Gibson repeated ranges of serial numbers in the first three or four post-war decades. Fortunately, the banjos in with serial numbers in repeated rtanges were distinctly different: the 1950s and 60s bowtie inlay RB-250s and then the 1970s to mid 80s leaves and bows, two-piece flange, RB-250. Other models from those specific eras, such as RB-500, RB-800 and RB-100 were also very different so that when confronted with a serial number that suggests two years in two different decades, the banjo itself will tell you which number is correct.

All this is by way of saying, the first step in placing a post-war Gibson banjo into its year is to let the banjo place itself into its proper era.

If the banjo in question is a bowtie inlay RB-250, a paddle head RB-100, or an RB-500 or RB-800 with one-piece flange, the serial number suggests 1966. These banjos were last made in 1969.

If it's a leaves and bows RB-250 with two-piece flange, a fancier inlay RB-800 with 2-piece flange, or a fiddle headstock RB-100 with 1-piece flange, a six-digit serial number beginning with 4 suggests 1972. These banjos started in 1970.

These are the numbers I'm using.

There are other design elements and accessory appointments distinct to those different eras, but things like tuners, tailpieces and armrests can disappear or be moved to banjos from another era.  So I chose not to list all of those.

Of course, wood can can be refinished. But the 50s-60s and 70s-80s banjos were very different from each other. The bowtie inlay banjos had sunburst finish, dual concentric rings on the back of the resonator and Gibson guitar style headstocks. The leaves and bows, two-piece flange, banjos were of plain mahogany and had a pre-war style fiddle cut headstock. Also the necks were laminated of three pieces (not counting the headstock ears) with the center strip being fairly wide, but not contrasting. It's visible through the finish on most examples of this model.

So what does the one you're asking about look like?

Can you share a photo of your banjo? That will immediately bring year of the Factory Order Number (FON) into focus.

Thanks, Gents for your replies. Here is the instrument in question....

ebay.com/itm/317455170866

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Originally posted by DLLawrence

Thanks, Gents for your replies. Here is the instrument in question....

ebay.com/itm/317455170866

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This banjo is a 70s era Gibson RB-250. It is difficult to pinpoint the date any closer than that. 

Thank you. I've been searching the forums and reading up a bit. Looks like it has that painted black plywood rim. Not reading a lot of good stuff on these era Gibsons. I'm guessing this banjo would be a crapshoot.

Catastrophic failure of the two-piece flange system resulting from delamination of the wood in the rim was not uncommon in these banjos.

My friend has a mid-70s RB-250 that sounds great. All original. Not all of them were chump instruments.

Wayne and Jim are both right. Some of these banjos could be absolutely great instruments, others would come apart at the laminations. One thing I have seen people do is take the ones that delaminate and have a rim turned for the original parts. However, the seller wants $2800 for this banjo, which is quite a bit on the high side. Add in the cost of a new rim, if needed, and it would just be a money pit. You could get a lot better banjo for the same amount of money.

I wouldn't buy it just because of this stupid AI generated "description" that the ebay seller posted.  To me, this is just proof that the seller has no idea what they are selling

The Gibson Mastertone Banjo is a high-quality 5-string banjo known for its powerful sound and rich tone. With a closed-back body style, this traditional instrument is perfect for folk and world music enthusiasts. The hard shell case included in the set provides protection and durability, making it ideal for transport and storage. The Gibson Mastertone model is a classic choice for musicians looking for a reliable and well-crafted banjo for their performances or practice sessions.

To show the repeated serial number ranges I was describing above, this list shows a 6-digit serial number 404020 (lower than the number of this one) in 1974 surrounded by 1960s!  It's a 70s RB-100.

The one you're looking at is some time in the early 70s.

Several thoughts on this one:

The asking price is several hundred dollars high compared to other listings within the past year or so. After the sellers' market of the pandemic, things have settled down. I could be wrong, but I think $2400 may be pushing it for one of these. I think they mostly go for $2200 or less. Every now and then one turns up under $2000.

That being said, this one appears to be in very good condition. The pictures aren't necessarily the best. Some of the tuners should be rotated. Minor DIY fix.

What others have said about the known problems of this model is true. But what should also be said is rim delamination and binding distintegration happened early on. If a 70s RB250 is showing no signs of these issues developing after 50 years, it is most likely not going to have those problems.

I'm not sure I'd call the rim "plywood." It was 10 or more plies of hardwood. Fender and Ode in the same era were also using multi-ply rims. It's just what happened to the leading US-made banjos in the 70s.

This one has all the accessories and original equipment I was referring to before: "Gibson"-stamped tuners, armrest, and tailpiece. So that's good. From the photos, the metal appears a bit brighter than you often see with these. Many went dull.

This is listed as Make Offer, so I assume the seller knows nearly $2900 shipped is too much to ask. How much less they'll take is anyone's guess.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

quote:

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Originally posted by RioStat

I wouldn't buy it just because of this stupid AI generated "description" that the ebay seller posted.  To me, this is just proof that the seller has no idea what they are selling.

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What Scott said.

To amplify: The listing says nothing a buyer would need to know to evaluate this banjo and the price being being asked.

A buyer shouldn't have to go to an international banjo forum to ask what year the instrument was made. A seller who knows banjos would have not only listed it as "1970s Gibson RB-250" but would have known to mention the presence all the typical parts of that model, including the thick black rim with Gibson Mastertone sticker, suggesting "all original" (or close to it. A good seller would have addressed condition.

The listing tells you nothing about this specific banjo. And what it tells you about Gibson banjos in general is useless.

Thank y'all very much for all this info- it is much appreciated. He sent me an offer for 2199, but I'm going to think on that. I may make an offer on it. I did not know about "rotating" tuners. Learn something new every day- maybe I'll do that on my 84 Gold Star. I'm guessing it's never been done.

You guys are awesome- so much to learn. Thank you!

quote:

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Originally posted by DLLawrence

I did not know about "rotating" tuners. Learn something new every day- maybe I'll do that on my 84 Gold Star. I'm guessing it's never been done.

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These Gibson tuners are "eccentric" (off-center). So, I believe if you change their orientation, they fit better on the back of the peghead. Straight-through planets it makes no difference.

Or I could be wrong. Or maybe I'm just being fussy. When I had these same tuners on my 70s neck, I turned them to all face the same way, as you seeand read them from the back.

-  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -

$2199 ($2200) is what I guessed they go for! Now, if you can get $2099 or settle for $2199 shipped, this may be a fair price. Again: We're going by pictures to determine condition.

And trusting a seller with only two feedbacks (though both positive).

quote:

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Originally posted by DLLawrence

Thank y'all very much for all this info- it is much appreciated. He sent me an offer for 2199, but I'm going to think on that. I may make an offer on it. I did not know about "rotating" tuners. Learn something new every day- maybe I'll do that on my 84 Gold Star. I'm guessing it's never been done.

You guys are awesome- so much to learn. Thank you!

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I don't believe Ken is using "rotate" in the same sense as your local tire shop.

He's talking about loosening and turning them so they sit properly and look symmetrical on the back of the peghead.

That's a 1970's RB250, as mentioned above.

It doesn't look too bad, BUT...
... the price is WAY too high for that year/model.

Look elsewhere.

That's my advice and I'm stickin' to it...!

quote:

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Originally posted by RioStat

quote:

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Originally posted by DLLawrence

Thank y'all very much for all this info- it is much appreciated. He sent me an offer for 2199, but I'm going to think on that. I may make an offer on it. I did not know about "rotating" tuners. Learn something new every day- maybe I'll do that on my 84 Gold Star. I'm guessing it's never been done.

You guys are awesome- so much to learn. Thank you!

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I don't believe Ken is using "rotate" in the same sense as your local tire shop.

He's talking about loosening and turning them so they sit properly and look symmetrical on the back of the peghead.

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Aha!   I see watcha mean.  I think funny sometimes.

I would kind of hope that he does not take the $2199 offer, but at least it is better than what he was wanting for it. There are a lot better banjos for less.

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Originally posted by BanjoLink

I would kind of hope that he does not take the $2199 offer, but at least it is better than what he was wanting for it. There are a lot better banjos for less.

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Yes. I think the same era Fender Artist and Ode Style C can still be found at about that price or less. 1990s Deering Sierras (original dot inlay model) are definitely sub-$2000 banjos. Even sub $1500. Maple Blossoms that old go for around that price, I think. 1980s Gold Stars that were better than this RB-250 are also less than that.

In new banjos, there's the Gold Tone OB-3 Twanger and maybe Gold Star GF-100JD. These are at least $2000 these days.

But for people wanting the Gibson name, a 1970s RB-250 in good condition and priced reasonably is the most affordable way to get a real Gibson and have most of it be factory orginal.

quote:

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Originally posted by RioStat
I don't believe Ken is using "rotate" in the same sense as your local tire shop.

He's talking about loosening and turning them so they sit properly and look symmetrical on the back of the peghead.

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Exactly. Two of the photos in the eBay listing show what I was suggesting. The body or housing of the tuner sits the same no matter the orientation. I was wrong on that detail. But the "eccentric" design means the shaft for the isn't centered. If you take care how the tuners are oriented, the shafts and buttons not only look more symmetrical, you can more easily get your fingers between them.

quote:

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Originally posted by DLLawrence

quote:

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Originally posted by RioStat

quote:

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Originally posted by DLLawrence

Thank y'all very much for all this info- it is much appreciated. He sent me an offer for 2199, but I'm going to think on that. I may make an offer on it. I did not know about "rotating" tuners. Learn something new every day- maybe I'll do that on my 84 Gold Star. I'm guessing it's never been done.

You guys are awesome- so much to learn. Thank you!

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I don't believe Ken is using "rotate" in the same sense as your local tire shop.

He's talking about loosening and turning them so they sit properly and look symmetrical on the back of the peghead.

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Aha!   I see watcha mean.  I think funny sometimes.

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He sent the offer to me to consider.  Sellers often do that on ebay to buyers that have watched their item.