Hello everyone,
How many Gibson rb-3s were made in 1989? How many were wreath? How many F.E etc? Any help would be appreciated. Obliged
i had rb-3 s/n 3-8901-01. it was an h&f. another i should have kept
Thanks. I’ve had a couple of pre wars. This is my first Gibson from that era. I’m just tryin to educate my self on that 98 year and the rb-3s. Thanks for any all replies. Happy 4th of July
I have a 1989 RB-3 Custom S/N 3-8905-69. The serial number convention for this era is Model (3) -- 2 Digit Year (89) 2 Digit Month (05) -- total number made of the model to that point in the year (69). Using mine as a rough reference, 69 units in 5 months would project to about 165 for the 1989 year of Style 3 banjos.
Doug Hutchins wrote me that the banjos were very popular by that time and that there was a backlog of orders which could be line-jumped by placing a special order and paying an up-charge. My banjo is a Leaves and Bows Style 3 from the front and a sunburst flamed maple Granada from the rear. I think banjos from this era are exceptional.
Thank you Tim. I just acquired one 3-8912-190. It has a wreath pattern. I’ve noticed other inlays in that 89 year and was curious. Thanks for the time and info.
@Will Frady
The last style -3 assembly recorded in 1989 was 3-8912-195 on December 20, 1989.
This indicates a total of 195 style 3 banjos that year.
Occasionally the inlay style was recorded, but usually not, so an accurate determination cannot be made.
This information is from the assembly notes privately recorded by Nick Kimmons and made available courtesy of Mr. Kimmons and Doug Hutchens.
Edited by - Oldtwanger on 07/03/2022 06:32:45
Thank you Frank. That was very helpful. Best wishes and happy 4th of July
quote:
Originally posted by Oldtwanger@Will Frady
The last style -3 assembly recorded in 1989 was 3-8912-195 on December 20, 1989.
This indicates a total of 195 style 3 banjos that year.
Occasionally the inlay style was recorded, but usually not, so an accurate determination cannot be made.
This information is from the assembly notes privately recorded by Nick Kimmons and made available courtesy of Mr. Kimmons and Doug Hutchens.
@Will Frady
From the existing records of inlay patterns noted on 1989 style -3 banjos, I find the following which may be an indication of approximate totals albeit not verifiably accurate:
150 - Leaves and Bows
21 - Wreath inlay
3 - FE (board and headstock)
17 - Reno (FE board, L&B headstock)
3 - Hearts & Flowers
1 - Custom Vine
__________
195 Total
Edited by - Oldtwanger on 07/03/2022 07:10:33
That is great information, I’m much Obliged. I’m trying to learn as much as possible about that era banjos. That definitely gives me insight.
Oldtwanger , I also own RB-3 #3-9002-11 which has been my main banjo since 2005. It's a Flying Eagle board with Leaves and Bows headstock. Do you have the same breakdown of styles for 1990? Thanks, I really appreciate your expertise!
quote:
Originally posted by Tim MullinsOldtwanger , I also own RB-3 #3-9002-11 which has been my main banjo since 2005. It's a Flying Eagle board with Leaves and Bows headstock. Do you have the same breakdown of styles for 1990? Thanks, I really appreciate your expertise!
Not yet.
I'll work on it -- will take some time.
quote:
Originally posted by Oldtwangerquote:
Originally posted by Tim MullinsOldtwanger , I also own RB-3 #3-9002-11 which has been my main banjo since 2005. It's a Flying Eagle board with Leaves and Bows headstock. Do you have the same breakdown of styles for 1990? Thanks, I really appreciate your expertise!
Not yet.
I'll work on it -- will take some time.
@Tim Mullins
Not much to do today -- waiting for the lacquer to cure -- breathing too many fumes, so.............
From the existing records of inlay patterns noted on 1990 style -3 banjos, I find the following which may be an indication of approximate totals albeit not verifiably accurate:
| 114 - Leaves and Bows |
| 18 - Wreath inlay |
| 3 - FE (board and headstock) |
| 25 - Reno (FE board, L&B headstock) |
| 0 - Hearts & Flowers |
| 1 - Custom FE |
| __________ |
| 161 Total |
Thanks Frank, I have 1 of the 3 double FEs from 1990. Fine banjo.
Oldtwanger Thanks, Frank -- you're the man! Do Nick Kimmons' records note custom order features? I was curious how unusual my custom 3-8905-69 is, a nickel plated Leaves and Bows with a Granada finished and bound flamed maple neck and resonator? I did see pictures on Facebook of one other, from 1988.
Thanks again!
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