Latest repairs: 1923 Gibson MB-JR & 1890s Bay State Bowlback

[Jake Wildwood]

These were for customers -- I love the pickguard and wrist-rest on the Gib!

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6r6EchMCjfM/VXjYmDw8XfI/AAAAAAAAOrg/XpdAMaxq_zs/s1600/mbjr-1.jpg

Click here for the Gib blog post/sound clip/more pics. (http://antebelluminstruments.blogspot.com/2015/06/1923-gibson-mb-jr-banjo-mandolin.html)

Then here's the understated Bay State bowlback which is actually quite nice as far as tone goes:

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9_tkw6tSr0/VXODmlog_XI/AAAAAAAAOi8/hvNqbaIG8M4/s1600/bsmand-1.jpg

Click here for the post/clip/pics on the Bay State. (http://antebelluminstruments.blogspot.com/2015/06/1890s-bay-state-style-1-bowlback.html)

I also have a really cool Regal-made carved-top "Bacon" fancypants mando from the 30s in for customer repair as well. Can't wait to share that one!

[Tavy]

Pick guard on a banjo???? Next thing you know they'll be getting tone guards too ;)

[Mandoplumb]

My dad bought a RB 150 Gibson banjo in 1965 it was used then it had a pick guard which he never took off. It was his only banjo for 25 years or so and he still had it when he passed, it is now mine but I can't play it. I'll keep it as long as I live for sentimental reason.

[Charles E.]

Jake, I have seen the pickguards before (tenor banjo) but never the armrest. Is it original? Also, what's up with the thick bridge? Is it to darken the tone a bit? Looks great.

[Jake Wildwood]

Charley: I'm really not sure if it's original. There were a lot of aftermarket parts available at the time and my guess is it's something like that, since it's pretty well-made. Thick bridge = all rosewood. I prefer using mandolin-style bridges on banjo-mandolins because 1) the head is more stable under all that tension (and thus it keeps in tune better) and 2) it does mellow up the tone a bit and 3) it cuts down on overtones so I don't need to mute the head as much to get a clean sound. Volume dropoff is only minor... it's not like banjo mandolins are quiet instruments... :)

[brunello97]

Interesting to see on the Bay State, Jake, that the fretboard end is cut to follow the curvature of the soundhole. A very Italian detail, seldom seen in the US. Or was that your work?

Mick

[Jake Wildwood]

Mick: nope, that's original. I found it peculiar, too.