mipake - Posted - 06/08/2014:  15:25:22

I have been trying to ask a question that would help me understand prewar market value of the different Gibson Mastertones. 

So if you took all the different mastertone tenors from the TB 3 ball bearing to the Granada OPF flathead.   What would the relative value  compared to each other.

If a TB3 ball bearing is worth X then is the Granada worth 100X?  Assume all are in the same condition and none have been converted.

I would love to understand how they rank when compared to each other.

The Old Timer - Posted - 06/08/2014:  17:11:11

TB 3 ball bearing is the most common vintage Mastertone. Sells for around $3000 depending on condition and if it has both necks.

TB 4 ball bearing is rarer, might go for $500 more or so.

Ball bearing TB Granada just sold for a bit over $4000 on Ebay. $5000 would be a good general estimate.

Ball Bearing TB 5 recently sold for about $6000, but Elderly has one asking over $10K (very pretty).

1927+ two piece flange TB 3s might go for nearly $4000 in general, Style 4 a bit more

1927+ two piece flange TB Granadas can get up over $8000 to $11,000. Style 5s maybe a bit more. Style 6s yet a bit more. All "depending" on condition, if two necks come with it, etc.

One piece flange TB 3 arch tops are commonly listed at $8500 to $11,000. Style 4s about the same.

Mando Bros has a TB 3 two piece flange original flat head (they say) for $85K.

One piece flange TB Granadas with arch top are in the high teens and 20s+.

Two piece flange TB or PT Style 6 low profile or high profile lightweight flat heads are 20 to 30K, asking price.

One piece flange flat head top style TB/PB 3s, 4s and non gold top tensions are $50 to $100, I suppose.

One piece flange flat head TB/PB Granadas were as high as $200K pre-2008 recession. Maybe $100 to $200 now? Not sure. Noam Pikleny seems to be the two most recent buyer.

Original 5 string one piece flange flat head 3s, 4s, Granadas are probably $150 and UP!

The selling prices of these very top instruments rarely get published -- not even that the instrument is for sale. More of a private network of buyers and sellers.

Just my guesses from what I've read and heard. I am no expert, nor a seller nor buyer of the truly high end instruments. But the top original 5 string flat head one piece flange RB Granada probably isn't quite 100X the ball bearing TB 3. Maybe 80 or 90X?

The major exception is the Roger Sprung/John Hartford original 5 string RB 18 gold top tension that was sold at poorly publicized auction for $27,000 plus fees. Steve Martin snagged it. Which just proves you should have always have $27,000+ in your pocket ready to spend if the opportunity comes up!

brunomathilda - Posted - 06/08/2014:  17:41:20

Thank you Old timer

The Old Timer - Posted - 06/08/2014:  17:52:12

Don't go taking that to the bank!!!

Bill Rogers - Posted - 06/08/2014:  18:36:58

Original 5-strings are worth roughly a 20-33% increase over converted tenors. 

mipake - Posted - 06/08/2014:  19:09:57

thanks that was very helpful.   I'll save that run down for future reference.    

Mike