trianglevision - Posted - 05/11/2015:  16:52:26

Hey guys,

I have a 1927 gibson oriole tenor banjo- I identified it from the serial number carved into the rim. The gibson name has been worn off. The rim is a solid piece of wood 3/4" thick. It has it's original case though the case is pretty worn.

im thinking of selling it. I bought it for 100 but after doing my research it looks like this banjo can sell for up to 300. Anyone know how much this is worth ? Thanks

revellfa - Posted - 05/11/2015:  16:55:38

Hi and welcome to the hangout! Your banjo is a nice one and can go for anywhere from $150-$400 depending on condition. We will need pics in order to tell you exactly what it is worth. At any rate, if you have the thick rim (as it appears you do) then that is good!

RioStat - Posted - 05/11/2015:  16:57:51

Was Gibson making banjos under the Oriole name in 1927?

I always thought the Orioles, Wards, McNeils, RKs, Studio Kings, etc....came about during the early to mid 1930's.

Not saying your's isn't an Oriole, I just think you might have the year wrong.

Then again, I have been wrong before.......maybe one of the Gibson gurus will chime in on this one.

revellfa - Posted - 05/11/2015:  18:59:46

Actually the Oriole was Gibsons first attempt at a "budget brand." I think they started in 27 or 28. At any rate the FON is usually written in pencil on the inside of the heel (you need to remove the neck to find it.)

BTuno - Posted - 05/11/2015:  19:14:53

Frankie is right, it appears that Oriole was Gibson's entry into the off-brand mart.   But they actually started making them in 1925.   I have a tenor with FON 8003, with a 10 1/2 in. rim and snakehead peghead like the trapdoors.   I also have records for others with FON 8002, 8007 and 8008, and interestingly for one with FON 11227A, the earliest one I've seen.   I have not seen any that were originally 5-strings, but maybe someone else has. 

RioStat - Posted - 05/11/2015:  20:13:40

Thank you Frankie and Bruce.

I now stand corrected and educated !

trianglevision - Posted - 05/12/2015:  04:00:13

I went by this site to date it:



banjophiles.org/SerNumData/8XXX.htm



The serial number is 8338-40 and it's carved Into the inside of the rim. Actually I think it's from 1926 now that I look at those serial numbers.



Id post a pic but I don't know how! :/







I'm thinking of converting it into a 5 string for my dad- do you think it would be worth it? The rim is perfectly circular as far as I can see.

Edited by - trianglevision on 05/12/2015 04:06:03