Going to "Town" with Bill and the decison

 On Tuesday July 27th Bill came by the bus and wanted to know if I wanted to ride into town. I said sure. . I 65 was open up to the present day location of Briley Parkway but Bill preferred to take the “old road” to town, it brought us out on the James Robertson Parkway and across the bridge into downtown Nashville. He was driving the old blue station wagon and as we started up the hill just past where we parked the bus and (I did some searching and it was at about 5000 US Highway 41 by a recent google search) Bill said that where I used to live, in that house. It was a house that was covered with stone and on up the hill a short distance was a small trailer park. He said that’s where Lester and Earl lived when they first moved to town. As we rode along I had been thinking a lot. I said “Chief you know I’ve been thinking about laying out of school for a year and playing music”. He didn’t say anything for a time and after what seemed an eternity which probably was only 2 or 3 minutes he said “you know I don’t that’s a good idea”. I asked “What” he continued “if I hadn’t done pretty good in music the only thing I could have ever done was farmed. Now your folks think a lot of you and really want you to finish school”. Again it got very quiet, as I began some serious thinking. Bill then continued “Now you go back and finish school and if you ever want a job and I have an opening, the job is yours.” It wasn't mentioned again that summer.

We went on into Nashville and he parked behind the Opry off Fourth Avenue and walked down by GTR and toward Broadway. I stopped at GTR and Bill said to meet him at about 2:00 at Linebaugh’s. I went in and John Hartford and Roy Acuff were both fiddling in the back. I admired a Florentine and All American banjo resonator in the show case and looked at a large bag of amber buttons for banjo tuners that George had purchased somewhere. He was good in those days of coming up with various parts from companies that had gone out of business years before. I spoke to Randy Wood who I had met a short time before but had known of through his association with Rual Yarbough before he came to work with George and Tut. Randy invited me into the back, the place was small and I tried to find a spot out of the way and just became the proverbial fly on the wall. It seemed like only a short time I looked at my watch and it was about time to meet Bill at Linebaugh’s Restaurant. So I tried to leave as uneventful as I entered. I went on down to Linebaugh’s and in a few minutes Bill entered. Being the early part of the week and after the regular lunch crowd had left, the restaurant was almost empty. Bill came in and immediately went over to the juke box to see what was on it. I don’t ever remember him playing anything but where ever we stopped that had a juke box he would go over and see what was on it. I never asked, but I always kind of figured he looked to see if any of his music was on it, In Linebaughs there was always some of Bill's single's on it. I remember Charlie Pride’s “Kiss An Angel Good Morning” was playing and he commented that it was a good number for Charlie. While we were eating George Linebaugh came out and Bill ask him to sit down with us. He said he couldn’t as he had a lot to do in the back. They talked a few minutes and when he left Bill said that Linebaugh had come to Nashville about the same time that he had and was a “Good Hardworking Honest Man”.

(Work in Process) Ongoing Price list of Gibson Banjos and 60's Vega

1926 (Blue Cover) no prices listed

Style 5

Granada

Style 4

Style 3

Style 2

Style 1

Style 0

1927 (Yellow Cover) no prices listed

Florentine

Bella Voce

Style 5

Style 4

Style 3

Style 2

Style 1

June 1, 1931

All American    550.00 available in White Holly or American Burl Walnut

Florentine        450.00 available in White Holly or American Burl Walnut

Style 6             300.00

Granada          200.00

Style 4             150.00

RB 3                115.00

Style 2               75.00

RB 1                  60.00

Faultless  521 case 13.50  (Flannel Lining)

Faultless 522 case   22.00 ( Silk Plush Lining)

1932 (Catalog U)

All American    550.00 available in White Holly or American Burl Walnut

Florentine        450.00 available in White Holly or American Burl Walnut

Style 6             300.00

Granada          200.00

Style 4             150.00

RB 3                115.00

Style 2               75.00

RB 1                  60.00

Style 11             60.00

Faultless 521 case 13.50

Faultless 522 case   22.00

1934 (Catalog W)

All American    550.00 

Florentine        450.00 

Style 6             300.00

Granada          200.00

Style 4             150.00

RB 3                115.00

Style 2               75.00

RB 1                  60.00

Style 11             60.00

Faultless 521 case 13.50

Faultless 522 case   22.00

1937 (Catalog X)

All American    550.00 

Florentine        450.00 

Style 6             300.00

Granada          200.00

Style 4             150.00

RB 3                100.00

Style 11             50.00

RB 1                  37.50

RB 00                27.50

Faultless 521 case 13.50

Faultless 522 case   22.00

Challenge 121 case  5.00 (side opening)

1937 (Catalog Y)

RB 18   200.00 with Gibson mute 225.00

RB 12  150.00 with Gibson mute 175.00

RB 7  110.00

RB 75  75.00

RB 11   55.00

RB 1    40.00

RB 00   30.00

Faultless 521 case 14.50

Faultless 522 case   24.00

Challenge 121 case  5.50 (side opening)

1938

RB 18   200.00 with Gibson mute 225.00

RB 12  150.00 with Gibson mute 175.00

RB 7  110.00

RB 75  75.00

RB 11   55.00

RB 1    40.00

RB 00   30.00

1940

TB 00 30.00

new style 7  110.00 with wrist mute 125.00

RB 75  75.00

RB 11   55.00

GB 1 60.00

Hard case silk lining (522)  24.00

Hard case felt lining (521) 14.50 

soft case (121)  5.50

(some pages missing)

January 1, 1942  (Catalog BB)

Electric Banjo   155.00
RB 18   210.00 with Gibson mute 225.00

RB 7     131.75

RB 75  89.25

RB 11   68.25

RB 00   36.75
CB 75   131.25

Faultless 521 case   21.00

Faultless 522 case   27.50

Challenge 121 case  7.50

1948 (No banjo's listed)

August 1 1949

No banjo's or mandolins listed

May 20, 1951

Electric Banjo 155.00

RB 150  175.00

RB 100   125.00

soft case 12.00  (120)

hard case 37.50  (511)

March 7 1952  P-13

RB 100  132.00

RB 150   182.00

121 Challenge Case 12.00

521 Faultess Flannel  37.50

A 40   82.00

A 50   97.50

EM150  160.00

101 Case   8.50

362. Case 29.50

F 12  290.00

F5 415.00

371 plush faultless  32.50

440 plush oblong  42.50

July 10 1954

RB 100  150.00

RB 150   200.00

RB 250   250.00

121 case  12.75

521 Flannel 37.50

522 Plush   42.50

November 1956

RB 250  330.00

RB 150   270.00

RB 100   198.00

soft case   15.00

hard case  55.00

photos of Joe Maphis and Earl Scruggs

July 15, 1957

RB 250  295.00

RB 150  245.00

RB 100  185.00

121 12.75

521  42.00

522  46.50

March 1958

RB 100   195.00

RB 150   260.00

RB 250   310.00

121 case 13.75

521    44.00

522    48.75

ZC-22 zipper cover   26.00

1959

RB 250   295.00

RB 150   245.00

RB 100   185.00

Flannel 42.00

Plush 46.50

cover 26.00

May 1960    (form G510)

RB 250  315.00

RB 100  200.00

scruggs tuners 50.00

hard case 40.50

soft case 13.50

3 ply maple rim in description

May 1961

RB 100 225.00

RB 250  345.00   two tuners 50.00

RB 170.00  179.50

523  42.00

121   15.00

zipper cover 30.00

Oct 15, 1962

RB 100  225.00

RB 250  345.00

RB 170  179.50

RB 175  179.50   LN

RB 180  295.00   LN

Soft case  14.50

Plush Case  42.00

Two tuners 50.00

Only found front and back cover for July 15, 1963

but on the back it says...New revised prices effective October 15, 1963

June 22, 1965

No information available

October 1, 1966 (Green)

RB 800      845.00

RB 500      550.00

RB 250      390.00

RB 100      265.00

RB 170      205.00

RB 175      205.00

RB 180      337.00

Soft Case 16.00

Hard Case 69.00

September 1, 1967

800--- 895.00 case included

500---635.00 

250---465.00

100---300.00

170---240.00

175---250.00

180---340.00

scase-- durabilt 15.00

hcase--faultness plush 55.00

set of two tuners attached 55.00

March 1 1970

All American 2600.00 (tenor 2500.00)

Florentine      2600.00

RB 800          1065.00 case included  Opt finishes no up charge

RB500             735.00    Opt finishes no up charge

RB 250            550.00     

RB 100             350.00

RB 170             285.00 

RB 175             290.00 Long neck

soft case            15.00

Hard Case 523  70.00

Nov 22, 1971

RB 100  450.00

RB 250  675.00

RB 800 1035.00

RB 170  330.00

RB 175  350.00

soft case  16.00

October 15, 1972

All American     2600.00

Florentine         2600.00

RB 800             1195.00     

RB 250               730.00

RB 100               485.00

RB 170               365.00

RB 175               385.00

soft case              15.00          

hard case 509      85.00

June 1 1973

pb 800 1230  RB's not shown in page I had access too

pb 250  740

pb 100   500

hcase  89.00

scase  19.00

170  380

175  400

January 1 1975

All American 3999.00

Florentine      3999.00

800 1499.00 

250  899.00

350  1079.00

100   599.00

hcase

optional finish 50.00 up charge cherry sunburst was standard

optional inlay  50.00 up charge wreath was standard

no prices Roy Clark on cover

May 15, 1978

All American  3999.00

Florentine      3999.00

RB 800          1579.00  optional finishes 95.00 optional inlay 95 cherry sunburst wreath standard

RB 250           999.00

RB 100           679.00

case 105.00

1980 copywrite

All American

Florentine

RB 800

RB 250

no prices listed

April 1 1981

All American  5649.00 B

Florentine      5649.00 B

RB 800          2199.00  CSB, SSB, AG, NAT, VB, SB.  No upcharge mentioned.

RB 250          1249.00

RB 100   not mentioned

623 case 125.00

60's Vega Prices 

April 1961 Brownish Orange Brochure

Ranger 169.00

Wonder 195.00

Professional 290.00

soft case 12.75

perfection case flannel lined 42.00

perfection case plush lined 48.00

(First bell flanges shown on Scruggs only in this brochure all others are shoe bracket)

"Earl Scruggs now uses a new type Vega Banjo. Design after Mr Scruggs on ideas of construction and tone. It is the perfect banjo for C&W musical performances with brilliant tone and distinctive stage appearance.  Different than any other banjo.

Features a new slim action neck. New bracket ring around rim and new resonator flanges. Flat head as always preferred by Scruggs.  Pearl position inlays, ebony fingerboard, 3 piece neck, resonator sunburst finish on back, burgundy pearl sides.  All metal parts polished nickel plated.  Plastic head is moisture proof and stays tight for tone."

SR5   345.00

ST same equipped with 2 Scruggs tuners   390.00

plush case 50.00

tuners extra 45.00

"Deluxe Model: A special gold stage presentation model with same basic construction but features a fancy white peg head engraved and colored.  White resonator elaborately engraved and colored on side and back. Engraved flanges and tension hoop.  All parts are heavily gold plated.  Special order basis  only."

SDL Scruggs Deluxe 2 tuners  880.00

case 50.00

Nov 1 1967(Red Brochure)

Ranger  248.00

Wonder 295.00

Pro II 460.00

Earl Scruggs Mark II 512.00  Gold 699.00

Scruggs Tuners 45  Scruggs Keith Tuners 80.00

Sonny Osborne 560.00

October 1 1969 (Blue Brochure)

Ranger  290.00

Wonder  345.00

New scroll peghead shown

Pro II  545.00

Pro II Custom Gold  745.00

Pro II Special Gold with engraved flanges and armrest

Keith Scruggs tuners installed 80.00

VIP  556.00

Custom Gold Plated 756.00

Special Gold and engraved Flanges and Arm Rest 812.00

Keith Tuners 80.00

Carved heel 99.00

Plush Case 68.00

Earl Scruggs Mark II    605.00 

Scruggs Soloist  735.00

Custom Gold Plating 200.00

Engraved Flanges and Tailpiece 56.00

Carved Heel 99.00

Custom Built (Special Order)

Sonny Osborne  720.00 Custom Built (Special Order)

Optional equipment

Scruggs Vega Tuners available 45.00 (Ranger and Wonder Models only)

Geared 5th peg 24.00

5th string sliding capo 7.25

September 4, 1970 (no prices, photo's only)

Wonder

Bobby Joe Fenster

VIP

Sonny Osborne (Special Order-made to order only)

(A part of the CF Martin Organization , address still listed as 155 Reservoir Street, Needham Heigths Ma)

Gibson Greg Rich Era Information

First Earl Scruggs Model with original style peghead, inlay and correct resonator color  #1143 April 20, 1988

First RB 3 June 28th 1988

First Flat Iron (FA Kulish ring used) RB 250  June 27, 2988

Use of first Sullivan Ring due to Kulish porosity problem.  88-1  Dec 20, 1988 (RB 250)

First Wreath and Reno inlay pattern on style 3.  Oct 6, 1988 for Bill Sullivan

First Wreath and Reno inlay offered as custom inlays $140.00 up charge Jan 1989 debut at NAMM

First style 3 without pumpkin colored finish.Feb 89

First RB 4 4-9002-1 February 22 1990  tr k1009 (7 prototypes Perkins/Sullivan)

First RB 4 regular line 4-9003-1 March 12, 1990  

First RB 1  1-9110-1 October 5, 1990

First Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe 9109-001 September 16,1991 Owensboro Show tr#2367

First Earl Scruggs 49 Classic September 23, 1991

Earl Scruggs Model 1985 January 17 1992 last signed label. 

Blue Grass Boy Belt Buckles

 I got the idea of the Blue Grass Boy Belt Buckle from Mr. Grant Turner one day when he told me that Ernest Tubb had some belt buckles made for band members and when they had spent a certain number of months or traveled a certain number of miles they were given a buckle, Mr. Grant said that Ernest called it the Fraternity of Troubadours. So I set about doing the planning... I had visited a belt buckle convention in Dallas one year and saw the exquisite work of Award Design Metals from Nobel Ok. I got the particulars and saw it was going to be expensive... I came up with the following plan. There were 6 "sets"of a Solid Silver a Gold Silver Plated, and a Solid Brass Buckle each of these were numbered in sequence 3 #1, 3 #2, and so on as I had planned to give a set to each of the companies that I had approached for monetary help with the project. I had contacted MCA Records, The Grand Ole Opry, Blue Grass Unlimited, Pickin Magazine, Gibson Guitars and Martins Guitars. Emory Gordy Jr called and told me that MCA had a policy that they didn't put out any money on an artist unless it was directly related to a release... Roger Siminoff from Pickin Magazine called and said that they would put in the money but they wanted control of the presentation, they had done a couple of things on Nashville Now by that point and I said thank you, but no thank you. I had been doing these Birthday Celebrations since 82 and I saw no need from anyone from the outside to try and take over. Mike Longworth called from Martin and said that he personally would love to help but Chris Martin would never put any money into a project that had a Gibson Mandolin on the front of it...again I said thanks. Charlie Deerngton at Gibson was angry with me due to the things I had told him about his New Gibson Granada prototype and he never passed the information on to Henry. Bud Wendell called from the Opry and said where do I send a check as did Pete Kuykendall of Blue Grass Unlimited...I had asked for $1500.00 from each and here I had $3000.00 of a project that was going to cost much more... I was determined to make sure the project went forward so I sold an original Style 7, 5 string top tension banjo to cover the remaining cost. (Not many people know this) but I was determined to see the project happen. 

I think I did #7 for Grant Turner(Long time Opry announcer), the guy who gave me the initial buckle idea, The next numbers were the Blue Grass Boys, Tater Tate #8, Blake Williams #9, Tom Ewing # 10,,,I didn't know Mike Feagan has started playing fiddle so I had Billy Joe Foster's as #11, Then I had buckle #12 engraved for Ralph Emery and gave it to Bill so he could make Ralph an honorary Blue Grass Boy, the TV show was running late and we didn't get to do this on the air, but I got with Bill after the show and he presented it to Ralph. I got Mike #119 a couple of weeks later... 

Beginning with buckle #25 I took the donations and birthday wishes in the order that they arrived and engraved them accordingly. Emory Gordy Jr. was 25. Sonny Osborne 26, Del McCoury 27 and so on. The last response I received before the presentation was by Rual Yarbough and he received buckle # 107. After that I found many additional Blue Grass Boys so buckles were given to them but in no particular order from that point on.

Frank Buchanan started a story that the numbers had meaning of the number of Blue Grass Boy they were, but it wasn't based on fact, he kept saying that he was Blue Grass Boy # 37, but his birthday wish and donation for Bill's gift was the 12th that I received. I had sent the first week in July to all the former band members that I had addresses for, telling about the project and asking for birthday wishes and donations if they could make one, the numbers were assigned by the order of their response.

Ongoing Price list of Gibson Banjos and 60's Vega.....

1926 (Blue Cover) no prices listed
Style 5
Granada
Style 4
Style 3
Style 2
Style 1
Style 0



1927 (Yellow Cover) no prices listed
Florentine
Bella Voce
Style 5
Style 4
Style 3
Style 2
Style 1



June 1, 1931
All American    550.00 available in White Holly or American Burl Walnut
Florentine        450.00 available in White Holly or American Burl Walnut
Style 6             300.00
Granada          200.00
Style 4             150.00
RB 3                115.00
Style 2               75.00
RB 1                  60.00


Faultless  521 case 13.50  (Flannel Lining)

Faultless 522 case   22.00 ( Silk Plush Lining)

1932 (Catalog U)
All American    550.00 available in White Holly or American Burl Walnut
Florentine        450.00 available in White Holly or American Burl Walnut
Style 6             300.00
Granada          200.00
Style 4             150.00
RB 3                115.00
Style 2               75.00
RB 1                  60.00
Style 11             60.00


Faultless 521 case 13.50
Faultless 522 case   22.00

1934 (Catalog W)
All American    550.00 
Florentine        450.00 
Style 6             300.00
Granada          200.00
Style 4             150.00
RB 3                115.00
Style 2               75.00
RB 1                  60.00
Style 11             60.00


Faultless 521 case 13.50
Faultless 522 case   22.00

1937 (Catalog X)

All American    550.00 
Florentine        450.00 
Style 6             300.00
Granada          200.00
Style 4             150.00
RB 3                100.00
Style 11             50.00
RB 1                  37.50
RB 00                27.50


Faultless 521 case 13.50
Faultless 522 case   22.00
Challenge 121 case  5.00 (side opening)


1937 (Catalog Y)

RB 18   200.00 with Gibson mute 225.00

RB 12  150.00 with Gibson mute 175.00

RB 7  110.00

RB 75  75.00

RB 11   55.00

RB 1    40.00

RB 00   30.00

Faultless 521 case 14.50

Faultless 522 case   24.00

Challenge 121 case  5.50 (side opening)

1938

RB 18   200.00 with Gibson mute 225.00

RB 12  150.00 with Gibson mute 175.00

RB 7  110.00

RB 75  75.00

RB 11   55.00

RB 1    40.00

RB 00   30.00

1940

TB 00 30.00

new style 7  110.00 with wrist mute 125.00

RB 75  75.00

RB 11   55.00

GB 1 60.00

Hard case silk lining (522)  24.00

Hard case felt lining (521) 14.50 

soft case (121)  5.50

(some pages missing)

January 1, 1942  (Catalog BB)

Electric Banjo   155.00
RB 18   210.00 with Gibson mute 225.00

RB 7     131.75

RB 75  89.25

RB 11   68.25

RB 00   36.75
CB 75   131.25

Faultless 521 case   21.00

Faultless 522 case   27.50

Challenge 121 case  7.50

1948 (No banjo's listed)

August 1 1949

No banjo's or mandolins listed

May 20, 1951

Electric Banjo 155.00

RB 150  175.00

RB 100   125.00

soft case 12.00  (120)

hard case 37.50  (511)

March 7 1952  P-13

RB 100  132.00

RB 150   182.00

121 Challenge Case 12.00

521 Faultess Flannel  37.50

A 40   82.00

A 50   97.50

EM150  160.00

101 Case   8.50

362. Case 29.50

F 12  290.00

F5 415.00

371 plush faultless  32.50

440 plush oblong  42.50

July 10 1954

RB 100  150.00

RB 150   200.00

RB 250   250.00

121 case  12.75

521 Flannel 37.50

522 Plush   42.50

November 1956

RB 250  330.00

RB 150   270.00

RB 100   198.00

soft case   15.00

hard case  55.00

photos of Joe Maphis and Earl Scruggs

July 15, 1957

RB 250  295.00

RB 150  245.00

RB 100  185.00

121 12.75

521  42.00

522  46.50

March 1958

RB 100   195.00

RB 150   260.00

RB 250   310.00

121 case 13.75

521    44.00

522    48.75

ZC-22 zipper cover   26.00

1959

RB 250   295.00

RB 150   245.00

RB 100   185.00

Flannel 42.00

Plush 46.50

cover 26.00

May 1960    (form G510)

RB 250  315.00

RB 100  200.00

scruggs tuners 50.00

hard case 40.50

soft case 13.50

3 ply maple rim in description

May 1961

RB 100 225.00

RB 250  345.00   two tuners 50.00

RB 170.00  179.50

523  42.00

121   15.00

zipper cover 30.00

Oct 15, 1962

RB 100  225.00

RB 250  345.00

RB 170  179.50

RB 175  179.50   LN

RB 180  295.00   LN

Soft case  14.50

Plush Case  42.00

Two tuners 50.00

Only found front and back cover for July 15, 1963

but on the back it says...New revised prices effective October 15, 1963

June 22, 1965

No information available

October 1, 1966 (Green)

RB 800      845.00

RB 500      550.00

RB 250      390.00

RB 100      265.00

RB 170      205.00

RB 175      205.00

RB 180      337.00

Soft Case 16.00

Hard Case 69.00

September 1, 1967

800--- 895.00 case included

500---635.00 

250---465.00

100---300.00

170---240.00

175---250.00

180---340.00

scase-- durabilt 15.00

hcase--faultness plush 55.00

set of two tuners attached 55.00

March 1 1970

All American 2600.00 (tenor 2500.00)

Florentine      2600.00

RB 800          1065.00 case included  Opt finishes no up charge

RB500             735.00    Opt finishes no up charge

RB 250            550.00     

RB 100             350.00

RB 170             285.00 

RB 175             290.00 Long neck

soft case            15.00

Hard Case 523  70.00

Nov 22, 1971

RB 100  450.00

RB 250  675.00

RB 800 1035.00

RB 170  330.00

RB 175  350.00

soft case  16.00

October 15, 1972

All American     2600.00

Florentine         2600.00

RB 800             1195.00     

RB 250               730.00

RB 100               485.00

RB 170               365.00

RB 175               385.00

soft case              15.00          

hard case 509      85.00

June 1 1973

pb 800 1230  RB's not shown in page I had access too

pb 250  740

pb 100   500

hcase  89.00

scase  19.00

170  380

175  400

May 1, 1974
All American  3005.00

Florentine      3005.00

RB 800          1375.00 case included

Optional Finishes and inlay patterns at no additional cost

RB 250            855.00  case 98.00

RB 100            565.00  case 98.00

January 1 1975

All American 3999.00

Florentine      3999.00

800 1499.00 

250  899.00

350  1079.00

100   599.00

hcase

optional finish 50.00 up charge cherry sunburst was standard

optional inlay  50.00 up charge wreath was standard

no prices Roy Clark on cover

May 15, 1978

All American  3999.00

Florentine      3999.00

RB 800          1579.00  optional finishes 95.00 optional inlay 95 cherry sunburst wreath standard

RB 250           999.00

RB 100           679.00

case 105.00

August 1, 1979

All American   4299.00 Case and case cover included

Florentine     4299.00 Case and case cover included.

800        1679.00   Wreath Pattern, Cherry Sunburst

Optional finishes 95.00

ASB Antique Sunburst, NAT Natural, AG Argentine Grey, VB Viceroy Brown,  SB sunburst

Optional  inlays 95.00

Hearts and Flowers or Flying Eagle

case included

250      1069.00

100     729.00  

Hard Case 105.00 

Case Cover 75.00

1980 copywrite

All American

Florentine

RB 800

RB 250

no prices listed

April 1 1981

All American  5649.00 B

Florentine      5649.00 B

RB 800          2199.00  CSB, SSB, AG, NAT, VB, SB.  No upcharge mentioned.

RB 250          1249.00

RB 100   not mentioned

623 case 125.00

60's Vega Prices 

April 1961 Brownish Orange Brochure

Ranger 169.00

Wonder 195.00

Professional 290.00

soft case 12.75

perfection case flannel lined 42.00

perfection case plush lined 48.00

(First bell flanges shown on Scruggs only in this brochure all others are shoe bracket)

"Earl Scruggs now uses a new type Vega Banjo. Design after Mr Scruggs on ideas of construction and tone. It is the perfect banjo for C&W musical performances with brilliant tone and distinctive stage appearance.  Different than any other banjo.

Features a new slim action neck. New bracket ring around rim and new resonator flanges. Flat head as always preferred by Scruggs.  Pearl position inlays, ebony fingerboard, 3 piece neck, resonator sunburst finish on back, burgundy pearl sides.  All metal parts polished nickel plated.  Plastic head is moisture proof and stays tight for tone."

SR5   345.00

ST same equipped with 2 Scruggs tuners   390.00

plush case 50.00

tuners extra 45.00

"Deluxe Model: A special gold stage presentation model with same basic construction but features a fancy white peg head engraved and colored.  White resonator elaborately engraved and colored on side and back. Engraved flanges and tension hoop.  All parts are heavily gold plated.  Special order basis  only."

SDL Scruggs Deluxe 2 tuners  880.00

case 50.00

Nov 1 1967(Red Brochure)

Ranger  248.00

Wonder 295.00

Pro II 460.00

Earl Scruggs Mark II 512.00  Gold 699.00

Scruggs Tuners 45  Scruggs Keith Tuners 80.00

Sonny Osborne 560.00

Sept 1968  Red Brochure
Ranger  272.00
Wonder  325.00
Pro II       510.00
Pro II Custom Gold 710.00
VIP     520.00
Earl Scruggs Mark II  568.00
Earl Scruggs Soloist   655.00

Special Gold plating 200
Engraved Flanges and Arm Rest 56.00

Keith Tuners 80.00

Carved heel 99.00

Plush Case 62.50

Sonny Osborne Model 670.00

October 1 1969 (Blue Brochure)

Ranger  290.00

Wonder  345.00

New scroll peghead shown

Pro II  545.00

Pro II Custom Gold  745.00

Pro II Special Gold with engraved flanges and armrest

Keith Scruggs tuners installed 80.00

VIP  556.00

Custom Gold Plated 756.00

Special Gold and engraved Flanges and Arm Rest 812.00

Keith Tuners 80.00

Carved heel 99.00

Plush Case 68.00

Earl Scruggs Mark II    605.00 

Scruggs Soloist  735.00

Custom Gold Plating 200.00

Engraved Flanges and Tailpiece 56.00

Carved Heel 99.00

Custom Built (Special Order)

Sonny Osborne  720.00 Custom Built (Special Order)

Optional equipment

Scruggs Vega Tuners available 45.00 (Ranger and Wonder Models only)

Geared 5th peg 24.00

5th string sliding capo 7.25

September 4, 1970 (no prices, photo's only)

Wonder

Bobby Joe Fenster

VIP

Sonny Osborne (Special Order-made to order only)

(A part of the CF Martin Organization , address still listed as 155 Reservoir Street, Needham Heigths Ma)

Gibson Greg Rich Era Information

First Earl Scruggs Model with original style peghead, inlay and correct resonator color  #1143 April 20, 1988

First RB 3 June 28th 1988

First Flat Iron (FA Kulish ring used) RB 250  June 27, 2988

Use of first Sullivan Ring due to Kulish porosity problem.  88-1  Dec 20, 1988 (RB 250)

First Wreath and Reno inlay pattern on style 3.  Oct 6, 1988 for Bill Sullivan

First Wreath and Reno inlay offered as custom inlays $140.00 up charge Jan 1989 debut at NAMM

First style 3 without pumpkin colored finish.Feb 89

First RB 4 4-9002-1 February 22 1990  tr k1009 (7 prototypes Perkins/Sullivan)

First RB 4 regular line 4-9003-1 March 12, 1990  

First RB 1  1-9110-1 October 5, 1990

First Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe 9109-001 September 16,1991 Owensboro Show tr#2367

First Earl Scruggs 49 Classic September 23, 1991

Earl Scruggs Model 1985 January 17 1992 last signed label.