Value of Gibson tenor banjo?

[fearfaoin]

A local music shop has a Gibson tenor banjo
on consignment, from the 1930's. They want
around $1100. That sounded kind of cheap to
me. Where can I research the year/model to
see what I'm dealing with? Anything I should
specifically look for if I decide to buy it? I
haven't even played it yet, it's missing the 1st
string, so I'll have to run home and get a spare
just to try the darn thing out (good grief).



EDIT: Now that I think of it, it might be a
plectrum. I need to go back in and count the
frets.

[fearfaoin]

Oh, wait, they have a pic online of the banjo.
Definitely a tenor.

http://www.musicgoround.com/detail.aspx?id=835590

[Pammy]

Aren't you at home now then?

[fearfaoin]

Aren't you at home now then?

No, work. It's only 3pm in NC.
I saw it when I dropped by the music shop at lunch.

[Pammy]

It's expensive having a music shop nearby. Are you a bit of a whizz on the banjo then?

[fearfaoin]

It's expensive having a music shop nearby. Are you a bit of a whizz on the banjo then?

Just started, but I'm getting better. I've been
able to stick with practicing the banjo better
than I have with most instruments I've tried
because it's so darn much fun to play. I like
the one I have, but it's hard to pass up a
vintage Gibson if it comes along.

[Pammy]

It's definitely a happy instrument. My hubby loves it. He says you can't be unhappy when you are playing it. He is into bluegrass though.

Now do you need the Gibson or just want it?

[fearfaoin]

He says you can't be unhappy when you are playing it.

Steve Martin tried to sing a sad song once
while playing banjo. Fail. Can't be done.

Now do you need the Gibson or just want it?

Exactly. And so runs my internal monologue.
My current banjo had some tuning issues that
are mostly dealt with. If the Gibson is perfectly
in tune, that would be ideal. I could trade my
current banjo in and they'll probably knock off
1/3 of the price. I have a feeling this Gibson
may be something someone just rescued from
a 20-year stint in the attic, though.

PRO: Seems like a good price for a vintage Gibson.
CON: It would be the most expensive instrument I own.

PRO: Economy sucks. I might never see such a price.
CON: Economy sucks. I might need to hang on to money.

PRO: Gibson!!!!
CON: Wife!!!

[Pammy]

I must say from the picture it looks like the attic job and boy is there a difference in temperature in the loft and boy can it play havoc with wood

but if they will set it up for you and it plays great, think of the investment (PRO Mrs fearfaoin)

[fearfaoin]

I must say from the picture it looks like the attic job and boy is there a difference in temperature in the loft and boy can it play havoc with wood

Yeah, and they say it's got "spider cracks throughout the finish"
so I'm thinking that's going to be the case.

but if they will set it up for you and it plays great, think of the investment

They don't know squat about banjos. I will definitely have to take it
to the local luthier for setup and any repair to get it up to snuff. And
that's probably another $200 or more. Yeah, I might be able to pass
on it. If it's still there in a week, I'll go in with a string and try it out
just for laughs. If it's a great player, I think I'll reassess then.

[fearfaoin]

Plus I just noticed:

"* Top two tuners are bent."

Ugh. Probably more trouble than it's worth.
Thanks for your help, Pammy!

[Pammy]

Very glad to be of assistance

[brewerpaul]

I will definitely have to take it
to the local luthier for setup and any repair to get it up to snuff. And
that's probably another $200 or more.

If you give them a deposit, maybe they'll let you take it to a luthier before you buy it to get an expert opinion. Kinda like taking a used car to your mechanic for a once over. You may have a diamond in the rough. Offhand, Gibsons command a high price, be they guitars, ukes, mandolins, etc. If you buy it and decide later that you need the money, I wouldn't be surprised if you could sell the banjo for at least what you paid, maybe more.

[fearfaoin]

If you give them a deposit, maybe they'll let you take it to a luthier before you buy it to get an expert opinion. Kinda like taking a used car to your mechanic for a once over. You may have a diamond in the rough.

Interesting thought. I didn't know music stores would agree to such.

Offhand, Gibsons command a high price, be they guitars, ukes, mandolins, etc. If you buy it and decide later that you need the money, I wouldn't be surprised if you could sell the banjo for at least what you paid, maybe more.

How far could I go with restoration before it loses its vintage...ocity?
(vintageness?) A fret dress is no biggie, but what about changing out
the tuners? Could the finish be addressed without resulting in a future
descendant's sad face on Antiques Road Show 2100?

[s1m0n]

These tend to get bought up for conversion to a five-string by bluegrassers, if they have the right kind of tone-ring.

Frank Ford's website has a photo essay on un-bending a vintage tuner shaft. Www.frets.com if I'm remembering correctly. I also have a spare set of vintage grover planetary tuners, the same kind that used to come on a Gibson. I'd trade them for a decent pair of mando tuners, not necessarily vintage.

Because of the bluegrass Gibson banjo cult, if you do opt for restoration, you will have little trouble finding replacement parts; there's a repro market for any part you could wish for.

All that said, I wouldn't pay $1200 for a vintage TB that needs much work. As far as I can tell, 'Irish' TB players don't share the bluegrass Gibson fetish*, and bluegrassers don't really respect any banjo but a five string. If you buy it as a project and put some more money into it, when you go to sell, the buyer you're most likely to find will be a bluegrass banjoist, who's also going to see it as a project and won't value the work & money you put in.

*Although that's not true for vintage Gibson Mandolins. Everyone but classical bowl-backers cherishes these.