Old Hickory - Posted - 05/10/2013:  06:49:49

quote:

---

Originally posted by h

My prediction, worth all of 2 cents, is that if and when they do return, it will be in very small numbers of their ESS models. Small quantity, highest prices. Probably not the RB-250 or Style 3. And they will build them by hiring some leading American small makers, and have them build to Gibson specs.

---

For what it's worth,which is also not much, I agree with your prediction that the only way Gibson gets back into banjo production is by outsourcing/subcontracting.  I also agree they'll need to offer fewer models.  I would predict the Scruggs/Grenada (call it one or the other or both) and RB-250, which I think has too much tradition attached to it not to bring it back.

Here is what Gibson CEO Henry Juszkiewcz wrote on the Gibson "Talk to Henry J" forum back in 2010 in response to a poster who had written that folks on the Hangout were talking about rumors that Gibson, in the aftermath of the Nashville flood,  was going to sell off or farm out its banjo-making business:

There is no truth to rumors we are selling off this part of Gibson history. Earl Scruggs, who lives close to my house and is a great friend would kill me.

Lot's of people have made offers, but we get offers on everything all the time. There is no interest.

It is a very difficult business problem for me. It is a tiny division in a company that has grown quite large. Getting management for a small company is really hard. Good managers quickly advance to much larger businesses with higher pay scales and more prestige. On the other hand, some entrepreneurs in small sized businesses either hate a corporate gig, or do not have great business skills. We have tried introducing new management several times with really poor results.

It is a great business and there is no doubt it could contribute to Gibson financially and to the banjo community in the way of product but I have not found the right leadership yet. I hope to get there sooner rather than later.

Apologize to the Banjo Hangout guys for me, its tough to keep up with everything.

read the original at: 4henry.gibson.com/index.php?/t...flooding/

TB-4 Guy - Posted - 05/10/2013:  11:35:47

It's likely that the PRS electric guitar mentioned in this thread is a copy if it came from Qingdao since PRS makes them here in the USA.. It's also significant that there is no picture of the front of the headstock. That would tell potential buyers about the type of logo used as mentioned above but also how many screws there are in the truss rod cover.

While there is no hard and fast rule I've been told that Gibson, for example, generally with some exceptions used two screws on the truss rod cover on the made in USA models. The Epiphones, made in China, on the other hand, use three screws as do most Chinese guitar brands and copies.

Edited by - TB-4 Guy on 05/10/2013 11:37:35

arkred - Posted - 05/20/2013:  15:29:31

I'd like to see a ' 59 bowtie model come back. Always liked the ones with arch top tone rings. Be nice if they were made to the same specs and Gibson didn't try to "cut corners" like they've done in the past.

zimmphil - Posted - 05/20/2013:  18:29:41

Gibson is a corporation, not a person. It has no heart. It has no soul. It has a bottom line, that's all. Why would they make nice looking pieces of banjo-shaped furniture that no one will buy when they can crank out Les Pauls like printing money?

Cleitus - Posted - 05/20/2013:  22:22:29

Gibson can eat chinese children for breakfast as far as I am concerned - just as long as their banjos still send shivers up the spine on being played. If they bring out new ones I for one will be 'in like flynn' if they have THAT sound.

Deaf Lester Crawdad - Posted - 05/20/2013:  22:55:59

quote:

---

Originally posted by zimmphil

 

Gibson is a corporation, not a person.

---

The Supreme Court begs to differ.

dmiller - Posted - 05/20/2013:  23:17:51

I love my Gibson ('62 RB-250), but even if they (Gibson) did start making banjos again, I doubt they would have the quality or the sound like they used to have.  Just my imo.  If I were in the market for a new banjo (American made - - of course), I'd go elsewhere and not to Gibson.  While some may say "Only a Gibson is good enough",  there's a plethora of GOOD banjos out there to choose from that rival and beat Gibson hands down.

Old Man - Posted - 05/21/2013:  03:44:31

I agree David ,but look at the price.

TB-4 Guy - Posted - 05/21/2013:  06:48:19

Gibson set the stage for the design of numerous other brands in the past 100 years. Like C.F. Martin in guitars, they became a prototype for good banjo design. Obviously there's not a lot of money to be made in the banjo business and margins are tight for a good quality instrument. I can certainly understand why they wouldn't want to get back into the business, especially with their Les Paul guitars, which still after nearly 60 years are selling like hot cakes.

The way I feel about all of this talk is, if you don't like Gibson and think there are better banjos, just go buy one of the others. It's still a free country with regard to luxury goods. But please, keep it to yourself.

Edited by - TB-4 Guy on 05/21/2013 06:49:02

desert rose - Posted - 05/21/2013:  17:37:50

Actually... no. In the big history of banjos Gibson was always playing catch up to the BIG BOYS like Paramount Vega Ludwig and Epiphone. Most all their features were copied or adapted from ideas of these other leading brands developed first.

It wasnt until bluegrass and Earl Scruggs that Gibson got a foothold in the banjo world. And now they have lost it

Scott

TB-4 Guy - Posted - 05/21/2013:  18:37:04

quote:

---

Originally posted by desert rose

 

Actually... no. In the big history of banjos Gibson was always playing catch up to the BIG BOYS like Paramount Vega Ludwig and Epiphone. Most all their features were copied or adapted from ideas of these other leading brands developed first.

It wasnt until bluegrass and Earl Scruggs that Gibson got a foothold in the banjo world. And now they have lost it

Scott

---

Yet Gibson outlived all of the names you mention up to around the recent flood.

1935tb-11 - Posted - 05/21/2013:  18:51:59

quote:

---

Originally posted by prewartb3

 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Old Hickory

 

quote:

---

Originally posted by prewartb3

Check out madeinchina.com for brand name instruments. I picked up a PRS electric guitar that's great. The craftsmanship was perfect and all the electronics are great. Why not buy direct IMO.

---

PRS guitars are made in Maryland. The SE model is made in Korea. I would assume you bought a PRS copy, not a manufacturer direct PRS.

---

You can call it a copy if you like. I haven't found anything that deems this a copy yet. What a great ax madeinchina.com/product/2011-p...290.shtml

---

this is what i found about PRS

PRS Guitars also known as Paul Reed Smith Guitars is an American guitar manufacturer headquartered in Stevensville, Maryland, founded by guitarist and luthier Paul Reed Smith in 1985. PRS has a reputation as a manufacturer of high-end electric guitars made in the US, and known for their custom shop instruments. However since the 1990s they have expanded production to Asia, where they manufacture the more affordable 'SE' line of instruments. PRS Guitars also manufactures guitar amplifiers. One of PRS's most notable endorsers is Carlos Santana.

the asian made PRS guitars are so good a guy  has a video on youtube showing how to tell the difference.   i had one i bought back in the late 80s and it was a dream to play sold for a profit too.

terry m

Deaf Lester Crawdad - Posted - 05/21/2013:  19:24:26

quote:

---

Originally posted by TB-4 Guy

 

quote:

---

Originally posted by desert rose

 

Actually... no. In the big history of banjos Gibson was always playing catch up to the BIG BOYS like Paramount Vega Ludwig and Epiphone. Most all their features were copied or adapted from ideas of these other leading brands developed first.

It wasnt until bluegrass and Earl Scruggs that Gibson got a foothold in the banjo world. And now they have lost it

Scott

---

Yet Gibson outlived all of the names you mention up to around the recent flood. 

---

Uh, yes, but they did it by building lots and lots of electric guitars; which paid the bills.

Had Les Pauls been built by Paramount, for instance, Gibson would only be a memory by this time.

~Pete

Deaf Lester Crawdad - Posted - 05/21/2013:  19:31:06

quote:

---

Originally posted by 1935tb-11

 

 

the asian made PRS guitars are so good a guy  has a video on youtube showing how to tell the difference.    

---

That video isn't there because the Asian copies are "so good".   (Although they aren't bad.)     It's primarily there to keep people from getting ripped off by sellers who are trying to pass off their Asian guitars as the American made versions.

Quite a few guys try this as there's a large difference in price...

~Pete

Edited by - Deaf Lester Crawdad on 05/21/2013 19:32:16

Roll Player - Posted - 05/21/2013:  19:36:37

quote:

---

Originally posted by TB-4 Guy

 

quote:

---

Originally posted by desert rose

 

Actually... no. In the big history of banjos Gibson was always playing catch up to the BIG BOYS like Paramount Vega Ludwig and Epiphone. Most all their features were copied or adapted from ideas of these other leading brands developed first.

It wasnt until bluegrass and Earl Scruggs that Gibson got a foothold in the banjo world. And now they have lost it

Scott

---

Yet Gibson outlived all of the names you mention up to around the recent flood.

 

---

Well, not really. The Gibson of today is not the Gibson of prewar fame. That Gibson was bought up and trashed by Norlin, and then semi-rescued by the current Henry J. owned corporation (and really by Greg Rich, as far as the banjos were concerned.)

desert rose - Posted - 05/21/2013:  20:33:54

tb4 Again... actually NO. Gibson lasted as mentioned because electric guitars paid for the losses in banjo making. And again... no they lasted as long until MANAGEMENT shut down banjo mandolin and dobro making in October 2009, which was the year before the flood in 2010.

Scott

TB-4 Guy - Posted - 05/21/2013:  20:38:28

quote:

---

Originally posted by desert rose

 

tb4 Again... actually NO. Gibson lasted as mentioned because electric guitars paid for the losses in banjo making. And again... no they lasted as long until MANAGEMENT shut down banjo mandolin and dobro making in October 2009, which was the year before the flood in 2010.

 

Scott

---

There are a lot of Gibson haters here. It's geting to be a bore.

Edited by - TB-4 Guy on 05/21/2013 20:40:31

Deaf Lester Crawdad - Posted - 05/21/2013:  22:05:54

quote:

---

Originally posted by TB-4 Guy

 

quote:

---

Originally posted by desert rose

 

tb4 Again... actually NO. Gibson lasted as mentioned because electric guitars paid for the losses in banjo making. And again... no they lasted as long until MANAGEMENT shut down banjo mandolin and dobro making in October 2009, which was the year before the flood in 2010.  

---

There are a lot of Gibson haters here. It's geting to be a bore.

---

Definition of a "Gibson Hater":    A person who doesn't hate Gibsons at all but who tells me something I don't want to hear.

Sheesh!

dmiller - Posted - 05/21/2013:  23:16:20

quote:

---

Originally posted by TB-4 Guy

 

There are a lot of Gibson haters here. It's geting to be a bore.

---

No, I don't hate Gibson.  Sorry if I gave that impression to you.  I'm just wishing they were more "predictable" when it comes to sound and tone in the banjos they made.  These days, a guy has to actually pick one before buying to see if it's a "good one or a bad one".  Thankfully, I have "a good one".  I bought the ODE D and the Nechville sight unseen (and un-picked by me before I bought them) and I got exactly the sound and tone I figured I'd get.  Those two brands have a reputation for consistency in every model they make, and I think it's too bad that Gibson couldn't step up to the plate and do the same, since they have the years of history behind them that would make it easy for them to do.

No - - I don't hate Gibson at all. Were I to be forced to sell all of my banjos (except for one), it would be the Gibson that I would hang onto while (regretfully) letting the other ones go. 

spoonfed - Posted - 05/22/2013:  06:56:02

I have noticed ,and commented before how tedious it becomes to hear all of the "experts" sitting in their armchairs at home and pontificating to Henry just how he wrecked Gibson and how he should be running his own company, and yet I would bet that very few of these self same critics has ever been involved in running a large manufacturing corporation themselves. Gibson banjos will always  sell all the while the likes of Earl and Sonny are pictured playing Gibsons ! As said elsewhere in this thread, if you dislike Gibson banjos, buy something else !

teletodd - Posted - 05/22/2013:  07:49:28

I see a lot Gibson's more iconic instruments as the result of individuals; Lloyd Loar/mandolins and archtop a; Ted McCarty/ electrics; Robt Triggs/acoustics; Greg Rich/banjos. Lots of talented individuals, I'm sure there are more that are unsung.

Old Hickory - Posted - 05/22/2013:  09:30:00

quote:

---

Originally posted by spoonfed

I have noticed ,and commented before how tedious it becomes to hear all of the "experts" sitting in their armchairs at home and pontificating to Henry just how he wrecked Gibson and how he should be running his own company, and yet I would bet that very few of these self same critics has ever been involved in running a large manufacturing corporation themselves. Gibson banjos will always  sell all the while the likes of Earl and Sonny are pictured playing Gibsons ! As said elsewhere in this thread, if you dislike Gibson banjos, buy something else !

---

I don't think anybody has said they dislike Gibson banjos.  I think people have expressed displeasure with Gibson management. Two vastly different things.

I think that most here -- even those you call pontificating experts -- would agree that Gibson banjos will always sell.

But if they will always sell, why did Gibson stop making them in 2009?  It's not because of the flood; that happened in 2010.  And if Gibson banjos will always sell, why isn't Gibson making banjos now?  We have it in Henry J.'s own words that he doesn't think he can find someone to run the banjo business.  How many here believe there is no one capable of running the banjo business for Gibson and making a profit on banjos that sell for anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 as do the presumably profitable banjos from Sullivan, Deering, Stelling, Huber and Yates? 

And how come AMB (KK250), Bishline (Cimarron)  and Deering (Sierra) can turn out -- and I would assume make a profit on -- baseline Mastertone (RB250) equivalents that retail for $2000 to $2200?

Is there really, as Henry J. suggests, no one who can run Gibson's banjo business?  Or is it rather that no one who could run the banjo business wants to work for Gibson?  Again, two vastly different things.

Finally, it's true that most of us posting here have never run a large manufacturing company.  But Scott Zimmerman (Desert Rose) does run a musical instrument manufacturing company and has been a manufacturing and production consultant to some of the largest makers in the world. He knows many in the industry personally. And he knows the history far more accurately than just about anybody else here.

Edited by - Old Hickory on 05/22/2013 09:37:41

banjoman56 - Posted - 05/22/2013:  11:01:19

quote:

---

Originally posted by Old Hickory

 

quote:

---

Originally posted by spoonfed

I have noticed ,and commented before how tedious it becomes to hear all of the "experts" sitting in their armchairs at home and pontificating to Henry just how he wrecked Gibson and how he should be running his own company, and yet I would bet that very few of these self same critics has ever been involved in running a large manufacturing corporation themselves. Gibson banjos will always  sell all the while the likes of Earl and Sonny are pictured playing Gibsons ! As said elsewhere in this thread, if you dislike Gibson banjos, buy something else !

---

I don't think anybody has said they dislike Gibson banjos.  I think people have expressed displeasure with Gibson management. Two vastly different things.

I think that most here -- even those you call pontificating experts -- would agree that Gibson banjos will always sell.

But if they will always sell, why did Gibson stop making them in 2009?  It's not because of the flood; that happened in 2010.  And if Gibson banjos will always sell, why isn't Gibson making banjos now?  We have it in Henry J.'s own words that he doesn't think he can find someone to run the banjo business.  How many here believe there is no one capable of running the banjo business for Gibson and making a profit on banjos that sell for anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 as do the presumably profitable banjos from Sullivan, Deering, Stelling, Huber and Yates? 

And how come AMB (KK250), Bishline (Cimarron)  and Deering (Sierra) can turn out -- and I would assume make a profit on -- baseline Mastertone (RB250) equivalents that retail for $2000 to $2200?

Is there really, as Henry J. suggests, no one who can run Gibson's banjo business?  Or is it rather that no one who could run the banjo business wants to work for Gibson?  Again, two vastly different things.

Finally, it's true that most of us posting here have never run a large manufacturing company.  But Scott Zimmerman (Desert Rose) does run a musical instrument manufacturing company and has been a manufacturing and production consultant to some of the largest makers in the world. He knows many in the industry personally. And he knows the history far more accurately than just about anybody else here.

---

This!!!

spoonfed - Posted - 05/23/2013:  12:20:05

With respect Old hickory, I believe you have again missed the point completely, the point is this; What has it got to do with you, Desert Rose, or anybody else on the hangout what Henrys reasons are for not making Gibson banjos ? I do not believe that he owes any one of us an explanation with regard to how he chooses to run his own  company ! Folk here expressing displeasure with Gibson management !!! frankly that is their problem and not Gibsons ! Gibson and more specifically Henry J owe us banjo buyers and players nothing at all much less an explanation of the whys and the wherefores of his running of his own company, this my friend is my point ! sometimes members here talk about Henry as if he were some kind of traitor because he chose to cease production of banjos which, as members here also never tire of telling everybody, are too expensive and not particularly good anyway ! As I see it, Henrys decision to bin banjo production is his own affair and he does not need to be put on trial here everytime somebody raises the topic of new Gibson banjos ! In other words, "Gibson banjos are no more, get over it !"

desert rose - Posted - 05/23/2013:  17:53:32

Boy spoonfed you got a LOT to learn about the internet

Bottom line if a subject bothers you its your responsibility to avoid clicking the button,  not browbeat people for contributing, after that its an exercise in freedom that as long as its not religion or politics people can discuss whatever they want and share their knowlege and thoughts

Scott

Edited by - desert rose on 05/23/2013 17:58:55

bbanjoboy - Posted - 05/23/2013:  20:49:33

Well, I've not said much since I started this thread, but I've just got to chime in. I don't think we have 'missed the point' whatsoever. The point of origin of this thread was to simply comment that a very nice Gibson employee informed me that they are interested in making banjos again. That is the point that this discussion was created for. What it has to do with the rest of us, is very simple. I believe that most folks here have a deep admiration and respect for Gibson instruments, banjos in particular. No matter how great other builders are, and no matter how poor Gibson quality is, there will always be the reality that almost all builders are inspired by, if not downright copying to exacting detail, every aspect of the great Gibson banjos of the past. If and when Gibson gets back to making banjos, they also will be copying the greatest banjos ever made.
The reason for this thread has nothing to do with Henry or Gibson management, but rather an almost nostalgic hope that our 'hero' in the banjo business will rise again. We can't bring back Bill, or Earl, but we can hope for the return of Gibson. If and when they do return, I'm sure they will have little or no effect on the likes of Huber, or Scott or anyone else. Gibson banjos are an American icon. Maybe that's what Spoonfed doesn't quite understand seeing how he's from the UK. I believe the sentiments would be similar if Harley quit making bikes or ... well, that's about the only 2 American icons left ... except for maybe Lakota Leathers>>>>>
And Scott, nice response, but a little religion and politics is fun every now and then.. LOL>..

desert rose - Posted - 05/23/2013:  22:13:26

spoonfed - Posted - 05/24/2013:  05:00:16

Well Scott, I do not believe that I have browbeaten anybody here at all ! I have done just exactly what you seem to be advocating, I have expressed my views here on the hangout just like you have done, it just so happens that my point of view differs somewhat from yours that is all.

Old5string - Posted - 05/24/2013:  06:39:09

Scott z. then why are the banjos you make Gibson copys?

Arthur Hatfield - Posted - 05/24/2013:  07:24:05

I do not know anything about running a big business or even care about it I am a one person small shop and that is all I ever want and stay covered up all the time. But one thing I do know is that Gibson was not making hardly any money on banjos if any at all on some models. Even tho many say they were too high price. What the customer pays is not what Gibson got,  figure half of the list price because the dealer bought it for that. Now if Gibson had got the list price and had no dealers they would have been making money. I know what it costs to build a banjo with Prucha parts which Gibson used even tho they bought them cheaper than I do Gibson was still paying labor and I'm not.  If my 2700.00 Buck Creek model sold thru dealers and I got 1350.00 for them I would be breaking even, working for free and paying my shop utilities and supplies such as sandpaper,saw blades etc. from some other income. I can easily see why there is no reason for them to worry about building banjos unless they want to eliminate dealers and make Gibson a direct sale item to the customer.

Old Hickory - Posted - 05/24/2013:  08:35:16

quote:

---

Originally posted by spoonfed

With respect Old hickory, I believe you have again missed the point completely, the point is this; What has it got to do with you, Desert Rose, or anybody else on the hangout what Henrys reasons are for not making Gibson banjos ? 

---

With respect back at ya, of course it has nothing "to do" with us. But as banjo fans and perhaps a few potential Gibson banjo buyers, we're entitled to have and express our opinions about the availability of new Gibson banjos or the lack thereof and the circumstances and decisions that led to it.

In particular, my post was on-point to the message I was specifically responding to which had suggested that the armchair experts here dislike Gibson banjos. I said that I don't think people dislike Gibson banjos but rather Gibson management.  I gave some possible reasons for that.  But I don't think I directly expressed my own opinion of Gibson management.  I did ask questions.

And I don't dislike Gibson banjos.  I think the Rich era banjos were great. I've heard and played excellent ones from the post-Rich era. I've even heard good ones from the supposedly terrible 70s.  I do think they were expensive. But seeing as Stellings, Hubers, Yates and some others cost more than the last of the RB250s, I guess expensive is relative.  Truth be told, I think all U.S.-made bluegrass banjos are expensive. I'm happy for the people who have $2,000, $3,000, $4,000 and more to spend on a banjo. Keeps the banjo makers in business and maybe provides encouragement to Gibson that there is a market for new banjos with their name on them.

Even if I might not buy one, I'd be happy to see new Gibson banjos on the market again.

a g cole - Posted - 05/24/2013:  09:52:01

Suppose Gibson did resume building/selling banjos, they would be built by persons other than the old Gibson craftsmen off the classic Gibson era (who are mostly dead or too old to now build banjos).  So, it seems to me that since many or most of the Gibson copies and other nonGibson brands, so long as they are built to classic Gibson specifications and well made, and of similar materials, the biggest difference is is between "Gibson" and some other name on the peghead.

I am not debating here.  I own several banjos, including an old one with "Gibson" on the peghead.  I like them all.  I hear lots of banjos being played.  I believe there are many that are copies with "Gibson" inlaid on the peghead, as well as non-Gibson brands, that are every bit as good as most Gibsons that were actually built by the Gibson company.  I believe that most who think a banjo has to be a Gibson to be any good are just infatuated with that brand.  As a kid in school, I witnessed many schoolyard tussles between "chevvy" and ford partisans.

gottasmilealot - Posted - 05/24/2013:  10:21:06

I think it makes more business sense for Gibson to keep cranking out the guitars that are a much bigger market, than to retool and hire qualified employees to get the banjo production up again, especially since Earl is no longer around to keep their name in the spotlight.  At one time they had market share, now they wouldn't, as there are many good makers out there.  Getting qualified employees isn't as big a deal as it's made out to be.  If workers overseas can be trained, so can others. The market doesn't need Gibson making banjos. Gibson's CEO probably sits in the big office wondering "Why even bother with banjos?".  If they can't make money doing it, they won't try.

With regard to copying, most bluegrass designs of both domestic and foreign origin basically copy the same design, just like guitar and violin basic designs are copied routinely.  They are copied because they work.

Nike or Rolls Royce Banjos... now there's an idea that hasn't been tried yet. 

Ebanjo - Posted - 05/24/2013:  10:37:45

I like Gibson banjos too and would like to see them resume building them some time in the future. As some others have stated, I do not care for Henry J.'s management style and the way he treated dealers he cut out about 10 years ago. Banjos may not be Gibsons big ticket item like Les Pauls, but build the models that will sell like the RB-250, -3 and Earl Scruggs standard instead of all the fancy schmancy limited edition models that regular working pickers can't afford. JMHO.
Eric Ellis

Matthew Reis - Posted - 05/24/2013:  16:06:34

Please keep us informed.

beegee - Posted - 05/29/2013:  07:50:14

I like the idea of a bow-tie flyswatter RB-250, an RB-3 wreath or FE and Granada. They are archetypical and classic. I, however, have no love of Gibson ever since Henry cut out his long-time mom & pop dealers and hung 'em out to dry in favor of big-box and internet sales. That and hyper-inflated prices.

Ebanjo - Posted - 05/29/2013:  15:14:17

Well put Mr. Gaddis.
Eric Ellis

The Old Timer - Posted - 05/29/2013:  15:47:46

Just checking in on this extended, and interesting topic.

Thank God for the existing banjo builders today, every dang one of 'em. It may be safe to say they make banjos out of "love". I don't think a BIG business like Gibson can afford to do things for "love". I've read a lot about "Henry" but have no opinion one way or the other how he runs Gibson. The facts are on the ground.

Instead of griping or wishing praying about what Gibson does or doesn't do, I think we owe huge props to the folks who ARE continuing on with banjos, whether classic design or new designs.

If I NEED another banjo, either bluegrass or old time, I will have plenty of GREAT ones to choose from.

At this point, nostagia aside, I don't really need Gibson back in the banjo bidness. And more power to them whatever they decide in future.

Aradobanjo - Posted - 05/29/2013:  18:47:48

Hello, 

I liked the Gibson line for nostalgic reasons. I like the thoughts of going to any Gibson dealer and shop to see one in action. I like the support of a "lifetime" warranty. This is not to say that I would not purchase from the fine builders here. I went to one before a fellow BHO member sold me his unused 2005 RB-12. I could not establish a connection. Then the untouched RB came available. I was surprised at the fit and polish of the instrument. I detected the pride of the workmanship in the instrument. Someone was trying in 2005. 

Today, I would have to travel long distances to see any over $1000 instrument. Guitar Center had one conversion one time. The Taylor I bought from them for my son's graduation gift was never cleaned up and needed to be setup. So, I got a deal for dirty instrument. I have not seen anything that would excite me to consider as the area certainly is not busting down the doors for banjos. I certainly would not trade in this RB for anything that GC has at the present.  That may change over time. Maybe a long time is too long.

desert rose - Posted - 05/29/2013:  20:40:21

 I like the support of a "lifetime" warranty

Kind of hard to back up a warranty when you have no replacement parts

Scott

TNCowboy - Posted - 05/29/2013:  20:50:10

quote:

---

Originally posted by desert rose

 

 I like the support of a "lifetime" warranty

 

Kind of hard to back up a warranty when you have no replacement parts

 

Scott

The last I heard, Robin Smith was doing their banjo warranty/service work.

Regarding Gibson getting back into banjos; I met with a Gibson big wheel last month who wanted an addition on his weekend river house and we discussed this, He indicated that they would probably get back into banjos at some point. I told him that in my opinion, with all of the great builders we have now, they missed that boat (and market share).

Michael

Edited by - TNCowboy on 05/29/2013 21:00:26

prewartb3 - Posted - 05/30/2013:  11:00:13

quote:

---

Originally posted by TNCowboy

 

quote:

---

Originally posted by desert rose

 

 I like the support of a "lifetime" warranty

 

Kind of hard to back up a warranty when you have no replacement parts

 

Scott

 

---

The last I heard, Robin Smith was doing their banjo warranty/service work.

Regarding Gibson getting back into banjos; I met with a Gibson big wheel last month who wanted an addition on his weekend river house and we discussed this, He indicated that they would probably get back into banjos at some point. I told him that in my opinion, with all of the great builders we have now, they missed that boat (and market share).

Michael

---

Robin Smith never kept it a secret that he's done all the warranty and repair work for Gibson since the flood. Robin Smith's good friends with American Made Banjo Co who supplies Rob with the heads, strings and hardware for all those repairs for Gibson. Robin and AMB build the best Gibby style banjos right now IMO. Maybe Gibson will have Robin and AMB build for them when Gibson wants to get back in to the market. Looks like they have a foot in the door already.

BluegrassWarehouse - Posted - 05/30/2013:  11:49:45

And who is going to take over AMB?  I see it is for sale.

Lance

AmericanMadeBanjo - Posted - 05/30/2013:  14:16:34

Lance, why don't we clear up the air right now. American Made Banjo Company is not for sale and never was. Plus, in my lifetime never will be I hope. We're doing fine and loving the people & the bluegrass business. Those (read this & other threads to figure out who they are) who have been spreading false rumors that AMB Co is up for sale on forums & facebook do not know what they are talking about.

Funny story: A friend from Japan called today & asked if AMB Co was for sale.  IMO some posters on forums & facebook need to get a job or donate their excess time to the needy.

If anybody has any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me directly. Most of you know how to contact me. I'll be happy to give you the real answer to all your questions.

In the meantime it's business as usual. Watch for our line of "Made in USA" banjo hardware coming out soon. We're working on the website and stocking the shelves now. You will love the competitive pricing

TB-4 Guy - Posted - 05/30/2013:  15:01:18

" IMO some posters on forums & facebook need to get a job or donate their excess time to the needy...."

LOL.

bbanjoboy - Posted - 05/30/2013:  15:14:01

Gotta love AMB ... Hook a lakota strap to one and you can't get much more American than that!

bbanjoboy - Posted - 05/30/2013:  15:15:22

Except pick it with a bluchip thumb pick and some of Deans fine Fingerpicks!

AmericanMadeBanjo - Posted - 05/30/2013:  16:50:50

Straps we'll never make & no disrespect to Deans great picks. We have our own finger picks coming soon in Old National Alloy Nickle Silver & Stainless Steel. We made a mold and we can punch them out by the bucket full. The first batch will be .025 for now. We can probably punch any thickness & alloy we want. We'll be glad to make them for other builders/companies with their logo. You can bend and polish. You don't need to cut up a pre-war bread box to get a good finger pick. Contact me for additional builder buying information. I'll be giving a few out for those who want to experiment with them. Hold your horses for now. I have a lot of irons in the fire.

BluegrassWarehouse - Posted - 05/30/2013:  21:11:39

quote:

---

Originally posted by AmericanMadeBanjo

 

Lance, why don't we clear up the air right now. American Made Banjo Company is not for sale and never was. Plus, in my lifetime never will be I hope. We're doing fine and loving the people & the bluegrass business. Those (read this & other threads to figure out who they are) who have been spreading false rumors that AMB Co is up for sale on forums & facebook do not know what they are talking about.

Funny story: A friend from Japan called today & asked if AMB Co was for sale.  IMO some posters on forums & facebook need to get a job or donate their excess time to the needy.

If anybody has any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me directly. Most of you know how to contact me. I'll be happy to give you the real answer to all your questions.

In the meantime it's business as usual. Watch for our line of "Made in USA" banjo hardware coming out soon. We're working on the website and stocking the shelves now. You will love the competitive pricing

 

---

Ad in Banjo Newsletter classifieds:  "KEL KROYDEN BANJOS, It’s getting near that time to retire from the instrument building business. Coming up for sale are the Kel Kroydon Banjo name and Trademarks. Now’s your chance to expand your Banjo, Guitar & Mandolin instrument building business with a popular American Made brand name. Serious Inquiries Only. E-Mail inquiries will not be answered. Call 1-339-229-3047 M-F 9 am to 6 pm EST."

Forgive me for the mistake, but I thought Kel Kroyden was American Made Banjo Co.  The website is americanmadebanjo.com and Kel Kroydens are listed as being built there.  Same phone number too.  Do I have the wrong banjo maker?  If so, I apologize.  Is there another American Made Banjo Co.?  Thanks!

Lance