The "STUDENT" model was an entry level banjo offered by the L.B. Gatcomb Co. for about $10.00 (not exactly a small sum in the 1890s -- inflation calculations indicate that "THE STUDENT" would have retailed for about $300.00 in 2015 currency) and were often blown out by music stores for less. "THE STUDENT" was interesting in that it was a stripped down instrument in almost every respect -- right down to the paddle headstock, which was standard for STUDENT models. (We say in almost every respect because while there were but four dot inlays and no aesthetic flourishes, "THE STUDENT" was crafted of the same materials as Gatcomb's high-end models, and occasionally offered the recognized Gatcomb headstock shape.)
This "STUDENT" came to us as just another entry-level banjo. It wasn't until we started disassembling it for cleaning that we found a big surprise hidden on the back of the dowel stick:
This "STUDENT" came to us as just another entry-level banjo. It wasn't until we started disassembling it for cleaning that we found a big surprise hidden on the back of the dowel stick:
It is very faint, but we can definitely read "L.B. G________" on the reverse side of the dowel stick. Also on the backside of the dowel stick is a "3", which also appears on the heel cutaway. (The majority of Gatcomb banjos we've seen also have the maker's stamp and model designation on the reverse side of the dowel stick. On this one, there's only a faint "3" and this signature.)
We have come across countless anomalies on Gatcomb banjos over the years, but this is the most exciting one yet. Again, it is faint (and there's no way we're going to try to clean it up and risk damaging the script) but it really does appear to be the name of L.B. Gatcomb.
We have come across countless anomalies on Gatcomb banjos over the years, but this is the most exciting one yet. Again, it is faint (and there's no way we're going to try to clean it up and risk damaging the script) but it really does appear to be the name of L.B. Gatcomb.
We are aware of one other banjo signed by Lincoln B. Gatcomb, but it wasn't a "STUDENT" model. If an eager banjoist chanced to meet Mr. Gatcomb and asked him to sign the banjoist's "STUDENT" model, it certainly wouldn't be on the reverse side of the dowel stick. Furthermore, there is nothing about this banjo to indicate that it was signed and presented to anyone -- it's simply too plain. We really can't explain this one.
This banjo comes with the original vellum, though it's been left on the instrument for historical purposes -- it is dirty, torn and in dire need of replacement. This instrument boasts matching numbers; the pot and neck carry the same serial denomination. The metal tailpiece is original and was advertised by the L.B. Gatcomb Co. as their new metal tailpiece that wouldn't cut banjo strings. (See original ad from 1887 above.) The frets are original and have a surprising amount of life left in them. The fretboard shows a fair amount of wear. Whoever owned this certainly didn't set it in the corner and forget about it.
This banjo comes with the original vellum, though it's been left on the instrument for historical purposes -- it is dirty, torn and in dire need of replacement. This instrument boasts matching numbers; the pot and neck carry the same serial denomination. The metal tailpiece is original and was advertised by the L.B. Gatcomb Co. as their new metal tailpiece that wouldn't cut banjo strings. (See original ad from 1887 above.) The frets are original and have a surprising amount of life left in them. The fretboard shows a fair amount of wear. Whoever owned this certainly didn't set it in the corner and forget about it.
The pot is stamped "9", as is the tension hoop. The spunover silver is broken in the center of the neck joint (we've seen this once before when the former owner had overtightened the screw on the heel bracket) and is marked "9+" on the inside. The break in the silver runs through the serial number stamped on it, but the number is still readable.
Overall, this is a fine example of the workhorse banjo L.B. Gatcomb envisioned beginners mastering before moving up to a higher-end model. Again, it's far from mint, with the usual dings and nicks that are to be expected of an instrument of this vintage. There are some chips in the headstock and the frets could use a dressing, but it's intact, original, and fully ready to be played. The real appeal of this "STUDENT" is what appears to be L.B. Gatcomb's signature. We don't have the means to authenticate it, but we can put forward these few facts: the script is not shiny like you would see if someone used a modern pencil; the signature is not at all pronounced, and one must really look for it to see it, and; it is in the most illogical place for a bogus autograph if one were trying to run a scam. With those facts in mind, we can't rule out the possibility that this was signed by the man himself, though why it was signed on the dowel stick still remains a mystery.
- 25" scale
- 11-1/8" pot
- Original tailpiece
- Choice of Gatcomb Co. ebony/maple or bloodwood "sliver" bridge
- 20 brackets
- 1-1/4" nut
- 34-3/4" overall length
- Matching numbers
- Flathead screw 5th string nut
- Circa 1890
- Does not come with a case
Being sold on commission
Asking price -- $850.00 SOLD
Asking price -- $850.00 SOLD