Re: Vintage Gibson Banjolin
Looks like an early '20's MB-4 to me, like this one, which can be yours for $400 less, with a full restoration, new head and new compensated bridge.
Tell ya which one I'd buy, were I in the market...
IMHO both are afflicted with "Gibsonitis," by which I mean that "Gibson" on the peghead leads to a severe overpricing fever. There are scads of mandolin-banjos around, by a variety of makers, mostly from the period 1900-Depression or so. You could pick up a comparable Bacon, Vega etc. for much less; a "trade" instrument might set you back $100-150 at most.
Antique dealers, pawn shops, others who aren't regularly in the vintage instruments market, still know the name "Gibson." This will still be true after Henry J takes the company down the plug-hole.
Allen Hopkins
Gibsn: '54 F5 3pt F2 A-N Custm K1 m'cello
Natl Triolian Dobro mando
Victoria b-back Merrill alumnm b-back
H-O mandolinetto
Stradolin Vega banjolin
Sobell'dola Washburn b-back'dola
Eastmn: 615'dola 805 m'cello
Flatiron 3K OM
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