Anybody have any idea how many Gold Star banjos were produced between 1976 and 1985? I’d imagine it would have been a lot, considering all the different models they offered.
I’ve got one, so that’s a hashmark in your book.
Unfortunately, the serial numbers of vintage Gold Star banjo are only available from April 1984 to December 1986. There are no serial number data before (from 1978) due to organizational changes at Tokai Musical Instruments. Using past information on Gold Star banjo for sale on Banjo Hangout, I estimate that there were just under 2000 GF100, around 400 GF85, and around 1000 to 1500 G11 & G12, which were sold for 10 years from 1976 to 1985. I remember that the 81 JD Crowe model was made up of two lots, 20 and 40, for a total of 60, but tracking the serial numbers obtained from Banjo Hangout, the numbers have changed continuously up to 80, so it seems that 20, 20, and 40 make up a total of 80 units. There are two other units left in Japan in Tokai script. When the JD Crowe model was being produced, I had already left Tokai and was working on welding motorcycle frames at another company, but I thought that it was my responsibility to commercialize the JD Crowe model, and I worked hard to realize the engraving and copper flash finish, even though I had no experience.
Accurate production data:
1985 GF100HF: 70, GF100FE: 25, GF100W: 1, GF85: 15, G11HF 8, G11FE: 6
1986 GF100HF: 18, GF100FE: 8, GF100W: 4, GF85: 30
The above is data on banjos produced by Tokai. From the end of 1983 to 1986, banjos directly managed by Mr. Keldsen, the owner of Saga Musical Instruments were produced on a small scale at other shop in parallel with Tokai's production. This includes the 84 JD Crowe model. For this production, Mr. Keldsen himself flew directly to Michigan to arrange for the supply of curly maple (see attached photo taken in 1983). It is said that this supplier was the same as the one who supplied maple wood for the Pre-War Gibson banjo. It is easy to tell whether it was made by Tokai or this shop by the format of the serial number on the decal.
Tokai: 840156, Other shop: '85.7.34
Both companies received many of the hardware and inlays from the same suppliers, but the tone ring, flange, tension hoop, and tailpiece were from different suppliers. Also, the rim of the Tokai's one was fat (see attached photo), while the latter was slim, so there is no compatibility between the necks of the two banjos. The TB-3 conversion I owned, which I used as a reference for development, was serial number 9465-92, and was one of the first lot of Mastertone style banjo made in 1929 with one-piece flange, and it had a fat rim. The Tokai model had all-brass flange and tension hoop whereas the latter had parts made from pot metal. Considering Mr. Keldsen was directly involved in the production it can be said to be more faithful to the Prewar Mastertone.
My 1979 Gold Star GF100 HF is listed in the classifieds I bought it for a backup banjo for my 1979 GF100FE. It's a horse of a banjo. The reason I'm selling it is I found a Gold Star GF 300 FE that I had been looking long and wide for several years. It's hard to beat those Gold Star banjos when they're set up right.
quote:
Originally posted by Toshi TsuchidaUnfortunately, the serial numbers of vintage Gold Star banjo are only available from April 1984 to December 1986. There are no serial number data before (from 1978) due to organizational changes at Tokai Musical Instruments. Using past information on Gold Star banjo for sale on Banjo Hangout, I estimate that there were just under 2000 GF100, around 400 GF85, and around 1000 to 1500 G11 & G12, which were sold for 10 years from 1976 to 1985. I remember that the 81 JD Crowe model was made up of two lots, 20 and 40, for a total of 60, but tracking the serial numbers obtained from Banjo Hangout, the numbers have changed continuously up to 80, so it seems that 20, 20, and 40 make up a total of 80 units. There are two other units left in Japan in Tokai script. When the JD Crowe model was being produced, I had already left Tokai and was working on welding motorcycle frames at another company, but I thought that it was my responsibility to commercialize the JD Crowe model, and I worked hard to realize the engraving and copper flash finish, even though I had no experience.
Accurate production data:
1985 GF100HF: 70, GF100FE: 25, GF100W: 1, GF85: 15, G11HF 8, G11FE: 6
1986 GF100HF: 18, GF100FE: 8, GF100W: 4, GF85: 30
The above is data on banjos produced by Tokai. From the end of 1983 to 1986, banjos directly managed by Mr. Keldsen, the owner of Saga Musical Instruments were produced on a small scale at other shop in parallel with Tokai's production. This includes the 84 JD Crowe model. For this production, Mr. Keldsen himself flew directly to Michigan to arrange for the supply of curly maple (see attached photo taken in 1983). It is said that this supplier was the same as the one who supplied maple wood for the Pre-War Gibson banjo. It is easy to tell whether it was made by Tokai or this shop by the format of the serial number on the decal.
Tokai: 840156, Other shop: '85.7.34
Both companies received many of the hardware and inlays from the same suppliers, but the tone ring, flange, tension hoop, and tailpiece were from different suppliers. Also, the rim of the Tokai's one was fat (see attached photo), while the latter was slim, so there is no compatibility between the necks of the two banjos. The TB-3 conversion I owned, which I used as a reference for development, was serial number 9465-92, and was one of the first lot of Mastertone style banjo made in 1929 with one-piece flange, and it had a fat rim. The Tokai model had all-brass flange and tension hoop whereas the latter had parts made from pot metal. Considering Mr. Keldsen was directly involved in the production it can be said to be more faithful to the Prewar Mastertone.
Very interesting! Thank you for your information. I recently purchased an '83 GF-100 W, and its serial number follows the 83.xx.xx format, so it doesn't appear to have been made at the Tokai factory. It also doesn't look like they made many of the Wreath inlays on the GF100s. Thank you again!
I have a Good Star G11 FE that I purchased new in July of 1977. It has a serial number starting with 77. I still have it and it's held up incredibly well. I still play it often
