Help dating a mando/banjo

**pelone** · Jun-05-2008, 5:39pm

I just bought a Gibson Mandolin-Banjo. The inside label decal inside the rim identifies it as an MB-JR. Also on the inside rim is a set of numbers that are punched into the wood that read 11139A-18.

It plays well. I spent $400 dollars. Too much, too little? I am trying to rationalize my purchase to my wife.

Any one out there that can help me date the instrument? Thanks

**8ch(pl)** · Jun-06-2008, 9:55am

You did all right. You should use very light strings. I use 2 sets of tenor banjo strings on mine, abour .009 to ,032.

I also have an old wool sock rolled up and stuffed under the head, between the bridge and the dowel stick.

These two measures will help to tone down that rangy sound that many in this site despise.

They are great for folk music, children's songs etc.

**Jim Garber** · Jun-06-2008, 10:33am

In answer to your other question (dating): I am not at home but I believe that the FON indicates around 1918.

**Clyde Clevenger** · Jun-06-2008, 10:38am

I'm really not sure dating a mando/banjo is legal in most states.

**Pete Martin** · Jun-06-2008, 11:18am

Originally Posted by (Mandoholic @ June 06 2008, 11:38)

I'm really not sure dating a mando/banjo is legal in most states.

And marriage is definitely not legal, except in California.

**MikeEdgerton** · Jun-06-2008, 11:23am

And I was going to suggest dinner and a movie.

How many hooks does that mandolin banjo have and what is the outside diamter of the rim? If you answer correctly you did more than good on the price.

**pelone** · Jun-06-2008, 4:17pm

Mike--The mandolin/banjo has 20 hooks and is 9 inches across.
It is not a thing of elegance. But, as I said, it stays in tune and has crept into my inner ear nicely. The finish is a bit distressed but from what I can tell that seems to be the patina of wear and playing. It is not a pristine and mar-free instrument. Thanks for any information that you might offer.

**MikeEdgerton** · Jun-06-2008, 4:18pm

Wrong size and number of hooks for the banjo crazies.

**mandroid** · Jun-06-2008, 5:12pm

More points for 'Trapdoor' back and 10+inch pot.

**allenhopkins** · Jun-06-2008, 5:24pm

Is it like this one at Elderly Instruments? They're asking $500 for it.

**allenhopkins** · Jun-06-2008, 5:36pm

Originally Posted by (pelone @ June 05 2008, 18:39)

Also on the inside rim is a set of numbers that are punched into the wood that read 11139A-18.
Any one out there that can help me date the instrument? # # Thanks

This is part of Vintage Guitar's guide to dating Gibson instruments by serial number:

1935-1941: Factory Order Numbers and Letter Codes, containing the letters A to G, ink stamped on the inside back or on the neck block (flattops), or on the label.

The introduction of letter codes in the '30's might suggest that your banjolin is from that era.

Here's a link to the page from which I took the excerpt. A lot of confusing data, but it may be of some help. (But remember, what applies to Gibson guitars and mandolins may not exactly apply to your instrument.)

**pelone** · Jun-06-2008, 11:53pm

Allen---the instrument offered at Elderlys seems to be the twin of mine except for a minor difference in the headstock.
The MB looks to be naturally distressed rather than enhanced or road wearied at the shop while new.
I attempted to find information about the previous owner or owners but made no progress. Would it not be interesting to know the story of those who played the tunes and fingered the frets before we fell into possession. Thanks all for your feedback.