We're Collectors!
We collect a lot of L.B. Gatcomb items. I personally have been irresponsible enough to weigh a Gatcomb banjo against a month of financial security -- and the banjo weighed heavier on the Scales of Priority. We've seen the Fires of Hell in the eyes of our spouses, eaten Ramen noodles to the brink of scurvy, and attempted to sell souls (not mine of course, but I've offered to trade the essence of a friend for an LBG banjo key), all in the pursuit of new items.
But we're altruistic in our collecting. While many collectors of banjo ephemera jealously guard their hoard, we try to amass as many LBG items as we can to make available here on the Registry. As many of you know, we've posted scans of sheet music, copies of the Gazette, articles and advertisements, and rare photographs, all for the perusal and download of interested people.
Our efforts have been rewarded several times. Harry, a good friend of the folks here at the Registry, was gracious enough to send us digital scans of every issue of Cadenza from September 1894 to March 1902, many of which helped us tremendously in our LBG research. (Harry, if you're reading this, thanks again, and I wish you and yours all the best.) Friendly folks at multiple libraries and institutions have forwarded scans and copies of documents, books and sheet music, all at their expense. A few private collectors have been kind enough to send us copies of music. And of course there are all of you who send us photos and information about your Gatcomb banjos for inclusion in the Registry.
We are on a very limited budget, but we are certainly interested in items you are looking to sell or donate. At this time we are actively seeking copies of the Gazette, sheet music, and banjo wrenches/banjo keys. We do occasionally buy banjos. While we try to keep restorable instruments intact, we sometimes buy a "parts banjo" which is often beyond reasonable repair, so that we can offer authentic parts to those looking to restore or repair their Gatcomb banjos. (Whether it's a missing bracket or an entire neck -- if you need the part, there's a fine chance that we have precisely what you're looking for.) Drop us a line with what you have, as well as any photos and notes, and we'll be happy to get back to you.
A NOTE TO BUYERS: Aftermarket parts are almost always economically more feasible, particularly if you are simply trying to get your banjo "up and running" for home use. If this is the route you would like to take, there are several trustworthy companies that can supply you with the needed items. (If you would like, you can contact us and we can personally recommend a few companies.) But sometimes you just want to restore your instrument with authentic parts, right? If you are in need of original Gatcomb components, please get in touch with us and we'll search the inventory (and hopefully respond with good news). (Alternately, if you want to put a modern twist on your vintage banjo, you can always contact Gatcomb Co. about crafting you a new part, be it a custom bridge or a replacement neck.)
A NOTE TO SELLERS: I'd like to take a moment to mention that we watch auction sites with interest, as well as various classifieds, both online and in print. We are generally well aware of what's available, as well as the value and the sale price. In other words, if you bought a Gatcomb Standard on eBay for $300.00 and you generously offer it to us for the bargain price of $1,600.00...well, you go ahead and keep it, chief.
So that's that. Again, get in touch with me if you've got something I might be interested in. And if you're in need of something, let me know if I can help you in any way.
-Jimmy-
But we're altruistic in our collecting. While many collectors of banjo ephemera jealously guard their hoard, we try to amass as many LBG items as we can to make available here on the Registry. As many of you know, we've posted scans of sheet music, copies of the Gazette, articles and advertisements, and rare photographs, all for the perusal and download of interested people.
Our efforts have been rewarded several times. Harry, a good friend of the folks here at the Registry, was gracious enough to send us digital scans of every issue of Cadenza from September 1894 to March 1902, many of which helped us tremendously in our LBG research. (Harry, if you're reading this, thanks again, and I wish you and yours all the best.) Friendly folks at multiple libraries and institutions have forwarded scans and copies of documents, books and sheet music, all at their expense. A few private collectors have been kind enough to send us copies of music. And of course there are all of you who send us photos and information about your Gatcomb banjos for inclusion in the Registry.
We are on a very limited budget, but we are certainly interested in items you are looking to sell or donate. At this time we are actively seeking copies of the Gazette, sheet music, and banjo wrenches/banjo keys. We do occasionally buy banjos. While we try to keep restorable instruments intact, we sometimes buy a "parts banjo" which is often beyond reasonable repair, so that we can offer authentic parts to those looking to restore or repair their Gatcomb banjos. (Whether it's a missing bracket or an entire neck -- if you need the part, there's a fine chance that we have precisely what you're looking for.) Drop us a line with what you have, as well as any photos and notes, and we'll be happy to get back to you.
A NOTE TO BUYERS: Aftermarket parts are almost always economically more feasible, particularly if you are simply trying to get your banjo "up and running" for home use. If this is the route you would like to take, there are several trustworthy companies that can supply you with the needed items. (If you would like, you can contact us and we can personally recommend a few companies.) But sometimes you just want to restore your instrument with authentic parts, right? If you are in need of original Gatcomb components, please get in touch with us and we'll search the inventory (and hopefully respond with good news). (Alternately, if you want to put a modern twist on your vintage banjo, you can always contact Gatcomb Co. about crafting you a new part, be it a custom bridge or a replacement neck.)
A NOTE TO SELLERS: I'd like to take a moment to mention that we watch auction sites with interest, as well as various classifieds, both online and in print. We are generally well aware of what's available, as well as the value and the sale price. In other words, if you bought a Gatcomb Standard on eBay for $300.00 and you generously offer it to us for the bargain price of $1,600.00...well, you go ahead and keep it, chief.
So that's that. Again, get in touch with me if you've got something I might be interested in. And if you're in need of something, let me know if I can help you in any way.
-Jimmy-