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SCOTTYO - Posted - 08/28/2024: 07:17:26
I’m trying to nail down the year of my Gibson RB250. Serial number is
00 200531
Any help is appreciated.
rcc56 - Posted - 08/28/2024: 11:21:50
1976, according to "Gruhn's Guide to Vintage Guitars."
One of 4 different serial number configurations used during that decade. Gibson didn't make it easy.
The Old Timer - Posted - 08/28/2024: 13:53:30
Post a photo of the pot please. Where is the serial #? Behind the peghead or in the rim? My first thought was 2000.
rcc56 - Posted - 08/28/2024: 14:19:39
The system in use in 2000 for model 250 was 250-yy-xx, with yy = year and xx = number made for the year.
Other banjo models used different numbering systems during that time.
As said earlier, they didn't make it easy.
Old Hickory - Posted - 08/28/2024: 16:01:37
quote:
Originally posted by SCOTTYO
I’m trying to nail down the year of my Gibson RB250. Serial number is
00 200531
Any help is appreciated.
Even before serial number, the first step in identifying the year of a Gibson banjo is recognizing its features and components so you know the era. This is necessary because serial numbers - or ranges of numbers- were repeated in different years.
So describe your banjo: One piece flange or two-piece? Bow tie inlays or pre-war style ribbons and bows? Paddle headstock or fiddle? Back of resonator tobacco brown mahogany, more reddish mahogany, or sunburst with concentric circles?
Point is the RB250 banjos in 1950s-60s, 70s-early 80s, late 80s-2009 are three distinctly different designs. Sometimes a serial number appears to put the banjo on a year that's not right.
Pictures always help.
Old Hickory - Posted - 08/28/2024: 16:05:00
As a follo-up to my own message:
In this discussion it's already been said that the serial number suggests 1976 while the style of number suggests 2000.
1976 was the 2-piece flange brown mahogany RB250. 2000 was the more red 1-piece flange. There were other differences but these are instantly obvious.
SCOTTYO - Posted - 08/28/2024: 21:33:00
Fiddle cut head stock, 2 piece flange, resonator is brown reddish stain.
rcc56 - Posted - 08/28/2024: 22:53:19
And I'll guess the number is on a decal on the back of the peghead, and probably includes "made in USA."
If so, yes, 1976.
Edited by - rcc56 on 08/28/2024 22:54:10
Old Hickory - Posted - 08/29/2024: 08:35:19
quote:
Originally posted by SCOTTYO
Fiddle cut head stock, 2 piece flange, resonator is brown reddish stain.
That's the 1970-mid '80s RB-250.
Original equipment included: clamshell tailpiece and two-legged armrest with Gibson script, Gibson-stamped eccentric planetary tuners, large pearloid buttons, T brackets for resonator attachment.
I don't know when Gibson switched from the original light weight tone ring (close to 2 lbs, I've read) to the heavier "GBB" (Gibson bell bronze) 3-1/2-lb ring.
I believe in 76 it would still have a multi-ply rim. A former Gibson worker has said here that by time he arrived in 78 or 79, Gibson had gone back to a 3-ply rim. I don't recall ever reading anyone posting here that they have a TPF RB-250 with and original 3-ply rim.
This model was known for delamination of the tube-retaining bead of wood and disintegration of the binding. If your banjo is not showing signs of either of these issues after nearly 50 years, I'd guess it never will. If these were going to fail they should have done so already.
Enjoy your banjo.
