no instruments being shipped until 1973. At the time, the Nick Lucas model was the largest flat-top Gibson offered. Factory Order Numbers (FON) in the 2800s to 2900s and 300s to 500s and some in the 600-800s and 1000s range. 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 bridge was a small rectangular block type with a through saddle. Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. It appears that many mandolin owners of earlier models chose to upgrade their bridges to the fancy new adjustable models after 1921. tailpieces (see fourth row of pictures below) on many of their unmarked banjos, and their
Customers can choose from these shapes or provide an alternate. Late 1940's "i" touches the "G" on "Modern" non cursive/script Gibson Logo. 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. Cherry Sunburst is still available. DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device. Following many prototypes, shapes and bracing patterns, the Mark Series was launched in 1975. In 1923 it appears that Gibson began to assemble A-2s with left-over blonde tops from A-3s. 1979 $1149 Antique Sunburst added to Fireburst, Cherry Sunburst and Natural. Identify vintage banjo fleur de lis inlays on headstock & carved heel. 1968: Changed to a bottom belly bridge and 1960 style pickguard, 1969: Changed to a square shoulder dreadnaught, Original version: solid mahogany back but laminated mahogany sides, 1 piece mahogany neck & 17 degree headstock angle, Bound Brazilian fretboard with trapezoid inlayed markers, Individual Kluson tuners with white buttons later: keystone Pearloid buttons, P-90 single coil pickup with adjustable pole pieces. The 5th string is not only shorter than the other four banjo strings, but this string is also the highest in sound (or pitch ). It is not clear how Gibson decided to set their nut widths and neck thicknesses. The pot fairly screams Iida to me. Gibson believed that these choices would allow them to focus on their more profitable lines. 1978 $1079 Tobacco sunburst is dropped for Fireburst; Maple is now described as Natural. Even the group of inexperienced entreprenuers could see and understand the value of the Gibson name. The standard early Gibson A models had a soft V shaped neck. MB -- mandolin banjo. Alternates can range from standard designs out there in the banjo world, old or new, or a custom. serial number impressed to verso, 60 cm long During the war years women played a greater role in manufacturing while young men were fighting overseas. I like it. Intermediate Grade and Best Grade were generally X braced with laminated braces for added strength. Only about a dozen were made. A2-Zs were theoretically made during the Loar period of 1921-25, but only between 1923 and 1924. Gold-plated tuning gears, LOTS of abalone inlay. It was initially called the De Luxe Jumbo for the few versions that were delivered before the model went into production. 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 original Factory Order Numbers (FON) appear to show the first De Luxe Jumbos were delivered bewteen March and June of 1938 to Joe Wolverton, Ray Whitley and Gene Autry. The electric version included a P-90 pickup at the end of the soundboard like the later versions of the J-160E. Ironically, the script logo on the headstock was old-style. LoPrinzi Guitars Plainsboro, New Jersey AMF years (serial numbers: high 3,000 4,000s) Tom LoPrinzi was still with the company. By 1941, either natural or sunburst were available. My understanding is that only 12 of these particular banjos were ever manufactured by Kay. By the end in 1985-86, Gibson was basically down to the Les Paul model alone. B. Schall (1878-1907) manufactured many unmarked banjos for
USA produced Epiphones of this era bear standard Gibson serialization and include the "Made in USA" stamp on the back of the headstock. How did you come to own it? There were 1424 made. Every banjo has a story. The top and back are lightly arched, producing the deepest measurement in the center of the guitars body. . The public seems to have favored this shape over time as it fetches better prices now. Between 1934 and 1938, Gibson only offered the sunburst finish. It had binding on front, back, soundhole and the fretboard; The Gibson inlaid into the headstock and a better grade of spruce top. purchase these instruments and put their own names on them, but in many other
They could be strung with steel or nylon strings. thin heel footprints as shown below in the second row of pictures: J. Introduced 1954, discontinued in 1978, reintroduced in the 1980s and still produced today. Similar to A, but with double purfling on the soundhole. I own the book and have found it to be an invaluable resource in identifying these old guitars. They had owner applied pick guards and multi-bound backs and tops (including red line highlights). ss stewart presentation banjo - Google Search. There is a Kay company logo on the headstock but absolutely no other identifying marks. 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. The standard "Huber' shape, the popular "Double Cut" shape or the "Fiddle Cut" shape. Gibson Never seen one with an inlay on the back of the neck. 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! 428 Geared pegs, reinforced neck & high nut, MYNNN or MYNNNN Month = 1-9 with 3 or 4-digit production number, MMYNNN or MMYNNNN Month =10,11,12 with 3 or 4-digit production number, # 41122 would have been made April 1971, #122, #121131 could be made in either December 1971, #131 or January 1972, #1131, #221 could have been made around 1907 or in the early 1940s, #2121 could have been made around 1913 or 1914, the late 1940s or February 1971, #21, #31121 could have been made in the early 1931 or 1932, 1960 or March 1971, #121. Pearl twin parallelogram inlays, Bridges: Rosewood belly-down. These instruments live a bit outside that critique. Introduced is the year of introduction. It was Gibsons most prestigious solid body (and therefore expensive, with a couple of exceptions). 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. Deering Gabriella 5-string banjo headstock. Here's the photo gallery that I put together:velkdesign.com/assets/banjo/. S2R, size 2 guitar with East Indian rosewood back & sides, chrome tuners. The hurricane of September 1938 destroyed the companys ability to manufacture anything. The Jumbo 55 (J-55) was introduce in late 1939 and discontinued in 1942. When it came out in 1942 it was the most expensive Gibson flat-top in the line. The Lyon & Healy peghead shape used on most of
Other attempts by Gibson to make-do with the materials available to them include laminated maback and sides finished in a dark mahogany stain and a few were built with a laminate maple back and a mahogany top. The following are believed to be accurate known numbers: The following serial numbers are approximate at best. For example: Gretsch stopped production of Bacon and B&D banjos. I have never seen one like this in person or even a picture of one. The headstock had a black wood face veneer. Like everything else connected to instrument identification issues there are many exceptions. He lived in Illinois all his life. Like all other companies, there are exceptions. 1946 onward: No feet the bottom of the bridge flush on the instrument top. CONTACT US; Headstock Shape. 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. The final production versions had a double-braced red spruce top and rosewood back and sides with a sunburst finish. Mid 1921 through late 1930s: larger base with 2 feet, 3/8 adjustment wheels and wooden compensated bridge top. They are maintained by Donna LoPrinzi in Clearwater Florida. Martin Flat Top Guitar Body Sizes and Designations: The body size designation is stamped on the neck block starting in October 1930. The concept behind the J-45 was a high quality, affordable, big-sounding acoustic flat-top guitar. Electric guitars having the serial number on the back of the headstock. 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. Identify vintage banjo fleur de lis inlays on headstock & carved heel . The fingerboard typically has inlays made of silver or steel. Brown or black finish, some binding only on the top and in the soundhole with one ring around the soundhole. Though it has gone through a number of refinements over the years, the basic design has not changed since. 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. A New Leaf from Steven Moore. Also, the first batch of J-45s had more binding both on the body and soundhole. There was a line of black inlay (or ebony layer) along the centerline of the back of the neck. This was available in brown, black or blonde finish. That way I'll be sure to hear it, since I will get a heads up when you post. One of the advantages of choosing a banjo made in a small shop environment is the easy availability of customization. This was expanded in 1935 to about 1/3 of the top area. The Gibson Southerner Jumbo was introduced in 1942 and discontinued in 1978. Grupo Musical. CUSTOMER SERVICE. A simpler variation on the SJ-200 with fewer appointments and a lower price tag was the SJ-100. The 1975 price was $659. set of identifying characteristics can be found at
Pickguards between 1909 and 1921 +/- show a stamped patent date of Mar. It appears that they experimented right up to the point of discontinuing the line. Like everything else connected to instrument identification issues - there are many exceptions. Acoustic guitars are punched inside the soundhole on a sticker behind the strings. Starting in 1923, models included: the Silver Bell, the Super Banjo and the Blue Bell.