tdennis - Posted - 03/20/2013:  11:35:32

ebay.com/itm/GIBSON-MB3-MANDOL...f2328fddf

Gibson MB-1 or MB-3  ?   c.1934.   I already know the answer, but I need some community confirmation. 

beegee - Posted - 03/20/2013:  11:40:44

I say MB-1 Every MB-3 I've ever seen from that era is diamonds and snowflakes.

Lou Bourbon - Posted - 03/20/2013:  13:09:39

That's a weird banjo FON number...Howie paints it as 9633-13 (All American). Looks more like 8636-13 on the rim stamp (no such record) and 9636 on the brown paint in the resonator. With 9636, it is designated as an MB-1, not a 3 and I'd think the value was more around $700 that $1350.

lou

BanjoLink - Posted - 03/20/2013:  21:24:04

Considering the seller, it is more than likely either 1) mis-represented 2) over- priced or 3) both.  My selection would be #3.

It seems to me that an MB-3 would be a Mastertone.

skip sail - Posted - 03/20/2013:  21:36:20

poor ol' howie,he really is an optimist. Nice to see such positive visualization/projection in these troubled times. :)

tdennis - Posted - 03/20/2013:  21:40:59

Of course this is an MB-1,    ...&  it is misrepresented & overpriced. (BTW, the second generation  MB-3's were made w/ both  Mastertone & non Mastertone construction).     Thanks to all who replied.   

Edited by - tdennis on 03/20/2013 21:45:55

Possom - Posted - 03/21/2013:  01:59:40

Do the MB models have 10.5 rims or 11" rims suitable for conversion?

BanjoLink - Posted - 03/21/2013:  05:37:26

quote:

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Originally posted by tdennis

 

Of course this is an MB-1,    ...&  it is misrepresented & overpriced. (BTW, the second generation  MB-3's were made w/ both  Mastertone & non Mastertone construction).     Thanks to all who replied.   

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You are probably correct. The 1927 catalog describes the MB-3 as a Mastertone rim construction (11"). I don 't know about the '25 and '26 models.

tdennis - Posted - 03/21/2013:  08:36:14

My MB-1 & MB- 3 had 10 1/2" heads (both non Mastertone).  I have seen a chart documenting MB serial numbers over the years w/  their construction,  &  it seems that Gibson made batches of non Mastertone & Mastertone Mandolin Banjos within the same style # .  I could not discern any pattern related to the year of manufacture,   or  why they did this switch back & forth.  (I'm talking about their post 1925 models)