Hello,
Can anyone tell me the most reliable prewar Gibson seller these days?
Thank you
Try Steve Huber or Jim Britton. Jim operates Ceres Banjos, but it appears that he does not have a website. He is however, a member of Banjo Hangout. Below is a link to Huber Banjos.
I don't think there's an answer for the most reliable seller. Ceres Banjo Works probably has the largest selection for an individual seller at any given moment. There are also options from Huber banjos, Turtle Hill Banjo, Lowe Vintage Instruments, Gruhn's Guitars, Carter Vintage, Elderly Instruments, and many more.
In addition to these well-established sellers, there are many for sale here from private sellers. You're probably more likely to find a "deal" this way but it potentially comes with more uncertainty.
What are you looking for?
Edited by - LouieChee on 04/04/2025 06:12:30
quote:
Originally posted by LouieCheeI don't think there's an answer for the most reliable seller. Ceres Banjo Works probably has the largest selection for an individual seller at any given moment. There are also options from Huber banjos, Turtle Hill Banjo, Lowe Vintage Instruments, Gruhn's Guitars, Carter Vintage, Elderly Instruments, and many more.
In addition to these well-established sellers, there are many for sale here from private sellers. You're probably more likely to find a "deal" this way but it potentially comes with more uncertainty.
What are you looking for?
Just starting to research sellers. Thanks for the response!
Jim Britton has the largest selection and seems to have his thumb on locating banjos..and his prices are reasonable.
Gruhn Guitars in Nashville is another good source.
They had several in the $6000 range when I was there in October. Original archtop pots with Frank Neat conversion necks. Also one or two "double" conversions that turned a previous sub-Mastertone (tone hoop or no tone ring) into a five-string with Mastertone style flathead.
Several more expensive banjos, too, including an unconverted Style 5. Or maybe it was a 6. Can't remember. Into five figures there.
But Jim Britton has an amazing inventory. Here's a link to his "Ceres Banjo Works" Hangout Classifieds.
I would suggest caution with Gruhn; when I've looked at a banjo model I know a lot about on their website, I have found significant errors in their description.
I'm no banjo expert, but neither are they (IMHO).
Edited by - aaronoble on 04/04/2025 12:36:12
Skip my response if you dont want unsolicited advice. But if I was spending significant money on a prewar (10k+) I'd buy from someone I know or otherwise trust to give me exaclty what I paid for. Even if it comes at a premium.
I'd put Jim Britton/Ceres Banjo Works in that category. You can easily diligence the man, and confirm what hes all about (beyond his expertise as a player, dealer and enthusiast). In my experience his pictures and videos are honest representations of what you are buying and he's extremely responsive/accommodating if you have questions.
Sorry - realizing my advice was actually entirely solicited (at least with respect to dealing with Jim, maybe not the part about steering clear of seemingly great deals from private sellers).
While I didn't tear them down to examine every part -- not that it would have done me any good -- the banjos I saw and played at Gruhn's looked like what they were tagged to be.
quote:
Originally posted by aaronobleI would suggest caution with Gruhn; when I've looked at a banjo model I know a lot about on their website, I have found significant errors in their description.
I'm no banjo expert, but neither are they (IMHO).
I have asked Aaron to contact me directly at the store concerning his statement. While I don't claim to know everything about pre-war Gibson banjos, I always like to learn.
Joe Spann
quote:
Originally posted by aaronobleI would suggest caution with Gruhn; when I've looked at a banjo model I know a lot about on their website, I have found significant errors in their description.
I'm no banjo expert, but neither are they (IMHO).
Writing to Joe I realized one of the two specific instances I recalled might have been at Elderly Instruments - and since I can't recall specifically (and the listings are now gone) I will clarify that I experienced one description error that has since been corrected (but I still recommend caution).
