BANJO APPRAISAL GUIDE
Banjos have been a cornerstone of American Folk, Bluegrass and Jazz music for over 100 years.
There are many different banjo makers and types:
Some Makers include Gibson, Vega, Bacon & Day, Gold Star, Deering, Stelling, Huber and more.
This page will help you understand which Make and Model instrument you have and will allow for an easy accurate appraisal .
There are many different banjo makers and types:
Some Makers include Gibson, Vega, Bacon & Day, Gold Star, Deering, Stelling, Huber and more.
This page will help you understand which Make and Model instrument you have and will allow for an easy accurate appraisal .
How to Identify the Brand
The best place to look fro a Brand or Maker is on the Headstock of the banjo. The maker might have a label on the inside rim of the banjo (see in image on far left)
What Model is It?
Most instrument models on newer banjos can be found on a label on the inside rim of the banjo. In order to see this label the resonator or back of the banjo needs to be removed. That can be done by unscrewing the thumbscrews that attach to resonator to the flange. (The image on the far right shows a thumbscrew)
Serial Numbers /Factory Order Numbers (FON)
Many newer banjos place their serial numbers on the inside label. Gibson banjos stamp the serial numbers on the inside rim, paint it on the inside of the resonator, or stamp in on the back of the headstock. Below are three different Gibson Serial number and FON examples.