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bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/23/2019: 05:41:23
Still available for purchase. Decided not to trade at this point.
bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/23/2019: 14:04:49
$425 obo. This is a ridiculously good deal for any professional banjo, used or not. I honestly think it’s too low, but I want to sell the banjo quickly.
Don’t hesitate to send me a PM!
I will include my CD collection - also in the Classifieds - for an additional $15, to the first offer that comes up. Can’t beat a package deal like that!
Edited by - bluegrassbanjopicker on 10/23/2019 14:13:07
bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/23/2019: 19:05:59
I’m choosing not to play the “mark your item down till someone decides they’re going to buy it” game, which game Craigslist buyers just love to play, until you “give” them the merchandise just to get them to stop going lower into ludicrousness.
I think I speak for a lot of persons here, when I say that it is plain hard to sell things today, unless you have an outstanding customer base or are an established business in that particular respect. I’m pretty sure Jim Britton sells more banjos here, faster than anyone here sells anything else, because he is in the perfect position to do so. I am not. I have never been and probably never will have as much access to as many instruments as him. If anyone here can list one individual who is more successful in Classifieds than Jim...but I don’t think there is. The Classifieds system has changed in character since the website overhaul, perhaps more than anyone currently realizes.
It’s not right for me to take a loss on this banjo, and I’d be foolish to sell it at $425 when the neck alone is worth at least that much, notwithstanding that the tone ring is special in that it was the setup ring for Sullivan/First Quality Music tone rings, for many years, and I decided to buy it; it’s a superb ring, outclassed only by the Blaylock which I used in my former Kalamazoo conversion.
Lest anyone believe I am “way too upset,” I know too well that anything close to that would probably result in my account being locked or revoked. I know better than to do that; I’m not truly angry, I’m trying to make a point.
Price for the banjo is $600 obo with the CD collection for an additional $15; price for both $615 obo with free shipping as always!
Edited by - bluegrassbanjopicker on 10/23/2019 19:22:08
HarleyQ - Posted - 10/23/2019: 20:50:59
I'v seen some of Jim's ads up around 100 days old! ............"Patience", I believe is the Key!!
bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/24/2019: 05:37:47
I’m sorry about my rant.
You’re probably right; not everyone just out and buys a banjo every day, unless they’re interested in one but don’t own one. I shouldn’t accuse Jim of being more successful than anyone else.
RB100 - Posted - 10/26/2019: 13:33:13
Agree with Harley above. Patience is the key here...parts, i.e. ring, resonator, neck, tuners, etc. are easily worth your original asking price, IMO.
bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/26/2019: 13:51:23
It seems to me that the Classifieds are “getting ready for the Christmas season” by the number of instruments added in the past few days.
OldNavyGuy - Posted - 10/26/2019: 14:31:41
quote:
Originally posted by bluegrassbanjopicker
It seems to me that the Classifieds are “getting ready for the Christmas season” by the number of instruments added in the past few days.
The condition, and repair hacks done to this banjo would be a deal killer for many.
No returns would be another.
Edited by - OldNavyGuy on 10/26/2019 14:32:32
bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/26/2019: 16:07:30
quote:
Originally posted by OldNavyGuy
quote:
Originally posted by bluegrassbanjopicker
It seems to me that the Classifieds are “getting ready for the Christmas season” by the number of instruments added in the past few days.
The condition, and repair hacks done to this banjo would be a deal killer for many.
No returns would be another.
Hey Jim (and everyone),
For what it’s worth, I don’t expect to get near the asking price for the banjo, which is why I put a 40% discount on it. I agree that the way the repairs were done, and the way they make the banjo look, decrease the value of the banjo, and most definitely make it a deal killer. I have no way to tell exactly where this banjo has been over its lifetime (prior to my owning it.) I think it was worth more with the previous pot assembly.
I’m not sure at what point the Epiphone neck came into play, but it’s safe to assume that it has not been an original Epiphone for quite a while. I’m fairly certain the neck came from an original Epiphone which BHO member “Sonhouse” owned at one point, and for whatever reason, the neck got separated from its original pot.
If I wanted to get the most from this banjo, I would sell the neck, resonator, flange/tension hoop, and tone ring. I know the banjo looks pretty despicable on the inside. I’d be happy to get $360 even, for the aforementioned parts (or the whole banjo), but that’s probably a pipe dream. It’s decidedly unfortunate that this is the current condition of the banjo. I hope there’s someone who can resurrect the neck from its present state. If anyone wants to put an offer out, I’d be glad to make a deal!
I would rather own a “fine banjo you’ve got there” banjo, than a “you did what to it?!” banjo. I’ll admit right out that the repairs are sub-par and that I could have done better. I’ll also say that it was a big financial mistake when I first sold (and refunded the payment of) this banjo. I think the parting out of the banjo would be smarter than to sell it as complete, and then be accused of calling “junk” on the Hangout, as a banjo in “good condition. I would much rather part it out than have another “Adam McIntosh” experience.
At this point, I think that parting out is the best option, and I have updated my ad to reflect this.
Edited by - bluegrassbanjopicker on 10/26/2019 16:24:34
bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/26/2019: 17:09:15
Perhaps the best thing to do is to keep the banjo and save everyone the nightmare of a bad banjo purchase. Or if there’s a rare person who wants the entire banjo for $600, that’s more than fine with me.
Even with all the “hacks” as you call them, $600 is not an unreasonable price. If I came across this banjo for the first time, I would be shocked if the seller sold it for less than the current discount price. Surely there’s at least one member here who can give me a realistic idea of what the selling price should be, instead of my “going all over the place” on the price.
One problem is that US-made Epiphone five-strings were comprised of an extremely small part of the entire Gibson banjo line, and the only person I know of, that could give a good estimate is Ron Stewart. He’s played an Epiphone before: notwithstanding, that one would easily outperform mine.
The bottom line is that I do need to sell this banjo, but not so fast that I’d accept an offer less than $300.
Edited by - bluegrassbanjopicker on 10/26/2019 17:16:17
bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/26/2019: 18:01:38
I guess I’ve made everyone tired of hearing about the banjo. Whoever buys it will get a good banjo, nothing more, nothing less, and that’s what counts. Hacks or not, repairs or not, it’s playable, and has been a nice instrument for the time I have had it.
Old Hickory - Posted - 10/27/2019: 12:44:44
You'd be better off parting it out.
If it's really a Crowe ring with a Gibson USA stamp, you can get $300 or more for that. Maybe even $400+. The neck is probably worth upwards of $200 even with the repairs. A skilled DIY-er can clean up the finish. The resonator is the same as 1960s Gibson RB100, so I'd think it's worth at least $200.
So in those three parts, you have more than your latest asking price.
If the "Crowe" ring is an un-stamped Sullivan SUL-1, it's worth no more than $150 used, since a new one costs only $200.
The flange and co-rods can get you a few bucks.
The rim is a worthless botch.
Aren't you the one who put this together from parts after swapping out some original parts for others? If so, you're losing no value by taking it apart.
Old Hickory - Posted - 10/27/2019: 12:56:04
quote:
Originally posted by bluegrassbanjopicker
One problem is that US-made Epiphone five-strings were comprised of an extremely small part of the entire Gibson banjo line, and the only person I know of, that could give a good estimate is Ron Stewart. He’s played an Epiphone before: notwithstanding, that one would easily outperform mine.
Many people know that the Epiphone EB-88 was the same banjo as the 1960s Gibson RB-100 upgraded with a Mastertone tone ring and unique inlays. It was essentially an RB-250 with no binding on the fingerboard and resonator lip. Maybe different wood.
In good condition it should be worth somewhere between a 1960s RB100 and RB250. Maybe $1500 or more.
The one you're selling is too far removed from its original state to be worth even what an average RB100 would fetch. That's why you're better off parting it out.
bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/27/2019: 13:49:39
You’re 100 percent right, Ken.
I would have no problem selling the neck, resonator and flange/tension hoop assembly.
The tone ring stays with me as would the rim. The ring was bought from Alex Colvin and was used to set up all the Gibson Crowe rings until a certain point, and to my knowledge has not been used in a banjo until Alex tried it and said it had “crazy good tone.” Not planning on selling the ring.
I put the present pot assembly on, but had nothing whatsoever to do with the installation of the older, nicer assembly.
I have never seen a photo of this banjo in its factory original state. There may have been a time when I could have traced all the parts more precisely, but that time has passed.
I am updating my ad as of right now.
Edited by - bluegrassbanjopicker on 10/27/2019 13:52:31
bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/27/2019: 14:08:39
Updated my ad with decent prices for the parts.
bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/28/2019: 06:19:48
quote:
Originally posted by Old Hickory
...The rim is a worthless botch.
Wow.
I agree with the rest, but...that is too much. The rim may be botched, but it certainly isn’t worthless.
If the rim is worthless, then why would I ever consider using it? Your definition of worthless in this case, must mean worthless as in a monetary aspect.
I’d never use anything close to a truly “worthless” rim in any banjo. If the rim can stand up to the strain of the head clamped down tightly on a tone ring, it’s not worthless. A worthless rim could never stand up to that strain. I’ve done a lot of experimentation with different materials as banjo rims (name any material and I’ve probably tried it at least once!)
I can see that it’s worthless to sell, because nobody would buy it based on its appearance, but it’s not worthless per se as a rim!
I will be reducing the current prices on the parts I am selling, lest anyone think I am selling them higher than their current value. The rim is free to whoever wants it.
Edited by - bluegrassbanjopicker on 10/28/2019 06:31:59
bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/28/2019: 06:41:14
For the record, I want to say that this fuss over the rim has not caused me to be any less friends with Ken, or to lose any respect for him. I don’t believe I know more about Gibson than he does. I don’t have his years of experience to compensate. More often than not, it’s me who is wrong, and that’s all right. There’s more shame in refusing to admit the truth, than admitting it but being refused by the other. I don’t wish to be accused of the former.
bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/28/2019: 07:45:26
I’ve probably scared everyone away from buying any parts.
I’ll entertain any reasonable offers I get.
I’m truly sorry for blowing this up bigger than it needs to be. I apologize for upsetting anyone who was offended by my posts.
Old Hickory - Posted - 10/28/2019: 07:50:06
quote:
Originally posted by bluegrassbanjopicker
I can see that it’s worthless to sell, because nobody would buy it based on its appearance, but it’s not worthless per se as a rim!
That's what I meant.
I could be wrong.
Edited by - Old Hickory on 10/28/2019 07:51:25
bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/28/2019: 08:15:31
I just removed the wood strips. It was easier removing them than I thought. The adhesive from the strips left some undesirable marks on the rim, which have undoubtedly decreased the value of the rim, prior to the strips being added. I wouldn’t expect more than $100 for the rim even after removing those strips.
Photos:
Old Hickory - Posted - 10/28/2019: 08:29:58
quote:
Originally posted by bluegrassbanjopicker
For the record, I want to say that this fuss over the rim has not caused me to be any less friends with Ken, or to lose any respect for him. I don’t believe I know more about Gibson than he does. I don’t have his years of experience to compensate. More often than not, it’s me who is wrong, and that’s all right. There’s more shame in refusing to admit the truth, than admitting it but being refused by the other. I don’t wish to be accused of the former.
Thanks for that, Luke. But my years of experience have not done much for me other than make me an old man with lots of opinions. 
I am by no stretch of the imagination an expert in Gibson banjos. I am certain the amount I don't know far exceeds the amount I do know.
And while I may have opinions about what detracts value from an instrument, I'm guilty of killing the resale value of my own non-factory banjos by having my name inlaid in them. And this time last year I paid good money for a messed-up 70s RB-250 which is now off having some of the mess repaired at a cost of more good money -- on top of the other good money I spent replacing several after-market parts with a combination of genuine '70s Gibson or post-war Gibson sourced. I could well end up with more invested in this banjo than it's worth on the market. But I'll enjoy it more. And with this most likely being the only Gibson I'll ever own, that's all that counts.
If it weren't for the money I'm spending on my Gibson and the fact that I don't need another bluegrass banjo, I'd have actually considered buying the Epiphone neck, resonator and tone ring at some below-market price for a project that would be economically unjustifiable and possibly damaging of resale value! But it sure would look cool.
Old Hickory - Posted - 10/28/2019: 08:34:52
quote:
Originally posted by bluegrassbanjopicker
I just removed the wood strips. It was easier removing them than I thought. The adhesive from the strips left some undesirable marks on the rim, which have undoubtedly decreased the value of the rim, prior to the strips being added. I wouldn’t expect more than $100 for the rim even after removing those strips.
Look at that! Maybe you can clean it up without removing finish.
I could be wrong, but I think the rim is worth more in this condition than with the wood strips. Now there's no more concern about what's involved in removing them.
Good luck.
bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/28/2019: 09:32:07
Here’s the inside of the rim after 80 grit sandpaper, followed up with a coat of Rust-Oleum Satin Canyon Black. More presentable than before.
bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/28/2019: 10:59:55
Video clip for those who may be curious as to how the banjo currently sounds, or someone who might want to purchase the banjo as a whole:
Old Hickory - Posted - 10/28/2019: 12:14:48
quote:
Originally posted by bluegrassbanjopicker
Here’s the inside of the rim after 80 grit sandpaper, followed up with a coat of Rust-Oleum Satin Canyon Black. More presentable than before.
Yes. But now you have paint on the hardware. Would have been best take the banjo apart. Oh, well.
bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/28/2019: 12:41:27
quote:
Originally posted by Old Hickory
quote:
Originally posted by bluegrassbanjopicker
Here’s the inside of the rim after 80 grit sandpaper, followed up with a coat of Rust-Oleum Satin Canyon Black. More presentable than before.
Yes. But now you have paint on the hardware. Would have been best to take the banjo apart. Oh, well.
I know, it would have been better to take the banjo apart, but I didn’t have a spare set of strings handy. If I had wanted to really get the rim looking factory original, I would have taken everything off, and had the rim sanded (so none of those bumpy places would show) by a friend of mine, and then painted black again.
Here’s one more video clip:
Emiel - Posted - 10/28/2019: 12:52:27
Good sounding banjo…
bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/28/2019: 16:55:02
I am including the 26 bluegrass CDs below, free of charge, to the first offer for all the parts. Absolutely no need to pay the $15 that they’re currently marked at.
banjohangout.org/classified/77952
Note: “All the parts” means the same thing as “the entire banjo,” case included.
Edited by - bluegrassbanjopicker on 10/28/2019 17:01:30
bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/30/2019: 06:42:20
Still available for sale!
Now $450 obo!
The bluegrass CDs will come free with the purchase of the banjo, as I can’t seem to sell them separately.
Edited by - bluegrassbanjopicker on 10/30/2019 06:44:17
bluegrassbanjopicker - Posted - 10/31/2019: 13:13:05
Sale pending. Will lock topic when transaction is finalized.
Edited by - bluegrassbanjopicker on 10/31/2019 13:19:13
