Banjo Hangout Logo
Banjo Hangout Logo

Premier Sponsors


Jun 15, 2026 - 3:53:34 PM
1670 posts since 1/26/2011

Do any of you know anything about this banjo? A friend of a friend is wondering what it's worth.  Any more information will be appreciated.

Thank you!

John












Edited by - jdeluke137 on 06/15/2026 18:27:48

Jun 15, 2026 - 4:13:24 PM

647 posts since 2/11/2009

Heritage was started by a bunch of ex-Gibson employees after Gibson moved to Nashville. They're still in the same old Kalamazoo plant.

Heritage is 98% known for electric guitars, including archtops, Les Paul and ES-335 style models. They're considered excellent. In their early days they also made a few acoustic guitars, mandolins, and one banjo model. They couldn't have built too many; this is the first Heritage banjo I've seen outside a catalog.

Jun 15, 2026 - 4:17:56 PM
likes this

1670 posts since 1/26/2011

quote:
Originally posted by OldFrets

Heritage was started by a bunch of ex-Gibson employees after Gibson moved to Nashville. They're still in the same old Kalamazoo plant.

Heritage is 98% known for electric guitars, including archtops, Les Paul and ES-335 style models. They're considered excellent. In their early days they also made a few acoustic guitars, mandolins, and one banjo model. They couldn't have built too many; this is the first Heritage banjo I've seen outside a catalog.


Great information.  Any idea what the time frame is for this ad?

Jun 15, 2026 - 4:21:03 PM
likes this

647 posts since 2/11/2009

That catalog was 1994. I also see it in the 1992 catalog. Obviously, they were building them in 1988 but I don't have catalogs going back that far.

Jun 15, 2026 - 4:26:55 PM

1670 posts since 1/26/2011

Thank you!

I hope someone who I has played one or owned one will respond and tell us more.

Jun 16, 2026 - 10:13:14 AM

16553 posts since 10/30/2008

Undoubtedly Gibson parts from the shelf.

Jun 16, 2026 - 10:32:11 AM

1670 posts since 1/26/2011

quote:
Originally posted by The Old Timer

Undoubtedly Gibson parts from the shelf.


Any idea what it might be worth today?  I think he's wanting to sell it. 

Jun 16, 2026 - 11:48:28 AM

16553 posts since 10/30/2008

It might be worth sending a bunch of good well lit photos to George Gruhn in Nashville for an appraisal. That runs around $100 but is the best guide you can get probably for such a rare piece.

It looks to me like the Kalamazoo version of the Earl Scruggs Standard model. They go for $3500 plus now, but the Gibson name and Scruggs model are powerful marketing.

You could also write to Heritage and ask if they did use older Gibson parts from off the shelf.

Basic US made banjos of this "Masterclone" design start around $2000 and go up from there, depending on condition and sound.

Good luck. A video of a good player giving it a workout will attract interest too.

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)

Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.





Hangout Network Help

View All Topics  |  View Categories

0.1289063