I got this Gibson Parts banjo at a really good deal. It's got a Rb-250 Rim with a Gold star tone ring and Gibson hardware. The neck is brand new made in KY. Can someone give me a good evaluation of what it's worth? It plays nice and has a great punch.
1500-2k max, probably less.
Edited by - ChunoTheDog on 11/19/2022 12:32:09
quote:
Originally posted by ChunoTheDog1500-2k max, probably less.
Good deal. I only paid $500 for it but the seller kind of owed me a good deal for a past transaction so I thought $500 was a steal.
If it plays well and sounds nice and has no structural issues, I'd say you got a deal.
Whats the resonator look like ?
quote:
Originally posted by RioStatWhats the resonator look like ?
The resonator is from an old sears kit banjo. It was the only resonator that would fit the custom neck without having to cut the neck to fit a Gibson resonator.
You got a good deal brother. The neck alone is worth that and more.
quote:
Originally posted by bayhudquote:
Originally posted by RioStatWhats the resonator look like ?
The resonator is from an old sears kit banjo. It was the only resonator that would fit the custom neck without having to cut the neck to fit a Gibson resonator.
Sears "kit" banjo.......
....cut the neck to fit a Gibson resonator....
?? I'm lost....
quote:
Originally posted by RioStatquote:
Originally posted by bayhudquote:
Originally posted by RioStatWhats the resonator look like ?
The resonator is from an old sears kit banjo. It was the only resonator that would fit the custom neck without having to cut the neck to fit a Gibson resonator.
Sears "kit" banjo.......
....cut the neck to fit a Gibson resonator....
?? I'm lost....
The handmade Ky neck is too thick for the Gibson resonator, so instead of cutting the heel of neck they resorted to an old Stewart Macdonald kit banjo resonator, that fit without needing to cut the neck.
I may have to recant my last statement.
quote:
Originally posted by Will FradyI may have to recant my last statement.
Here's the heel of the neck and the resonator. I'm assuming it's from a Kit banjo. It has the Gibson serial number written in it, but I don't think it's Gibson.
The discussion in collectors corner may help with value.
Based on the photos and your description of the parts, I'd say $1000 to $1500. This does not look like a $2000 banjo to me.
I think it’s worth what you paid and not a lot more
quote:
Originally posted by alfienoalkesI think it’s worth what you paid and not a lot more
Yeah for $500 it's a good beater. It's lighter than my Ob-150 and probably just as much tone.
When does something deserve the tag "Gibson Parts banjo"? This seems to be a not many Gibson parts banjo.
Assuming, the rim, flange, hooks, rods, tailpiece, are actually Gibson and the neck is well made, straight and playable, I would value it near $1,000.
What concerns me is the label looks suspect as though it has been re-applied? Why is there a strange engraved serial # on the rim? Why would someone make a RB100 style neck for an RB250 rim? Was it a RB100 rim converted for a flathead ring? Did it come with the original resonator, that would be a plus.
If it plays well, you got a great deal regardless.
quote:
Originally posted by FathandAssuming, the rim, flange, hooks, rods, tailpiece, are actually Gibson and the neck is well made, straight and playable, I would value it near $1,000.
What concerns me is the label looks suspect as though it has been re-applied? Why is there a strange engraved serial # on the rim?1) Why would someone make a RB100 style neck for an RB250 rim?
2) Was it a RB100 rim converted for a flathead ring?
3) Did it come with the original resonator, that would be a plus.
1) An RB100 style neck is easier to build than an RB 250 style neck
2) RB 100's never had tube and plate flanges.
3) The resonator actually looks like a RB250 resonator
Edited by - RioStat on 11/21/2022 09:40:31
quote:
Originally posted by RioStatquote:
Originally posted by FathandAssuming, the rim, flange, hooks, rods, tailpiece, are actually Gibson and the neck is well made, straight and playable, I would value it near $1,000.
What concerns me is the label looks suspect as though it has been re-applied? Why is there a strange engraved serial # on the rim?1) Why would someone make a RB100 style neck for an RB250 rim?
2) Was it a RB100 rim converted for a flathead ring?
3) Did it come with the original resonator, that would be a plus.
1) An RB100 style neck is easier to build than an RB 250 style neck
2) RB 100's never had tube and plate flanges.
3) The resonator actually looks like a RB250 resonator
After speaking with the seller he confirmed the rim came off of an Rb-250 and believes the resonator to be original as well. The date stamped on the rim would put back to 1973. The sticker is authentic, not sure if it was removed and re-applied. The seller is also the person who made the neck and his necks typically aale for $700-$800 alone.
quote:
Originally posted by GrahamHawkerWhen does something deserve the tag "Gibson Parts banjo"? This seems to be a not many Gibson parts banjo.
Good point. More like mutt banjo.
1970's era model 250 pot with a custom-made neck.
If it sounds good, for $500 that's a very nice banjo...
at 500 bucks , don’t worry what it is , if it plays and sounds good play it , and have fun … I bought a Zychowski banjo here for $500 few years ago , and it was awesome , I sold it like a fool , wish I can have it back …
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