Trying to figure out the year and date and model of this Gibson banjo. Made in Kalamazoo serial number is 16154
Based on the photos on your Homepage (posted today) I believe that this is one of the the somewhat common "Notareal" Gibson banjos !
Not a real Gibson neck...not a real Gibson rim label.....and as far as I can tell....not a real Gibson "serial number"
Basically, it looks like a "parts" banjo....a Mastertone-style banjo assembled from various manufacturers parts. Some of the parts may be genuine Gibson, possibly the rim (but not the rim label), possibly the flange, and some other hardware, but there aren't enough clear, detailed photos to make a definitive call about what may, or may not be, genuine Gibson parts.
With all of that, it's actually a cool looking banjo, and probably a purty good sounding player !
Edited by - RioStat on 02/18/2025 12:57:02
redcedarstring
I recommend you post the pictures directly to this forum. Though they are on your media page, making them easily accessible on this page will get you more replies.
When you (and only you) view this page, you can scroll down to an attachments box that has your media photos. click on each one and they will appear in "your attachments" box. Then click post reply.
Very simple and much more convenient for us that have sucky internet connections.
Bob Smakula
I'll post them for the OP:
Not a real Gibson neck at least.
Not a real Gibson Mastertone sticker inside the rim -- which of course casts suspicion on the entire rim. It would take disassembly or at the very least MANY more close up photos of the metal inside and outside of the rim, to even guess if there are any Gibson parts in there.
Please include good photos of inside, outside and walls of the resonator too.
