Gibson Limited Edition Vintage Granada “Hearts and Flowers” Banjo: Sigh. . .
Hey! We just though we'd share with you the new Gibson Original banjo model! Take a gander at the new Gibson Limited Edition Vintage Granada “Hearts and Flowers” banjo, of which only twenty will be made! No, you won't be able to afford one, what do you think this is, the Great Depression, when the original Gibson Granada banjo models were popular and affordable? It isn't! For the last time, we are not in a depression!
Man, you know what would have been a great idea? If Gibson were to actually pay attention to the current economic slump and introduce a new, affordable banjo that today's generation of down-on-their-luck musicians could champion. Instead we get this, another Limited Edition instrument that a limited number of recession-proof individual collectors will "enjoy." Oh, but don't worry. Gibson published a few high-resolution pictures of this thing on their website so you can slather over it like you would Miss March.
If words are more your cup-of-fetish, try this verbiage on for size:
"Working from the original Gibson Granada specs the Vintage Granada “Hearts and Flowers” features a classic Gibson flathead pot assembly and tone, with a traditional “Hearts and Flowers” inlay pattern. With all the beauty and aesthetics of the standard Granada Hearts and Flowers, the “Vintage” Granada also offers copper-flashed hardware and an RB-75 tone ring for an extremely warm yet focused tone."
Whereas the first banjos were made and played by West African slaves brought to America against their will, the new Gibson Limited Edition Vintage Granada “Hearts and Flowers” has an MSPR of $6,665.
ya think?
In the 30's- that's the Great Depression- a new Granada cost more than a Chevrolet. In today's prices, you could buy 4 Granadas for the price of a Chevy Malibu. Buying a Gibson was just as hard a choice back then as it is now, if money is the biggest consideration of the deal.
They bought them then, and buy 'em now, because the Gibson banjo defines the sound of bluegrass, are extremely durable, have great action, and are a known value. The gibson didn't become the most copied banjo brand in the world for nothing.
There are other Gibsons that are more affordable. If you can't afford a Granada, get an RB250- same tone, same playability, and the same Gibson name on the peghead. The 250 has been the biggest seller for Gibson for over 30 years.
If you can't afford a Gibson, quit whining and get something else. There are a ton of excellent banjos out there now- more than ever before in the 47 years I've been playing. Gibsons have never been cheap. Either pony up or stand outside and drool all over the widow.
Hey Michael
Where are you getting your 1930's pricing information? The average price of a car in 1930 was over $600. If a Grenada was that much, I'll be thoroughly surprised.
Pony up your references and I'll consider myself schooled (though I'll still bitch about being poor).
Guess what, you're wrong (probably)
According to 20 mins of research. . .
In the 1932 Gibson catalog, a Tenor Grenada is listed at $200. The average price of a car the same year is three times that. While I didn't find a Chevrolet price for 1932, you also didn't specify a specific model of Chevy. At any rate, I think it's safe to assume that a Chevy didn; cost less than 1/3rd the average price of a car that year. I deem you incorrect.
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