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tonygo - Posted - 03/03/2024: 07:46:19
What is a fair price for a 1970s Mastertone (with a two piece flange) that has an expertly repaired break at the heel. I rejected it once because I worried that the break might make it harder to resell when the time came, now I am reconsidering it for various reasons. The banjo was knocked over and repaired very soon after by a real craftsman and the break is barely visible. But it still is a repaired broken neck. I want to be fair but real. Thankyou.
Edited by - Texasbanjo on 03/03/2024 08:20:49
Texasbanjo - Posted - 03/03/2024: 08:20:37
I'm moving your thread over to the Shopping forum. Only posts associated with a classified ad on the Hangout can be posted in the Swap Shop.
heavy5 - Posted - 03/03/2024: 12:55:53
Reconsidering ---- for selling or buying ?
Neck breaks are all unique as well as the talent that may have repaired them .
There are sloppy jobs & magnificent repairs that can usually be defined by examining . so its up to the seller (if u) to convince yourself & a buyer of the integrity of the repair . Try to get a luthier's analysis .
I have an older Martin 12 fret D18 w/ slotted head that I bought w/ a repaired headstock which was broken in several pieces & someone did a fine repair job a long time ago ! The break will devalue any instrument some amount .
NotABanjoYoda - Posted - 03/03/2024: 13:24:54
Not enough info. Is it an rb250, reissue etc? Is the neck a replacement already? etc.
If its a replacement neck then the devaluation is say 75% of another replacement neck if the neck is serviceable. Or some percentage drop or 100% if neck is super ugly or not playable.
Original necks are up to the buyer and what they believe the devalue is and seller to agree or disagree.
GStump - Posted - 03/03/2024: 13:42:55
I'll step out on a limb and suspect you are talking about a 70's RB 250. These were in my opinion, worth about 1750 to 1800 dollars if all there and no issues. I see folks asking 2500 or so for them sometimes, but that is WAY TOO HIGH. (my opinion of course) IF the banjo is mint or very nearly mint, it might be worth closer to 2000 bucks. OK, a heel break - IF expertly repaired, NOW the banjo is worth closer to 1400 to 1500; again, my opinion. IF the repair is VERY visible or actually looks terrible, the worth of the banjo is closer to 1200 or so. OR one can sell the existing neck ad have a replacement neck made for the banjo. You get whatever you get if you sell the original neck. A new expertly made neck is going to be 1500 bucks give or take a hundred or so. Hope this helps!
Stevespickn - Posted - 03/03/2024: 13:52:54
Usually a banjo with a broken neck/heel repair, if repaired correctly, are as strong as ever. The down side is resale value. If you have one, best to keep it and play it. Even though the repair is sturdy, resale takes a hit.
tonygo - Posted - 03/03/2024: 14:08:02
quote:
Originally posted by NotABanjoYoda
Not enough info. Is it an rb250, reissue etc? Is the neck a replacement already? etc.
If its a replacement neck then the devaluation is say 75% of another replacement neck if the neck is serviceable. Or some percentage drop or 100% if neck is super ugly or not playable.
Original necks are up to the buyer and what they believe the devalue is and seller to agree or disagree.
RB 250 and I believe it is the original neck.
tonygo - Posted - 03/03/2024: 14:08:53
quote:
Originally posted by heavy5
Reconsidering ---- for selling or buying ?
Neck breaks are all unique as well as the talent that may have repaired them .
There are sloppy jobs & magnificent repairs that can usually be defined by examining . so its up to the seller (if u) to convince yourself & a buyer of the integrity of the repair . Try to get a luthier's analysis .
I have an older Martin 12 fret D18 w/ slotted head that I bought w/ a repaired headstock which was broken in several pieces & someone did a fine repair job a long time ago ! The break will devalue any instrument some amount .
Buying. Very clean repair, just about invisible.
The Old Timer - Posted - 03/03/2024: 16:35:06
I agree with the $1500 estimate for a good looking repair on a 1970s RB 250 Mastertone. Tops.
And it had better have a hard shell case with it!!
Make sure the resonator binding hasn't crackled all to pieces. Some of the 1970s Mastertones had that problem.
Edited by - The Old Timer on 03/03/2024 16:35:38
lightgauge - Posted - 03/03/2024: 16:56:24
I would have to really love it to put $1500 in a 70's with a neck repair. A good repair is not questionable for stability or sound, but can hurt resale near 50%.
250gibson - Posted - 03/04/2024: 08:28:44
I would concur and top out at $1500 if you really love it for some reason and the repair is done expertly. $1250 tops would be more what I would expect for a 70s rb250 with a broken/repaired neck. The break will make it harder to sell later as there are tons more they come up for sale without a neck break, so you really would have to love it to buy this one. If not, wait for one with a good neck.
