pinstem - Posted - 10/13/2025:  10:15:55

Looking for some insight into this old Gibson. Believe it is a 1939(?) RB-00. No serial # on rim, headstock or resonator. Any other way of confirming age and possible value? Thanking you in advance for the hundreds of replies.

Alvin Conder - Posted - 10/13/2025:  11:57:09

That is a RB-00.



Time frame would be correct, give or take a few years.



Gruhn recently let one go at an advertised price of 5,000 USD. That price is retail from a top dealer. Private sale would be less. Yours looks to be in better condition than the one that sold, so if yours is 100% original, the 5K would be a good insurance value.



I have a 1937 RB-00 that I picked up a good number of years ago. At the time I got mine, 00's were very underrated instruments. That perception has now changed.



Love mine. Extremely versatile and light.

Edited by - Alvin Conder on 10/13/2025 11:58:38

Alvin Conder - Posted - 10/13/2025:  12:21:10

Just to add…that figure is based on the entire instrument being original. If the neck is a recent neck, the value would a little less than 1/2 what I stated.

Only adding that as I really can’t get a good look at what you have, and most of the 00’s that I have owned have a two tone neck. Dark at the peg head and heel and light in between.

If you could add a photo of the neck from the side so we can get a good look at the thickness of the fingerboard, and a close-up of the nut and the 5th string pip, that would be a great help.

I’m sure others will chime in.

kyleb - Posted - 10/13/2025:  12:38:42

What I’m seeing looks 100 percent correct , put up a picture of the back of them neck and headstock also remove the truss rod photo and get a picture of what’s in there. I’ll be able to tell if it’s real for sure with the photos. My rb00 is one of my favorite banjos to play. They are amazing, they have the prewar attack and low end. They cut through in a jam too like magic. Great find. Sell for around 5k but I'd never sell mine for that.

Edited by - kyleb on 10/13/2025 12:39:28

aaronoble - Posted - 10/13/2025:  13:02:58

Tailpiece does not look original. They have been selling for much less than 5k in recent years. Closer to 3k.

But they sound fantastic; rb-00s are deeply undervalued.

Edited by - aaronoble on 10/13/2025 13:03:52

The Old Timer - Posted - 10/13/2025:  13:07:47

From the few photos, it looks mostly right.

RB 00 would not have a Presto type tailpiece though.

Look for the Doehler mark in the underside of the flange, peeking out from the side of the neck heel (or take the neck off for a complete view).

Is the 5th string pip lathe-turned looking like a little derby hat?

What tuners are on it?

Just a few little items that help with ID.

I don't know of anyone making repros of RB 00s, although of course it's possible to make a good 5 string conversion neck for a TB 00.

pinstem - Posted - 10/13/2025:  13:22:36

Thanks for the feedback. Have a shot of the neck/tuners attached. Will see if I can get additional photos. The tailpiece had been replaced. All good info!!!!

Alvin Conder - Posted - 10/13/2025:  13:39:27

Photos of what Dick was describing about the pip at the 5th string and I in regards to the back of the neck.

37 RB-00

Rb-00

aaronoble - Posted - 10/13/2025:  14:10:02

Tuners look original

And the nut looks like the original Ebony/rosewood

(BTW the original tailpiece was worth replacing)

Edited by - aaronoble on 10/13/2025 14:17:41

mikehalloran - Posted - 10/13/2025:  14:26:25

I may have an original tailpiece and hanger but I don't have a cover.

The Old Timer - Posted - 10/14/2025:  13:00:21

All 5 tuners and the 5th string pip look right.

Congrats!