sjm78560 - Posted - 02/03/2026:  16:11:44

Hey All,



I’m guessing this has been discussed a handful of times but having trouble finding much info on the topic. I recently purchased a 1932 Gibson TB1 conversion and it has this Grover presto tailpiece on it. I’m wondering if anyone can identify it as a vintage or a reproduction Grover tailpiece. I read that if there’s a “U” stamped on the underneath (which it has), it may be an authentic vintage Grover. It’s in really nice shape and I assumed it was a reproduction tailpiece, but after seeing the stamped “U” curious if anyone’s interested in giving their opinion on it. Thank you!

Edited by - sjm78560 on 02/03/2026 16:12:44

Grover tailpiece

 

Andy FitzGibbon - Posted - 02/03/2026:  16:50:25

Not sure if the age, but it does look like a converted 4 string tailpiece.

RioStat - Posted - 02/03/2026:  16:51:18

The "U" on the bottom (sometimes referred to as the "thumbprint") and the words "Grover Patent" on the back of the lid identify your Presto as a genuine, original pre-war tailpiece.

Modern reproduction Presto's have neither of those features.

And yes, Andy is correct, this was originally a 4 string tailpiece.

Now.....let's see the rest of your TB1 !  

Edited by - RioStat on 02/03/2026 16:53:24

sjm78560 - Posted - 02/03/2026:  17:38:38

That’s really cool to hear! I expected it to be a replica before receiving it. Thanks for the replies.



Here are a few pics of the banjo. It has a Blaylock no hole tone ring and has a rowdy punch to it! It also has Mcpeake tuners which I don’t know much about, but after some research they seem sorta rare.

Edited by - sjm78560 on 02/03/2026 17:43:38

 

RB-1 - Posted - 02/04/2026:  04:30:17

  Style 1 rules...! 

The tailpiece on my '37 RB-1 is vintage, but comes from another brand banjo.

It was a 4 string version as well before.

The hole was made with a CNC machine from a friend, who has a modelaircraft engine factory in his basement...

By coincidence it fits me even better.

Go figure, I'm from the kingdom of the Netherlands, my name is Bruno and N.Y. stands (in my case) for 'not yours'...