Why are gibson banjos so expensive

As such, when a Stradivari instrument comes on the market it is of great interest to musicians and collectors alike, commanding millions of dollars in the sale process. In addition to their relevance in contemporary use of the banjo primarily in Bluegrass music, factors which determine the value of vintage Gibson Mastertone banjos include rarity, condition, association with prominent players and a mythical combination of the most desirable parts used at the time of construction.

As with their earlier banjo designs, Gibson offered several variations of the top tension banjos, with the most expensive and elaborate model bearing the TB designation. I had to hand make almost everything on it. Lets take our comparisons away from the little guy, the small manufacturers essentially build custom instruments and it should be understood that will always cost considerably more than a big manufacturer would be able to charge, lets talk about the big guys like Gibson, Goldstar and Ibanez.

I've just started in the guitar world and I do believe that much of a banjo and a guitar are an apples to apples comparison.

It is simply stunning to see how cheaply you can purchase guitar parts. Lets be honest, what's the real difference between a guitar tuner and those on a banjo? Then there's guitar necks, how does the skill or even the materials differ betweent the two. Then there's the body of a guitar, thin specialty woods formed and glued together by skilled hands, where a banjo is a little machining more than a wood ring, a drum if you will. Yes, I can understand why a banjo would cost a bit more than a comparable guitar, but given the fact that both use similar equipement to manufactuer several thousand more just doesn't makes sence to me.

But it's not just American made instruments. I have an Ibanez AS93 semi-hollow body electric guitar, a beautiful gold and maple instrument. I feel that the prices for the banjos built by small operations and individuals are quite fair and reasonable, maybe even underpriced compared to someone like Gibson. When I left Arthur's shop I felt I had bought the bargain of a lifetime with my new banjo.

There is no way on earth I could take those parts and build a banjo that quality. Tools alone would kill me. Since we have been comparing it to other markets, ever check out the road bike bicycle industry. I'm not talking about the completes from a bike shop. I spent more for my frame and cranks than my custom hatfield. Yes there are cheaper bikes, like there are cheaper banjos, but admit it or not, there is a difference and they aren't all created equal. Every hobby seems expensive anymore.

I bought a LouZee banjo and it is higher priced and darned well worth it. When you hear the tone from a quality banjo it just puts a big smile on your face. I have watched Paul Hopkins build many Hopkins and LouZee banjos over the last couple of years and see the time spent putting out a quality product. Then when I compare one of his banjos to a prewar Gibson and they sound as good or better they are probably not priced high enough. Answering Cornflakes question about tuba prices there is a guy here in Shelbyville that builds trumpets and yes they are high but again time and quality are worth it.

On the cost of metal parts. Most of it is in setup, so once that's done the cost per piece lowers dramatically with volume production. The demand for banjo hooks in infinitesimal compared to standard bolts with as much or more metal in them. So you never get the dirt cheap prices coming from tremendous volume.

To really appreciate the answer to this question one needs to set up a shop, purchase all of the necessary tools, spend years developing your skills, purchase all of the materials needed, and build a banjo that you would consider worthy of a professional player. Now sit back, examine your creation, and ask yourself what you would consider selling it for.

Nuff said. Heh, if you guys think banjos are expensive, you should try and buy a full set of uilleann pipes, or a good concertina. I think part of the reason that banjos can be so expensive is that Banjo players just love bling.

We are the magpies of the music world. Back in the 20's and 30's when there were hundreds of companies making banjos they would compete to see who could make a banjo that would make liberace blush. I recently tried out one of tom cussen's fancy new clareen setanta banjos and it is an absolutely beautiful instrument to play. You just hold it and the bloody thing nearly plays itself.

This questions will probably need a luthier's answer I would like a "standard" model no special finish or "bells and whistles" , with nickel hardware and the builders "standard" inlay.

This is a hypothetical situation to satisfy MY curiosity. To me the point is that yes, there are expensive banjos, but you don't have to have one. There is nothing wrong with expensive instuments for those who want and can afford them, but it is not neccesary to spend a fortune to have a good instrument to play. One of the areas I have personal experience with is the material used in truss rod covers.

In the military, it's the same stuff we made aircraft placards with, and name badges, and plaques etc. If you're into hand making them, The material is super cheap at any sign supply store. It's always interesting to see what companies sell truss rod covers for. All Rights Reserved. Case and Ludwig Wrench' 2 hrs. Forgot Password. Luthier Search Hangout Merchandise. Find a Teacher Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher.

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Discussion Forum. Kalamazoo Mich. Look for the serial number on the back of the peghead. This design remained in place until Gibson stopped banjo production right after the flood of the Cumberland River in Introduced in and offered until the devastating Nashville floods of , the Gibson Mastertone RB was the workhorse banjo for countless serious players. The Gibson RB was the entry into the Mastertone line with any of the variations on that flat-head tone ring and rim system.

But since the flooding of the Cumberland River in Nashville ravaged their production facilities in May of , Gibson has not assembled or shipped a single banjo. Existing dealers have only been told for the past 3 years that no banjo production is expected each year.