Banjo Hangout - Collector's Corner Forum Feed

Did Vega ever make an archtop banjo?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 11:15:34 CST

Just wondering, I have never seen one. http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/The-Lickety-Split-Banjo-Boys/181289677232?ref=ts http://www.flatpickerhangout.com/my/revellfa

Bacon Special Grand Concert

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 7 Nov 2009 04:23:55 CST

.....on eBay. [url]http://cgi.ebay.com/1920s-Bacon-Special-Grand-Concert-4-String-Banjo_W0QQitemZ120487032331QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c0d96360b[/url] [img]http://www491.pair.com/wylieboy/P1030747.JPG[/img] [img]http://www491.pair.com/wylieboy/P1030753.JPG[/img] Mark Ralston "Now, people…. when it comes to the scientifical parts of music I know nothing about it, but I can play. Listen…. A man comes to this world naked and bare; He goes through life with troubles and care; He departs this life and goes we don’t know where; But he’ll be all right there if he lives all right here" ......... Uncle Dave Macon www.yellowstone-jewelry.com

Ibanez Artist

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 15:45:52 CST

Ibanez Artist Banjo..excellent condition vine inlay..whats it worth....local music store has it for $1300...seems high to me.

Paramount Style B open back 6??

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 10:32:14 CST

Anyone ever seen anything like this - it's a Paramount Style B with a tenor neck, six string tailpiece, 12 inch head, and no resonator. Maybe a conversion neck on a six string pot? Hank [img]http://www.hankbeckphotography.com/banjo/PL9.JPG[/img] [img]http://www.hankbeckphotography.com/banjo/PL2.JPG[/img] [img]http://www.hankbeckphotography.com/banjo/PL3.JPG[/img] [img]http://www.hankbeckphotography.com/banjo/PL4.JPG[/img] [img]http://www.hankbeckphotography.com/banjo/PL5.JPG[/img] [img]http://www.hankbeckphotography.com/banjo/PL6.JPG[/img] [img]http://www.hankbeckphotography.com/banjo/PL7.JPG[/img] [img]http://www.hankbeckphotography.com/banjo/PL8.JPG[/img] [img]http://www.hankbeckphotography.com/banjo/PL9.JPG[/img] "all done with three fingers and a plastic head..."

Advice needed in PORTLAND, Maine

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 19:46:45 CST

A lady from the Portland area has been given a banjo. She's new at the biz of posting pictures, so they're kind of blurry. And way too big to post. Anyway, I can send them to any of you. I figure the simplest thing, however, is to ask you for your recommendation of a shop she can take it to, for them to tell her what kind it is. Relax. Even with the blurries, it's not a Gibson Grenada. 4 string, slotted peghead, with a sort of "ski-jump" scroll to the tip of the peghead. If you want to see the blurred pix, shoot a PM to mgregorybanjo@core.com Thanks

Ibanez Artist vs. Aria Pro II

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 17:41:27 CST

If you guys had to choose between an Ibanez Artist (blonde, wreath inlays) with a Aria Pro II which would you choose? Both are in nice shape. Thanks

Anyone know this one??

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 17:34:37 CST

This is my dad's old banjo that I recently got from my brother. He played it alot when I was little and now I'm learning.....I can't find any info on it, dad's gone now so I can't ask him. Anyone out there heard of or seen this make? http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/photos2.asp?id=43637&photoID=65166&albumid=3727 http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/photos2.asp?id=43637&photoID=65167&albumid=3727 http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/photos2.asp?id=43637&photoID=65169&albumid=3727

help me price out a Gibby

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 14:52:38 CST

Howdy Folks Theres a place not far from me that has an old Gibson banjo. Its a 1957 RB150 with mastertone block on it and a fly swatter peg.. Ive been watching it for some time now.. At first, years ago, I believed the banjo to be an arch top. Than later on I was advised that it was actually a hoop to make it look like an archtop as thats how they did it back than. On some banjos I guess? Its a stock banjo, in 100% original condition.... And pretty decent shape as well, better than average.. What would be a guess-sta-ment on it [?] I have no time for snick snack today Rick

1958 Gibson clone...?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 12:21:13 CST

Check out this "clone" of a 1958 Gibson offered on e-Bay! I didn't know that Gibson ever made a banjo that looked like this! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160374135585&ssPageName=ADME:B:EF:US:1123 "Those who never try... never will!" BNJOMAKR

When is a Gibson not a Gibson??

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 10:46:34 CST

Being new to banjo and even newer to vintage banjos I have a question for you pros. I read on here and the classifieds daily about "Gibson" banjos....Only they are part Gibson or a copy thereof. So my question is When is a Gibson not a Gibson?? How many parts can be changed and it still be a Gibson? Also is a COPY of a Gibson actually a Gibson? Any clarification will be appreciated. Cliff Hebert Bridgeport, AL

Vega Yellow Label

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 10:37:06 CST

I'm interested in bidding on an ebay Vega Ranger tenor but thought I'd better check before bidding. The serial number is 99080 which Mugwumps identifies as 1955. But the number is stamped on the dowel and there is no yellow label. I'd like a 1955 model. Can I rely on the dowel that is stamped "Vega" etc with 99080 stamped on dowel as being a '55 model? The seller has advertised the banjo as a 60's model. I thought all Vegas came with a yellow sticker with the model and serial number written on there. Thanks for helping. Beezaboy

john alvey turner banjo?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 07:52:24 CST

anyone ever heard of these? quite interesting apart from the price.[:)] http://annonces.ebay.fr/viewad/banjo-5-cordes-plus-de-100-ans/5000920631 (or is it something else and a previous /original owner put his name and address on it in case it got lost?)[:o)] [IMG]http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y141/oorwullie/westernflyer1.jpg[/IMG]

Gibson's with no Serial Numbers

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 05:59:02 CST

Is it try that some Gibson Banjos where produced with no serial numbers such as RB-100s ???? If so what models where produced with no serial numbers and when????

Gibson History - Neil Kievit at Work 1928

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 5 Nov 2009 05:28:57 CST

Back in August I posted some information about Neil Kievit, the Gibson employee (artist) who designed and painted the original pre-war Florentine and Bella Voce banjos. See this thread http://www.banjohangout.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=155042 Recently, I discovered a 1928 photograph of Kievit at work in his studio at the Gibson factory. I thought it would make a nice addition to our earlier thread. [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/medium/41468-1442165112009.jpg[/img]

S.S. Stewart ~ New York

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 19:06:03 CST

S.S. Stewart brand had a banjo factory at 46 East 13th Street, New York City in 1912-1914. The brief history that I gleaned from Music Trade Review is: 1. On Sept. 11, 1911 Keen-O-Phone acquired the S.S. Stewart name. 2. On April 6, 1912 a Keen-O-Phone rep was in New York taking banjo orders. 3. On Nov. 30, 1912 a rep for S.S. Stewart Co. at 46 East 13th Street gave an interview to MTR about its banjo production. 4. On May 30, 1914 The S.S. Stewart Co. 46 East 13th St., NYC announced three new banjos made with "five ply veneer wood rims". 5. On July 25, 1915 a jobber, Buegeleisen & Jacobson, announced that it now "merchandised" the S.S. Stewart line. Actually, B&J acquired the Stewart name from Keen-O-Phone about this time. We've never seen a banjo from this factory. NOW THIS! Do you think this is one? Note, the rim is not spun over as Stewarts were. The Stewart tag on the dowel = S.S Stewart: New York. That is unusual. Used to say Philadelphia. What do you think? The rub is that Buegeleisen continued to market banjos under the Stewart name after he acquired it so this could be one of his and not from 46 East 13th Street. http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-S-S-STEWART-BANJO-EARLY-1900S_W0QQitemZ250525273245QQcmdZViewItem Beezaboy

Hendricks Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 11:04:39 CST

Has body ever ordered one of these ?

Expensive banjo uke

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 09:08:09 CST

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330371944063&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT It's not a Gibson. Why so pricey?

Banjo Nomenclature

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 4 Nov 2009 00:09:38 CST

As a Newbie I am getting to the point where I should probably spend a bit more money on a banjo. I've started researching but its all very confusing: Orangetown, White/Whyte Lady/Ladye, Vega, Tubaphone etc etc. Could someone point me at an overview of these terms somewhere on the web so that I might have an idea of what I am looking at? Thanks in advance Paul

Banjo mandolin

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 16:37:04 CST

Ferry banjo mandolin . On E bay does anyone know who made this? The reason I ask Is I have a pot assembly I used on my fretless that is Identical to the one listed. I don't have the skills to post the Ebay address but maybe I will try to figure it out. Steve

May Bell Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 3 Nov 2009 11:30:14 CST

I have a No. 11 May bell banjo, 29 1/2 inches in length with an 11 inch drum was just wondering if anyone could give me anymore information about it about how old it is and how much it would be worth. you can email me at tnewman001@msn.com john

Ray Stevens has a Pre-War???

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 22:20:42 CST

I was talking to a fellow banjo player today and he told me he got to meet Ray Stevens one time. Ray does dabble in banjo playing and does it sometimes in his videos. Well Ray told my friend, that he owns a TB-4 Flathead conversion banjohe bought from an old banjo player where he lives? id sure like to see it! "Surround Yourself With Good Muscians". -J.D Crowe “Nobody is a legend, we all put our pants on one leg at a time.” - Sonny Osborne

WARNING!!!

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 08:04:00 CST

looks like another scam to me. http://cgi.ebay.com/1927-Pre-War-Gibson-Granada-Banjo_W0QQitemZ110452988331QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item19b782d9ab __________________________ "It is better, of course, to know useless things than to know nothing." -Seneca

RB-3/RB-75 difference

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 06:10:57 CST

Hello Folks, I was wondering if anybody could tell me What the difference was between the original RB-3 and RB-75 was. Was the tonering in the RB-75 different then or is that a newer development since the advent of the J.D. Crowe, RB-75? Thanks, Dave Redline David E.Redline

Wachter's Gretsch/Bacon NPU

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 04:52:19 CST

Can't keep my eye from this banjo. I look at it at least twice a week! http://www.buddysbanjos.com/detail.asp?IID=45 Any comments? I'd have to sell my dog to even begin to affort it! Beezaboy

A Fretless Banjo by A Weaver

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 2 Nov 2009 04:14:45 CST

I have just bought a fretless banjo by Alfred Weaver. Photos of it are here: [url]http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/photos.asp?id=19088&albumid=3731[/url] A comprehensive history of these banjos can be found here: [url]http://www.witchhazelmusic.co.uk/JoeMorley/pages/weaver1.htm[/url] My banjo has a plain nickel silver finger board without frets. My questions are: 1. Is that bridge with four legs original? Any others like that? 2. Was anyone playing fretless banjos in London in the 1910s? If so what sort of music? Or would it have been for export? 3. It is strung with new, medium (.010) steel strings. Are they likely to break if I raise them all a whole tone to A tuning? I want to play in A but can't capo it. Stephen Stephen

1964 vega scruggs

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 1 Nov 2009 08:10:02 CST

well i have a 1964 vega scruggs that i have been considering putting up for trade for say a parts gibson banjo or a 1970 1980 s goldstar i feel the banjo is in good condition and am having it set up by a friend my dilemma is ia m not sure on the value of this banjo and want to be fair in my expectations also i have had estimates on its value from 1000 to v2500 dollars a lot of difference i am looking for opinions good or bad this is a good banjo i just like the gibson goldstar sound better thank you in advance jason

JD Crowe Gibson Blackjack Questions?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:43:54 CST

I deal primarily with prewar Gibson banjos but I have a friend that is looking to buy a BlackJack. He called me with questions I couldn't answer but I told him I knew a vealth of souces on our hangout that would know for sure! I have played a couple but not knowlegable on them...... When did Gibson come out with this model? Do all of them have JDs autograph inside on sticker? Do some have "BlackJack" on mastertone block and some have "Mastertone"? Any input one these banjos would be appreciated. Thanks in advance Don Bryant in NC

Gretsch Banjo...

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 12:17:15 CST

Hey all, I've just started playing...I've been toying around for years on my dad's old Kay banjo. But I just came into possession a Gretsch banjo that needs a little TLC. My question is how do I figure out how old it is? I'll post some pictures in a bit but under the resonator it has MADE IN THE U.S.A. 194 stamped in gold letters. The only other markings are GRETSCH on the head. thanks a bunch!

Got pictures.....Gibson Help Needed

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 07:28:40 CST

The links below are to full size images of a Gibson I have the opportunity to buy (at what seems like a pretty good deal). I am trying to get an idea of what the banjo is worth. I have been told that the neck and resonator are not the original. The pot has a stamped date that dates it to 1933. The tone ring has a cursive Gibson with USA under it located just above where the tension rods meet the pot at the base on the banjo. I couldnt get a decent picture of the tone ring... Any help on a ballpark of what this banjo is worth would be appreciated. http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/586/gibsonhead.jpg http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/9756/gibsonnut.jpg This is a picture of the "sticker" on the pot showing it was made in Kalamazoo MI. Not the greatest photo. http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/537/gibsonsticker.jpg http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/7606/gibsonback.jpg

1935 gibson pot metal tension hoop

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:11:38 CST

My 1935 gibson tb3 conversion,has a warped pot metal tension hoop. I want to replace it and put the old one up so it does not break. Should i use pot metal or brass as a replacement. I have several brass nickle plated but i do not have a pot metal hoop. Any Ideas?

J H Buckbee banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:23:24 CST

I have an older Buckbee banjo circa1885/1900. I have heard that Buckbee only marked their banjos with a J H B on the neck. Is this accruate or did they label,paint or use nameplates also? I know Buckbee made a bunch of banjos for others to market under their own labels. Thanks for your info Pooch

Pre-1960 Four String Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:51:43 CST

My boyfriend Bob was born in 1965. His grandfather, Walter, had this banjo. Bob never saw Walter play the banjo so it's been in storage since at least 1965. Here are some photos - [IMG]http://www.lisashea.com/hobbies/music/banjo/banjo1.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://www.lisashea.com/hobbies/music/banjo/banjo3.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://www.lisashea.com/hobbies/music/banjo/banjo5.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://www.lisashea.com/hobbies/music/banjo/banjo6.jpg[/IMG] More photos here - http://www.lisashea.com/hobbies/music/banjo/ How do we figure out where the banjo is from, and also how do we find someone to get it back into playable shape? I don't imagine the local Guitar Center would be a help. We're near Worcester MA. Thanks! Lisa Lisa Shea, owner http://www.bellaonline.com

Question

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:59:50 CST

I know this is a banjo site ,but I have a friend who has a old mandolin Epiphone made in Kalamzoo,Mi model # mm30 A body style,in great shape where would I find out what it is worth? Serial #81239 I am guessing its around 1935 Roger htt://www.banjolounge.com RS bridges

Gibson TB3 40 hole archtop value?

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:26:36 CST

Can anybody give me a ball park idea on what a prewar Gibson TB3 40 hole archtop tonering with a good mahogany neck banjo would be worth???? Maple resonator stained a dark mahogany color (no rings in the back of resonator).. pot assembly is all original.. metal is all good.. little wear on armrest (normal for a banjo this old).. I'm just kind of wondering what a banjo like this is going for these days? This is a good one.

Two Kyle Creed banjos--both quickly sold :(

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:02:27 CST

An interesting and unique opportunity presented itself online recently, but we all were a bit too late to take advantage of it (unless two lucky buyers happen to be Hangout members...!): two different Kyle Creed banjos appeared for sale at two different instrument retailers' web sites around the same time! Both are now sold, but the photos are still up and are worth a peek. I encountered one on the RetroFret site first: http://retrofret.com/products.asp?ProductID=4283&CartID=91269610292009 Even though the site claims that it "just arrived," it was already marked as being on hold by the time I found it a couple of days ago. 'No idea what the price was on this one. The other I spotted just yesterday at Bernunzio's site: http://bernunzio.com/products/0914130 When it first showed up on his list, there were no photos, and the price was $2700 or so. The photos soon appeared, and it was literally a matter of hours or less before it too was placed on hold. 'A more bluegrassy construction than the other one; certainly a thicker rim than I'm used to seeing on these, but I'm sure it sounded great. So, are the lucky buyers among us? If they are, I hope they'll share with us their experiences of these cool and rare banjos, and perhaps some sound files! If any other Kyle Creed banjo owners are here, I doubt I'm alone in being interested in seeing and hearing theirs, too (the great ones in the collections of Fretless and RoundPeakBanjos are hopefully well-known to everyone by now, but if not, check out their photos and recordings, respectively...EDIT...in doing just that myself, I came across images of another one by Quendler). Cheers, Adam Hurt www.adamhurt.com www.myspace.com/adamhurt www.cdbaby.com/cd/adamhurt AND www.cdbaby.com/cd/adamhurt2 -regular or one-time lessons available; please contact me for details -interested in having an Adam Hurt banjo workshop come to your area? Please drop me a line off-list to discuss the possibilities.

H.F.Strebe N.Y. 5-string banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:57:26 CST

Can anyone tell me anything about this banjo? I can't find any documentation other then Strebe Bros. banjo's were made around 1900. I posted some pictures. Thanks

What's it worth

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:24:05 CST

I asked some questions last night about a Gibson I have the opportunity to buy. Assume the following: Gibson Granada tone ring from mid 80s Gibson pot from 1933 Gibson neck in good shape. Hearts and flower design Resonator has been replaced with ???? Overall good condition, but needs some set up work What's it worth?? Just looking for a ballpark number

The Consalvi Banjo (one fancy piece)

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:22:14 CST

[url][/url]http://www.mfa.org/collections/search_art.asp?recview=true&id=485783&coll_keywords=&coll_accession=&coll_name=&coll_artist=&coll_place=&coll_medium=&coll_culture=&coll_classification=&coll_credit=&coll_provenance=&coll_location=&coll_has_images=&coll_on_view=&coll_sort=0&coll_sort_order=0&coll_view=0&coll_package=10095&coll_start=61[url][/url] I know this banjo has been featured here before but I just saw it in person for the first time the other day. I'm doing some work in the MFA in Boston so I walk by this banjo every day. I can't imagine the manhours that went into it. Stunning. Joe

unknown banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:38:07 CST

http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/photos.asp?id=8462&albumid=3720 does anyone know what this banjo is ?it has a 10.75 inch rim no serial number and no name

Gryphon Tb-3 1933

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 13:43:56 CST

Just bought this banjo, and I know it has been modified but I decided to go with it anyways and save about 8K in the process for a OPF archtop mastertone 3... I don't see the big deal about the marquetry and all that? Frank at Gryphon said they did this a lot in the 60s and the 1970's, but it still has the original tone ring, OPF, Resonator, Hoop, not sre about arm rest or the rest of the parts... Would what be the best Flat head conversion ring for such a beast? Hopkins McPeake or Huber? Is there a no hole Conversion without turning the rim? Or maybe find a no hole archtop ring? I might just leave er be, and play it as is, and say goodbye to the flathead thing fro awhile... Hasn't got here yet... awaiting arrival from CA... Just google the subject and you can still look at this banjo on their site after that it is all mine, he he he, my first mastertone label and original tone ring prewar.... Not a flathead but I think I would be homeless if I bought one of those... Any comments are appreciated and welcome even critical reviews of this banjo are okay, I know it has been modified. They all want 10-15K for an original 3 arch, and I couldn't go there... Keep on pickin... JM

H.F. Strebe NY 5-string banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 09:39:16 CST

I am researching my banjo. I can't seem to find much data on this maker. Can anyone shed some light or point me in the right direction.

What kinda bridge is this

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:28:19 CST

ive seen these on vegas,but wonderd who makes em? [img]http://www.banjohangout.ws/banjohangout.org/storage/photos/large/23636-15261927102009.jpg[/img] "Surround Yourself With Good Muscians". -J.D Crowe “Nobody is a legend, we all put our pants on one leg at a time.” - Sonny Osborne

VEGA Scruggs model on EBay

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:50:40 CST

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260495378594&_trkparms=tab%3DWatching Apparently, this banjo (an early version, single coordinator rod, soap bar inlays, etc.) has no resonator! While I have no financial interest in the sale of this banjo, I do have a nice used mid-60s Vega resonator that matches and fits the Scruggses of that time, that I'll sell. I believe the finish color is a bit lighter brown than the somewhat cordovan brown shown on the banjo for sale on EBay. Those early Scruggses had burgundy colored "plastic laminate" side rims on the resonators. Contact me if you're interested in finding a resonator for this EBay banjo. Although I haven't listed this in the Classifieds, I will happily make the required contribution to BHO if someone contacts me about the resonator for this EBay banjo. Admins, if I'm doing this wrong, please let me know. The Old Timer I can win the attention of most any girl, wherever I may roam -- But singing and playing on a banjo alone, won't work against a trombone! Uncle Dave

Help on Gibson

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:01:36 CST

I have stumbled upon a nice Gibson banjo and need some advice. I am pretty much a newbie and I am playing a Hatfield custom, but this Gibson has got me interested as a 2nd banjo. The banjo in question is a Mastertone. The neck says mastertone, the sticker inside says Mastertone and has Kalamazoo, MI on the sticker. It has a serial number carved in the wood of the ring and I was wondering if there was any way to trace the serial number. I know the guy that is selling it and trust what he has told me, but he didnt buy it new. Everything looks legit and something in the serial number makes me think it is a pretty old banjo in really good shape. Thanks in andvance for any help.

Prewar Grover tailpieces

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:55:49 CST

I have a question that I would like answered...... I see people speak of the common grover tailpiece that shows up frequently on style 1s/2s/11s of the 30s and they refer to them as the "Grover first model". What's up with that? The mastertones beginning in 1925 as well as some style 2s have the Grover Patent Prestos so why are the others called Grover 1st model??? Don Bryant

Prewar Gibson 5-string necks

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:53:45 CST

I have a 5-string neck from the 30s and just last night noticed something on the back of the peghead. The portion of the peghead minus the ear wood is only 1 1/2" wide. Of course the width of this block of wood at the 22nd fret is wider. It doesn't seem logical that Gibson would start with a trued up block of wood wide enough for the heel and then cut the portion of the peghead down to only 1 1/2". Why wouldn't they leave it at the original width? Flaws in the wood maybe? I'd be interested in what this width is in other 5-string necks, so if you have one, how about measuring it and reporting in. Ken

Vega in the begining

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:33:43 CST

I am having trouble understanding this brand history prior to be sold to Martin Guitar. I love my Vega thats made by Deering; I just want to know where Vega started. Also someone told me Uncle Dave Macon's favorite banjo was a vega. Is that true?? "Just smash your piano, and invoke the glory-beaming banjo!" - Mark Twain, 1865 [^]

Krishot brand tuning pegs

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:45:00 CST

Anyone know if these were used by Gibson as original equipment on any of their prewar banjos?

What a Beautiful OME on eBay

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:23:52 CST

I know this is fleeting and will be gone soon but I just stumbled across this really beautiful custom made OME on eBay: http://cgi.ebay.com/OME-CUSTOM-BANJO-FULL-ENGRAVED-BEAUTIFUL_W0QQitemZ110448235692QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item19b73a54ac It's beyond my reach but I wanted to share that one here. Probably will delete the post once the banjo's gone (I don't know who is selling it, just a beautiful banjo!) --Frank

My Great Grandfathers 4 String Banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:05:05 CST

I was hoping someone can please give me some information about my Great Grandfathers banjo.It has a hard case with purple material and a Washburn Chicago Logo on the lid.The Banjo itself is 4 string with 17 frets and 23 bolts including the bracket which holds the string plate. The body is light colored Maple wood ,the same as the neck but the back is like a chrome "frisbee" The only markings I have found are " PAT.APLD.For as you look down on metal rim that holds the skin on it and on the String plate there is Kerschner Unique Lyon & Healy Makers Chicago USA and on the edge PAT.12-29-14 5-9-16 My Great GrandParents were only 1 generation into America at this time and did'nt have much money.Even though the case perfectly fit's the case,I am not sure if they are original to each other. Any help would be appreciated in learning some history on it. I tried to post pictures but havent figured out how yet. Thank You - Dave