Hi!
My brother passed away and left me his banjo. According to the warranty certificate, it is a Gibson RB-3, serial number 39107103. Does anyone know if it is possible to determine the year of the banjo and its estimated value?
The 3 in the number is the model, the 91 that follows is the year, I believe.
As far as approx value "it" depends. Overall cosmetic condition, meaning ANY alterations to originality, scratches, gouges, disruptions to finish, cracks, repair, etc. Have any parts been changed out, especially metal parts (many banjo owners like to do this as they experiment with the sound of the banjo. Is the original case with it? That always helps.
It also depends how fast you want to sell it.
If it's in real good condition and has the original case, I suggest a starting value of $3000.
It's the most common version of the Style 3 reissue (post 1987). Those made before 1994 carry a little extra premium known as the "Greg Rich Era" when the guy who designed the reissue banjos was still at Gibson. You could start at $3500 since it's a Greg Rich banjo and see how much interest you get.
You can always lower your asking price if it doesn't seem to want to sell. Conversely it's impossible to RAISE your asking price if you get flooded with buyers!
Nice banjo.
Edited by - The Old Timer on 05/23/2025 20:02:34
Already know the tailpiece has been changed; that's for sure. See if the original "Presto," style might be in the case as that would help getting it back to all original or allowing a new owner to do so.
Bobby
Greg Boyd sells Prucha "Gibson" stamped Presto tailpieces, the same as used by Gibson in the final 20 years.
Temporarily out of stock. You can give them your email address to be notified when they're back. With the new tariff, they might cost more than the listed $51.95.
Thank you so much for the helping, The Old Timer , BobbyE and Old Hickory !
Edited by - marcosfonseca67 on 05/24/2025 13:44:20
