For everyone who owns, or wants to own, a Mastertone, regardless of year.

208 Members, Created 2/28/2011 -

Administrators: Bohonkie (owner)

80's Mastertone RB-250 (?)

From HRBanjostuf on 2/28/2019 8:29:20 AM

I'm trying to evaluate the Mastertone I bought second-hand for 800 dollars in the early1990's.  It was supposedly built in the '80s, which I am told was not a great time period for Mastertones -- I don't know how true that is.  It's a well-made instrument, and a couple of professionals have set it up and didn't make any negative comments.  I've seen some photos on E-Bay that look just like it, I think it's an RB-250.  They're listed as a 70's banjo.  I was doubting its authenticity due to the script on the peghead, but after seeing the other RB-250's online I guess it's legit.

It's very heavy and has a great tone and playability, it's a spankin' good banjo that another banjoist recently described as "how a banjo is supposed to sound"!

The serial number on the back of the peghead is 81700021.

Does this mean it was made on June 18, 1980, and it's the 21st one made in Kalamazoo?

There is a gold oval sticker inside reading " GIBSON MASTERTONE", arching above, and printed at the bottom is "GIBSON INC."  with" KALAMAZOO,MICH.49007" underneath in smaller letters.  There is a black band printed around the sticker, and a large amount of empty space in the middle of it.  Outside of its shape and color it looks nothing like the pre-war stickers I've seen.  The lettering is in all caps.

The strip of plastic/bone/ivory (?) that is on each side has raised bumps that beautifully butt up against each fret.

The fingerboard is dark wood, almost black, and the pot is stained black.  The neck looks like mahogany, but I'm not sure.

The head is transparent (!), but I don't know if that means anything.

The tailpiece and armrest say Gibson on them in fine script.

There is a rectangular "MASTERTONE" inlay on the fretboard matching the one in this blog's main photo.  The other inlay is different, though. 

The case it came with (2nd hand) has the Gibson name, but it's the more modern one, which I also imagine should be the type style that the banjo itself should have if it's a real one.

Real or fake, I love this banjo, and get a lot of comments on its tone, but am thinking of perhaps getting a lighter one, since I imagine there are comparable new banjos that might be easier on my back.  I'd also like to know its current value for insurance purposes.  Ebay sellers are asking for from $2,550 to $4,300.  I live in Spain, which could also affect its resale value, since I don't imagine there are many Mastertones around here (although there aren't all that many banjo players, either)!

I guess I've answered most of my own questions, but I'd appreciate any comments!  Thank you!  (I'd post photos but I don't know how.)

4 Comments
	dhergert says: 2/28/2019 8:26:19 AM The serial number corresponds to 1981. These years there may have been a sticker on the pot, or there may not have been one. If present, the stickers would be more modern, in particular, including a zip code for the address. Probably the best way to authenticate your banjo would be to compare features. The peghead would be fiddle-shaped. The flange would be tube-and-plate. The neck would be a 3-piece laminated neck. The pot would be a multi-ply (specifically not 3-ply) laminated structure. The resonator would be top and bottom bound, and would have 2 concentric rings. The tuners, armrest and tailpiece would have the Gibson name formed into them, the armrest would be a 2-legged armrest. The metal parts could potentially be switched from other sources, but the 3-piece laminated neck and the multi-ply pot would probably not have been produced by anyone except Gibson. The 1970s 1980s vintage is not preferred among some bluegrass banjo players because their design was different than the collectable pre-war Mastertones, however these can be excellent sounding and playing instruments when setup properly. By the early 1980s production of these Mastertones was down to a trickle so given some years and good care, they may be more collectable in the future.
	HRBanjostuf says: 3/1/2019 2:37:53 AM Hi dhergert, I really appreciate your sharing your expertise! The pot is 4-ply, everything else checks out but the neck appears to be 2 pieces joined right down the middle through the heel. The only rings on the resonator are the top and bottom bindings -- could you describe the 2 concentric rings you mentioned? Would they be on the back? Mine has none. Thanks!
	HRBanjostuf says: 3/1/2019 2:43:51 AM To follow up: I think I know what you mean about the concentric rings on the bottom of the resonator, I've seen some photos online, but from other shots I've seen, I don't think this model had them. I'm inclined to believe it's authentic. Comments?
	dhergert says: 8/1/2019 7:48:04 PM Sorry for the delay in getting back to you... Actually come to think of it, the concentric rings on the back of the resonator were probably only done on the RB-250 during the late-'50s and '60s. IIRC, during the '70s and '80s they ddn't appear on the RB-250 but do on some of the higher-end models. I have little doubt that your RB-250 is authentic, everything you've described makes it sound so. Regarding the "was not a great time period for Mastertones", I think now and as time goes forward there will be a lot of varying opinions about that. I wouldn't worry about the vintage as long as you are enjoying the instrument.
Post a Comment
You must be logged in and a member of this group to post a comment.

Page: 1  2  3  4  Last