I currently have a 1949 RB-150 that is in very good to excellent condition. In my mind the only detriment is the original tuners are very dull and the button has been replaced on the 5th string tuner. They still work well but are not as nice cosmetically as the rest of the instrument. As I am in that senior citizen group, this is going to wind up with my kids. My question is will changing the tuners detract significantly from the value of an otherwise original instrument?
If the rim has not been cut, changing the tuners might affect the value. It all depends on how original the rest of the banjo is. Kluson does make new tuners that look like the old ones. They are still a PITA to tune up when you change strings, but they work smoother than most 75-year-old tuners.
If you want to replace the tuners with planetary-style pegs, most brands will fit in the original holes without any modification. Keep the original tuners in the case. The replaced button on the fifth-string tuner is not that big a deal. Many old Bow Tie banjos have had the fifth tuners replaced with metal Grover friction pegs or geared pegs because the originals were pretty dicey in quality.
Here is a picture of one of the new Kluson tuners beside a set of originals. The new ones also come with cream-colored plastic buttons.
Edited by - Culloden on 11/08/2024 22:09:32
Thanks for the quick reply. From what I can tell the instrument is entirely original, brass hoop and all. Even the original case. Guess I'll let the kids decide whether they want to play or sell. Thanks again.
I have developed an affinity for Bow Tie style Gibsons in recent years. I have built two of them which are shown in the picture below along with a guitar I made from a kit. The RB 150 is on the far left. It has a flat head tone ring, unlike an original RB150 but it is my favorite player these days.
I also have developed a liking for the old cam-style D tuners that Kluson made. The pair on my 150 have the cream-colored buttons instead of the metal ones that most of that model had.
As a collector, the original tuners being with the instrument are important in regards to value. If you decide to change the tuners, make sure you keep the original tuners, and all associated screws, bushings ect with the banjo.
This may sound strange, but I have owned a few of the early “Bow Tie” Mastertones over the decades, and I have turned down buying more than one as the tuners were switched out. Those old Kluson tuners are very much a part of the look of those old banjos. If you have the older “Box” style tuners, which you may have if your banjo is the vintage you say it is, they are very desirable and add to the value of the instrument.
If you could post a few photos of what you have, many here can chime in and add opinions.
Old Kluson tuners of the type used on Gibson banjos post-war are available all the time on eBay, and here on the BHO Classifieds. Because so many owners hate them and take them off, replacing with more traditional planetary types.
If you do get some new ones because they look better, keep the old ones in the case to be given with the banjo.
If you need only a keystone shaped button for the 5th peg, you can buy those in original or repro form, much cheaper than buying a whole tuner.
If I were you, I'd just keep the old ones presuming they work, and buy a 5th peg button.
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Originally posted by gerkesmIn my mind the only detriment is the original tuners are very dull and the button has been replaced on the 5th string tuner. They still work well but are not as nice cosmetically as the rest of the instrument.
Have you tried polishing them? Once in 75 years probably won't do much harm to the plating.
Not sure which point you're making about the fifth string tuner button. And I don't know shape it's supposed to be. But if you determine what an original would be, I expect Bob Smakula or Greg Boyd would have a match. If not, you could place a "wanted" ad in the classifieds and possibly find a seller.
Not that my opinion matters, but I agree with the advice to keep the old tuners in case you replace them. They add something to potential resale, though exactly how much is anybody's guess.
Thanks. I'm assuming the 5th string button is changed since it is white and a different shape than the other 4. It is still a friction tuner.
quote:
Originally posted by Alvin ConderAs a collector, the original tuners being with the instrument are important in regards to value. If you decide to change the tuners, make sure you keep the original tuners, and all associated screws, bushings ect with the banjo.
This may sound strange, but I have owned a few of the early “Bow Tie” Mastertones over the decades, and I have turned down buying more than one as the tuners were switched out. Those old Kluson tuners are very much a part of the look of those old banjos. If you have the older “Box” style tuners, which you may have if your banjo is the vintage you say it is, they are very desirable and add to the value of the instrument.
If you could post a few photos of what you have, many here can chime in and add opinions.
These are the box style tuners and work much smoother than I anticipated. I'm not really a collector but have 3 70's model Alvarez that I have picked up along the way. I'll try to post some pics of the Gibson later today.
Greg Ernest's website has two RB 150s. Here's a link to the photo of the 5th peg on one them. White plastic keystone shaped.
earnestbanjo.com/wp/gibson-rb-...t-knight/
Leave it as is for maximum returns in future sale. Don’t clean, Polish, change a thing.
Also try Kodak Collector (Charlie Kammerman) in the classifieds. He has parts.
