Hello all,
I'm trying to identify Gibson banjo with bow tie inlays on the fretboard, no serial number or any identifiers underneath the resonator and the serial number of 51883 on the back of the pegboard. The fretboard appears to be ebony.
Based on the two rings on the back of the resonator I think it's an rb75. However the shape of the pegboard looks different than any of the other pictures I've seen.
I'm including pictures with this post and appreciate any help anyone can give me as I am at an impass.
Looks like RB250 to me.
Yes, it's an RB-250. It's from a period when Gibson's serial numbers went wacky, but it was most likely built in 1962.
A little more info: The "open book" peghead shape was standard on all Gibson banjos except model 800 from c. 1948 until c. 1969.
Also, your banjo is from a desirable period for bow-ties, since it has a 1 piece flange and [probably] the older style thick ~3 ply rim. Shortly after this banjo was built, the less desirable thin rims and multi-ply rims start to appear.
And yours appears to be in unusually nice condition. Take good care of it.
David and Bob are right. It is an RB250 from the early sixties. The fingerboard is not ebony, it's rosewood. Gibson used it on most (not all )of their banjos until about 1965. The tailpiece is a Baker which was made by the American Machine and Screw Co. It was used by Gibson for several years before they went to the Waverly tailpiece for the rest of the decade.
The banjo looks like it's in good shape. Bow Tie Mastertones are beginning to attract buyers now. What you have is worth holding on to.
Thank all of you very much for the information! The rim could use a good cleaning but other than that it's in great shape. It's a family piece but I'm considering getting rid of it simply because I'll never play it. That seems like such a waste when its in this condition and could be put to good use.
quote:
Originally posted by GspringthorpeThank all of you very much for the information! The rim could use a good cleaning but other than that it's in great shape. It's a family piece but I'm considering getting rid of it simply because I'll never play it. That seems like such a waste when its in this condition and could be put to good use.
Your last statement above, is somewhat confusing, and, well......frightening
What do you consider to be "getting rid of it" ? Throwing it out on the curb for trash pick up, or selling it ?
As far as being put to good use, well, yes, sell it to someone who will put it to good use. There's plenty of people who will buy it and play it, and you could probably get $2000.00 for it fairly easily.
There are likely several of us within an hour of you willing to help you get rid of it anytime !
@RioStat - I would never throw a perfectly good instrument out on the curb....I'm just a big believer in the idea that they were meant to be played. Cars are made to be driven, firearms are made to be fired, instruments played, etc...
After speaking with my mother (it was her father's) she seemed 100% sure it was a 1957. Everyone here seems very sure it's a 62 but I promised I would ask - is it possible that it is a 57 and if not, why? She had it appraised by an "expert" almost 20 years ago who told her it was a 57 and charged pretty handsomely the service. If that's not the case I'd love to know.
The serial number configuration on your banjo is different than what was used in 1957.
A '57 serial number would be either like this:
7-###-##, with the 7 separated from the middle numbers by a dash or a space, and a dash between the middle numbers and the last one or two numerals;
-or-
7###-##, without a dash or a space between it and the middle numbers, but still with a dash preceeding the last one or two numerals.
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Also, all examples of 1950's banjos that I am aware of had the number stamped into the interior of the rim rather than on the back of the peghead.
5 or 6 digit numbers on the back of the peghead are a characteristic of 1960s banjos.
We also see 6 digit numbers on the back of the peghead on 1970's banjos, but with the addition of a "MADE IN USA" stamp.
Edited by - rcc56 on 03/26/2023 23:21:44
5 digit numbers were made in 1961.
Glenn, whether it is a 1957 or 1962, you have a very nice, desirable banjo that appears to be in great shape. You shouldn't have an issue selling it, if that's your intent. Good luck.
