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Ran across this on Facebook , although it's a ball bearing , seems like a fair price if orig .
facebook.com/marketplace/item/...top_picks
Edited by - Bill Rogers on 12/09/2022 12:04:11
I own a 1926 Granada. Anyone interested should contact the seller to find out who made the neck. It's pretty good, but shouldn't have a MASTERTONE block -- it should be inlaid in individual letters in the peghead. Also if the seller will ship (FB says pick up in person).
If nothing is busted/repaired/missing on close inspection, that's not a bad price nowadays.
Mehoopany PA is in the eastern half of the state. Used to be the home of Pampers manufacture, may still be. Out in the country.
quote:
Originally posted by The Old TimerI own a 1926 Granada. Anyone interested should contact the seller to find out who made the neck. It's pretty good, but shouldn't have a MASTERTONE block -- it should be inlaid in individual letters in the peghead.
That is generally considered to be 1925. As far as I know… My 1926 TB-3 neck (and the reproduction neck) have "Mastertone" in the block on the neck. Maybe, some early 1926 banjos still had it on the peghead…
The one on facebook looks like 1925, with the "shotgun" beauty ring (as it was called). Mastertone should be on the peghead then.
Edited by - Emiel on 12/08/2022 07:33:04
That’s a early 1925 as mentioned. I have shotgun hole BB’s both style 3 and 4. Great instruments. Extremely versatile.
My Wife of all people pointed that post to me yesterday. Maybe she took me seriously when I walked in the house with my last acquisition and said that was my last banjo purchase....
The pot for the most part looks original, but it looks as if the resonator was worked on. Refinish and new binding. The neck really isn’t spot on for design as also mentioned for a 1925.
All in all it looks like a fair deal, not a great deal, but fair. It’s close enough for me to check out, but I’m passing.
If the neck was correct and from a recognized builder, and I didn’t have questions on the resonator, I might be singing a different tune and surprising my Wife with my change of heart.
I feel he is asking about 1,000 to 1,500 too much as I see it.
Right, it would cost that much to replace the tone ring.
I asked the seller for pics of the peghead as I've seen several repro necks w/o Mastertone lettered in the peghead which I thought should have been . I had a 28 PB5 w/ the lettering in the peghead to which I converted the orig neck to a 5 . It is a beautiful banjo in the add regardless of authenticity for those who appreciate older Gibsons , nicer to me than the painted carved top of the line .
I don’t know if this might help someone make a decision, but
I’ve been on this forum a few days shy of 18 years.
In this time I have seen many discussions about the ball bearing Gibson’s.
I don’t recall seeing one negative comment made about one. If it happened, I must have missed it.
I have a 25 bb myself. Mark Hickler made the conversion neck.
I have a somewhat modest collection of Gibson’s and other vintage banjos and some newer banjos.
If I had to choose which is my favorite, I think I would have to go with my 25 Gibson.
According to owner Bill Sullivan made neck. Comes with original TB neck and case. Not sure case is original. He said hed get me serial number tonight. Also waiting on answer if case is original.
I dont live near PA so its a no go but thought Id help.
To back up what Leslie said above, I am blessed to have in my care many fine instruments. I have had many more that I passed on to new caretakers. Have owned more than a few original 5 string Gibson banjos. Still have a number. Three of those are BB’s. 25,26 3’s, and one early ‘25 4. All, every one, excellent sounding and playing instruments.
Those BB banjos are right now the current sleepers as for value. They are the highest quality banjos that Gibson ever put out. They are versatile for pretty much any style of banjo playing. And at the moment, they are still somewhat affordable.
If somebody here grabs that Granada. I’m sure they will be happy in the long run.
That engraved Kershner TP is sweet, but... It is a 4-stringer!
As has been said, the neck isn't original.
The seller really should at least have the word "conversion" in the ad somewhere.
I reckon he'd say he's not being fraudulent, since he didn't call it an "ORIGINAL 5-String 1925 RB-Granada"....
I bet it's a real good banjo, though.
Edited by - Dan Gellert on 12/08/2022 11:28:04
Wish that was in my neck o' the woods, Id buy before you could say jd Crowe !
8208-2
I dont have spanns book readily here to check. Im suresomeone will.
It is on banjophiles.com
Edited by - NotABanjoYoda on 12/08/2022 14:53:26
Absolutely firm on price.
quote:
Originally posted by Dan GellertThat engraved Kershner TP is sweet, but... It is a 4-stringer!
As has been said, the neck isn't original.
The seller really should at least have the word "conversion" in the ad somewhere.
I reckon he'd say he's not being fraudulent, since he didn't call it an "ORIGINAL 5-String 1925 RB-Granada"....I bet it's a real good banjo, though.
Just saw he's got it up on the BHO Marketplace,
And he DOES claim it is an all-original 1925 RB-Granada!
... and the price has gone up $500.
Edited by - Dan Gellert on 12/09/2022 11:57:08
quote:
Originally posted by NotABanjoYoda8208-2
I dont have spanns book readily here to check. Im suresomeone will.It is on banjophiles.com
8208-2 according to banjophiles is a 1926 TB Granada
If the seller claims that it's a 1925 RB Granada with that FON, I would stay away (especially considering the modern tuners and 4 string tailpiece)
Edited by - ChunoTheDog on 12/09/2022 12:15:01
quote:
Originally posted by NotABanjoYodaAccording to owner Bill Sullivan made neck. Comes with original TB neck and case. Not sure case is original. He said hed get me serial number tonight. Also waiting on answer if case is original.
I dont live near PA so its a no go but thought Id help.
This probably got skipped. Important info!
Ah, that makes more sense, the ad is just worded in a misleading way....adding 'conversion' would go a long way lol
Did you tell him it's '26 not a '25?
quote:
Originally posted by Dan Gellertquote:
Originally posted by Dan GellertThat engraved Kershner TP is sweet, but... It is a 4-stringer!
As has been said, the neck isn't original.
The seller really should at least have the word "conversion" in the ad somewhere.
I reckon he'd say he's not being fraudulent, since he didn't call it an "ORIGINAL 5-String 1925 RB-Granada"....I bet it's a real good banjo, though.
Just saw he's got it up on the BHO Marketplace,
And he DOES claim it is an all-original 1925 RB-Granada!
... and the price has gone up $500.
I'm confused, the FB for sale post says PA, the BHO ad says MN....?
Are these 2 diff ball bearing Granadas?
Edited by - ChunoTheDog on 12/09/2022 12:42:44
quote:
Originally posted by ChunoTheDogquote:
Originally posted by Dan Gellertquote:
Originally posted by Dan GellertThat engraved Kershner TP is sweet, but... It is a 4-stringer!
As has been said, the neck isn't original.
The seller really should at least have the word "conversion" in the ad somewhere.
I reckon he'd say he's not being fraudulent, since he didn't call it an "ORIGINAL 5-String 1925 RB-Granada"....I bet it's a real good banjo, though.
Just saw he's got it up on the BHO Marketplace,
And he DOES claim it is an all-original 1925 RB-Granada!
... and the price has gone up $500.
I'm confused, the FB for sale post says PA, the BHO ad says MN....?
Are these 2 diff ball bearing Granadas?
facebook.com/marketplace/item/...top_picks
https://www.banjobuyer.com/banjo/96494
They are 2 different guys and 2 different banjos. Both conversions. I did tell him the year. The confusion for him was year made vs year sold.
Gotcha, this makes sense now! Thanks for clarifying.
Hope you find the banjo you're looking for.
Btw, if you have your heart set on a gold plated pre war ball bearing Mastertone, you could also look into 1925-26 Style 5's. They're also really handsome banjos, but had walnut necks and walnut resonator veneer vs all maple on the Granada.
Gorgeous pieces tho! And good luck in your hunt!
Ahhhhh, ball bearings. My new obsession. Id have no problem with a style 5 either.
quote:
Originally posted by Leslie RI don’t know if this might help someone make a decision, but
I’ve been on this forum a few days shy of 18 years.
In this time I have seen many discussions about the ball bearing Gibson’s.
I don’t recall seeing one negative comment made about one. If it happened, I must have missed it.
I have a 25 bb myself. Mark Hickler made the conversion neck.
I have a somewhat modest collection of Gibson’s and other vintage banjos and some newer banjos.
If I had to choose which is my favorite, I think I would have to go with my 25 Gibson.
It's not really anything wrong with the ball bearings, it's just buyers want the flathead rings when they are looking to buy a pre-war Gibson.
quote:
Originally posted by jan dupreequote:
Originally posted by Leslie RI don’t know if this might help someone make a decision, but
I’ve been on this forum a few days shy of 18 years.
In this time I have seen many discussions about the ball bearing Gibson’s.
I don’t recall seeing one negative comment made about one. If it happened, I must have missed it.
I have a 25 bb myself. Mark Hickler made the conversion neck.
I have a somewhat modest collection of Gibson’s and other vintage banjos and some newer banjos.
If I had to choose which is my favorite, I think I would have to go with my 25 Gibson.It's not really anything wrong with the ball bearings, it's just buyers want the flathead rings when they are looking to buy a pre-war Gibson.
In case you're not tracking he's specifically looking for a bb Mastertone not a flathead.
quote:
Originally posted by NotABanjoYodaAhhhhh, ball bearings. My new obsession. Id have no problem with a style 5 either.
I love all the purfling especially on the resonator and back of the headstock and the engravings on those old 5's. Works of art.
Regarding BOTH ball bearing Granada ads, the original tenor tailpiece can no longer be found in a repro 5 string version. You used to able to, but I haven't located one. Everyone wants Prestos apparently.
My 1926 has the short version Kerschner. I put 5 strings on it without the least problem since I got in in 1977. NO PROBLEM. And the banjo remains original -- it was an original TB. I double the 4th and 3rd strings on the 3 third stud and hole.
I am very puzzled to see a shotgun hole tone ring skirt on a 1926 FON. As with all things Gibson, there are no hard and fast rules. It could happen.
There is a a ball bearing Style 5 currently for sale by a well known vintage dealer. They'd had it a LONG time, so it's apparently priced too high, or has a problem(s). Worth checking out if you like gold ball bearings!
BTW, always insist on checking a ball bearing to be sure all the ball bearings, springs and washers are actually in the rim! It's not unusual for them to have been removed/lost. It doesn't make a huge difference in playability or sound, but it does of course affect originality. NEVER TURN A BALL BEARING POT UPSIDE DOWN WITH THE HEAD OFF!
quote:
Originally posted by The Old TimerRegarding BOTH ball bearing Granada ads, the original tenor tailpiece can no longer be found in a repro 5 string version. You used to able to, but I haven't located one. Everyone wants Prestos apparently.
My 1926 has the short version Kerschner. I put 5 strings on it without the least problem since I got in in 1977. NO PROBLEM. And the banjo remains original -- it was an original TB. I double the 4th and 3rd strings on the 3 third stud and hole.
I am very puzzled to see a shotgun hole tone ring skirt on a 1926 FON. As with all things Gibson, there are no hard and fast rules. It could happen.
There is a a ball bearing Style 5 currently for sale by a well known vintage dealer. They'd had it a LONG time, so it's apparently priced too high, or has a problem(s). Worth checking out if you like gold ball bearings!
BTW, always insist on checking a ball bearing to be sure all the ball bearings, springs and washers are actually in the rim! It's not unusual for them to have been removed/lost. It doesn't make a huge difference in playability or sound, but it does of course affect originality. NEVER TURN A BALL BEARING POT UPSIDE DOWN WITH THE HEAD OFF!
Interesting point on insuring the presence of the orig balls & springs in purchasing a BB . So do u have the seller take apart the pot front of u , a photo doesn't prove they are all there ? I think purchasing from a well known seller of integrity , or a friend , should be acceptable . Not that I need another banjo , I made a bid on this BB & the seller didn't respond yay or nay so I passed on it only to be accused of " window shopping " , ha ! At my age , life can be amusing ,where as if younger , I might get pissed .
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