I'm looking at buying a gold plated and engraved 80's made in japan Goldstar in really nice condition plating good except armrest ( of course).
The seller doesn't know how much it's worth and I don't either. I was wondering if someone on here knew something about these and could give us an idea what would be a fair price. Thanks. Sorry I didn't think to take pics when I was there
I'm no expert but I do watch these banjos as I've considered buying one. Nice ones seem to get snatched up up quickly when they are in the $1200 - $1500 range. Others reach closer towards the $2000 range but linger for a while. They are great workhorse banjos in reputation so I'd say it's a great deal for both parties in the $1300 range. Others may have more refined ideas. Either way, if you get it we're always glad for sounds samples and pictures. Good luck!
If it's gold plated and engraved on tension and armrest and has hearts and flowers inlays it might be the highly desirable JD Crowe model (the original one).
I am not aware of the JD Crowe model being offered in Flying Eagles inlay however.
Someone may have "upgraded" a catalog 100FE by having it gold plated and engraved, in the boutique after-market. In which case it's kind of important how good the quality was on the plating job, and engraving too for that matter. The model number 100 means it was originally nickel plated with no engraving.
Look at the label inside the pot and see if there are any notes written about it being a custom JD Crowe model, in which case the current asking prices are around $5000, particularly amongst the lower serial numbers/earliest year of manufacture.
Oh, and post photos inside and out, please.
I'll post photos on here if I end up getting it. I took the resonator off when I looked at it, it's not a JD Crowe judging by the sticker in the pot. The man bought it new from Bill Sullivan , also has the guys name engraved on the armrest.
does it have 100FE on the label? if so im guessing it was plated by bill sullivan or the owner later as that model never had gold plating and engraving. I had one from the 80s and sold it for $1600 and regret
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