RB4

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Gibson Mastertone

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For everyone who owns, or wants to own, a Mastertone, regardless of year.

208 Members, Created 2/28/2011 -

Administrators: Bohonkie (owner)

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From dangerousdan on 7/4/2011 11:26:08 PM

Well my last son will be off to college and I'm not working this summer. Next fall is also questionable for work as my work has been reduced and handed to others. Now it looks that I'll have to sell two banjos and keep one. One is a Gibson RB4 in very good condition. Comes with Keith tuners and nice strap and OHSC. I haven't seen many RB4's up here to compare prices. I believe it is a 1991 as the serial number is 4-9104-13. I think that means it's a RB4 (which I know) built in 1991 (I think Greg Rich era) and 13th off the line. Correct me if I'm wrong. I had someone ask me if it is a one or two piece flange. Don't know where that question came from.

Anyway, I was hoping to get some idea of it's value. Too much and it won't sell. Too little and I won't have enough for kid in college. There should be a sweet spot somewhere.

I apologize to the administrator of this group if this is not the forum for this discussion. What better place to ask than a bunch of playing experts. You can see some pics on my home page. Thanks for all your advice in advance.

By the way, I'm keeping my RB3 that I've played for 15 years. The tone is the bone.

8 Comments
	jRook22 says: 7/4/2011 6:11:28 PM I would probably start the asking price around 3,500 a rich era four is hard to beat
	dangerousdan says: 7/4/2011 7:26:22 PM Thanks Granada 22. Any others out there care to share your opinion. I know it's sometimes difficult to follow someone else's opinion. Maybe a price range. I haven't seen a RB4 up here for some time. I know friends just love to hang on to them. And I can see why as they are beautiful with the wood and inlays.
	AnsacsteveOLD says: 7/4/2011 10:32:47 PM I have just paid £2000 for one of similar age(1990) in 100% original pristine condition (original head and no fret wear or shine on fingerboard). It had originally been imported to the UK from Elderly Instrument who sold it for $3500 maybe 18mths ago. Hope that this helps.
	dangerousdan says: 7/4/2011 11:01:01 PM That helps tremendously. Thanks. By my calculations that is around $3200 today's money. You bring up a good point for me to look at Elderly and see what they go for there. Keep those comparables coming. I'd like to hit the nut right off the bat and not be way to high or low. One or two more comps and I'm there.
	dangerousdan says: 7/4/2011 11:34:08 PM Well, just did a quick survey of several banjo stores including elderly, turtle hill, hatfield, mandolin bros., and a few others. Also a quick survey of ebay completed listings = 0. Only Mando bros. had a RB4. It was for $3995. While I was reading I thought I came across that they aren't making RB4's anymore. I think maybe I read that here at the Hangout under the RB4 reviews. Is that right?
	jRook22 says: 7/4/2011 11:45:35 PM Gibson is not making any banjos right now their shop got flooded and they havent built back yet and may not. The RB fours don't seem to come up for sale a lot or it seems to me that they don't. I don't believe you will have much trouble selling it sure wish I could afford it right now.
Jett03 says: 1/4/2016 8:29:41 PM Hi Guys, I'm from oz and have just purchased "apparently" 1956 master tone RB4 does this exist? I'm only new to gibbons but love the sound? Bought it yesterday!,
Jett03 says: 1/4/2016 8:33:57 PM Also I have been trying to find what year it was made versus serial number can anyone help?. It's hard to find anyone here in oz to ask?
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