The serial number is from 1963 or so. RB-250?
It's an RB-100 with some changes. The tuner washers are minor, but the addition of an archtop tone ring is a bigger change.
That’s a RB-100 from what I can see. Non- original 5th string peg. If it’s a ‘63, and not messed with and in good shape, would be a fine instrument.
RB-100. Sub-Mastertone. No heavy tone ring. Instead it has a brass rod, with the smaller diameter that produces the archtop look.
I think '63 still had a 3-ply rim, which would be good. But I'm not sure if '63 was the final year of 3-ply or the first year of multi-ply.
Jeff G
Can you post a side view of the "pot" (the body)? This would show whether there's a tone ring. That head profile is usually created by the smaller diameter hoop I mentioned. But there's always a chance some previous owner upgraded this with a tone ring. Close-up photo showing the side of the resonator up to the top of the tension hoop. We need to see the vertical wall of the body behind the hooks.
If it's all dark wood, then no tone ring. If there's a band of chrome metal disappearing up under the head, that's the skirt of a tone ring.
quote:
Originally posted by OldFrets... the addition of an archtop tone ring is a bigger change.
Smaller diameter rod-type ring creates that archtop look. I believe RB-100 originally had that before Gibson switched to the 11-inch ring that created a flathead look. From the straight-on view we can't tell what's in it.
Trying to get the guy to take some pics from the side and inside.
This is about the same vintage RB 100 that I started on back in 1964. I think mine was a 62. 5 digit serial number in peghead.
A "good" price on one of these would have to be below $2000, and that's with a hard case included.
The "thin" rim came in sometime in 1964. The main value in it is for owners who want to convert to a Mastertone and add a full weight tone ring. Thin vs. thick rim doesn't make much difference for an RB 100 with the tone "hoop".
Make sure the neck is reasonably straight, resonator walls not cracked or split, and generally nothing boogered up or farmer-repaired. These are NOT rare.
Just remember, it's not a Mastertone (unless someone added a full weight arch top tone ring to it) so it won't sound or feel like a Mastertone -- it will be "thuddy" by comparison. It is a couple of pounds lighter weight than a Mastertone.
Some players, like me, prefer to have these lighter weight banjos in the arsenal. Makes it easier for travel or outdoor jams, still has plenty of volume and tone. For this vintage I'd consider $1500-1700. I wouldn't convert it, you can get an RB-250 for a little more if you want the mastertone.
I own a stock RB-100 (with the brass tube 'tone ring') and I love it. It has volume, twang, soul and depth which I revere.
Oops, forgot to mention my RB-100 was made in 1963 and has the old chocolate flavored rim.
I’m not understanding why the large washers on the machine heads. It would make me think this might’ve had larger post tuners [Kluson]. Yet, it has typical pancake Elton’s from correct time period. There’s also no screw holes filled on reverse of peghead to indicate it ever had Kluson box tuners. But, the way oversized washers are a mystery. Everything else looks good. I see rb100 around this timeframe $1500 or so.
quote:
Originally posted by BrettI’m not understanding why the large washers on the machine heads. It would make me think this might’ve had larger post tuners [Kluson]. Yet, it has typical pancake Elton’s from correct time period.
Here's a sold 1965 RB-100 still on the website of 12th Fret in Toronto with what appear to be the same large washers on pancake tuners. My browser won't let me copy the link to the close-up photos, so go to the page, scroll to the bottom of the listing, and you'll find the photos.
Also, none of the RB-100s I found in searching for this had boxy Kluson tuners. Those must have been an exclusive feature of the RB-250.
Good to remember for future reference Ken. I hope it’s fully stock and whoever owns or buys it enjoys it.
I lost out on buying it. The guy was kinda weird. I couldn't get him to take a couple more pics. He said he would be home for the next two days about an hour from here and I was in that part of town working but I could never get him to respond to my messages. I would like to have had it but there will be another one come along eventually. Thank for everyone's advice and comments.
