Early 1970s, but in remarkably original condition. And this instrument is from the first, early production– so it has the maple 3-ply rim. This should not be compared to later production Whyte Eagles– this is a very rare early one with unique features, and great tone.

This banjo design is based on:
• neck/head/inlays: based on the high end Fairbanks Whyte Ladye of the early 20th century– one of the most beautiful designs in banjo history
• the pot assembly is modeled closely on the Gibson TB3, archtop of the 1930's. In fact it's a remarkable recreation of that design (and sound) – a more faithful recreation that many Gibson post-war versions.

The banjo is heavier than a Gibson of the period, which implies to me a bronze tone ring. The owner has not had it apart since 1976 (!). I bought a '74 RB250 new and the bronze ring in it was light, at 2 lb. If there was typical die cast pot metal ring in the Sho-Bud, that ring (and the banjo) would be even lighter, typically at 1 lb.

Bluegrass banjo players seek out the 70’s Alvarez Whyte Eagles, known for their tone and craftsmanship. It was a pretty short window of only about five years, when these banjos were made with this kind of craftsmanship. They blow away most any banjo made and marketed (from any country) in the 60s, 70s and 80s– and they show no logos on headstock– just beautiful mother of pearl. It’s the No. 4310 “Whyte Eagle”. Based on late 1920’s Vega Griffin (Tubaphone #9) style inlays, with engraved, carved heel. Sunburst finish maple banjo, Gibson-style 2 piece flange, full height 20 hole archtop tone ring, dual coordinator rods, flamed maple resonator, maple neck, chrome finish. Neck is butterfly with ebony strip on back of neck, down the center.

• The Alvarez B1 5-String Banjo is a masterpiece: stunningly beautiful, and equally impressive for its sonic capabilities. From its ornately inlaid headstock and ebony fingerboard, to its bell brass tone ring, the B1 Banjo is the very definition of quality.
• A seven-digit serial number beginning with six, for example, indicates 1996; a seven-digit number beginning with seven denotes 1997; an eight-digit number beginning with 98 denotes 1998, etc. A “KC” prefix was introduced on Korean-made instruments in 1997, designating instrument made in.

It’s extremely rare to find a Whyte Eagle from this very early period (serial number 1672), when they first came out and the company bent over backwards to produce an instrument with zero compromise, from the inlays to the maple rim. The early features that are not on the later 70's Whyte Eagles, are– in addition to the 3-ply maple rim (not the 10-ply rim of almost all other Whyte Eagles)– the smaller star on the front of headstock (later models had a larger star), no “Alvarez” logo just the eagle inlay, and a darker sunburst on the resonator and also on the back of the neck.

Flamed maple resonator (sunburst back, with a touch of milkiness to the original finish)

Maple butterfly neck

Hand-carved heel

Mother of pearl inlays

Original tuners

Grover bridge

1 3/16 nut

Scale: 26 ¼ inches

20 hole archtop tone ring

11 inch head

With original hard shell case. Price $1850.

ARCHIVED TOPIC: Help identify my Alvarez banjo please

Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/359946

soaf - Posted - 12/30/2019: 11:55:10

I have an Alvarez banjo and was wondering the year it was manufactured, as well as the model name/number. The serial number is 237144. I am also wondering what the value is. Thank you.

Blue20Boy17 - Posted - 12/30/2019: 12:10:56

Looks similar to my Alvarez Bluegrass Special. Can you provide more photos?

soaf - Posted - 12/30/2019: 12:32:17

...more pics.

soaf - Posted - 12/30/2019: 12:33:47

And three more...

Texican65 - Posted - 12/30/2019: 18:20:27

Definately does not look like the early 70’s Japanese Alvarez masterclone that I have. I’m betting this is a later Chinese instrument. The better Japanese ones are good beginners banjos at best, $300-$400 in great shape. I wouldn’t imagine the Chinese versions being any better or brining more $$$.

mikehalloran - Posted - 12/31/2019: 13:15:47

Probably Chinese — late 1990s or newer.
What's under the head? If a rolled brass hoop, it's sold by many other companies in the $399 — $549 range new with many different inlay patterns; worth half that used (if you can get it). The Recording King variant is the Songster RK-R20 — it looks fancier because of the MOTS overlays but is the same under the hood (head in this case).

RK-R20 Songster
These can be set up to deliver a nice, crisp sound. Not a powerful instrument but certainly good enough to learn on and be a great backup banjo while you are looking for your personal Holy Grail.

soaf - Posted - 12/31/2019: 14:02:44

According to the serial number, it was made in 1990. Were they manufacturing in China that early?

mikehalloran - Posted - 12/31/2019: 15:59:09

quote:
Originally posted by soaf

According to the serial number, it was made in 1990.

Says who? Serial numbers on Korean made banjos are generally worthless as they are with many lines of Chinese made instruments.

Were they manufacturing in China that early?

That would likely be Korea. Without the banjo in hand, difficult to tell. The finish is the usual giveaway. The chrome plated Waverly Old Style is not something I'm used to seeing on Korean versions of this banjo — all the Chinese variants appear to have it.

Alvarez Banjo Review

Tuners are wrong for an inexpensive banjo from Japan.

Edited by - mikehalloran on 12/31/2019 16:01:22

Alvarez 4 String Banjo

desert rose - Posted - 01/01/2020: 04:39:09

Ill second Mikes comment, says WHO, there is no sequential order or data base to Alvarez banjos. Serial numbers wee for inventory control and not to be used for dating. This banjos is POST Japan, potentially Korea, likely China and MUCH newer than 1990
Scott

soaf - Posted - 01/01/2020: 08:28:11

Alvarez Banjo Models

This is where I found the info...
ourpastimes.com/how-to-identif...5107.html
Identify the first one or two numbers in the serial number. These numbers correspond to year the banjo was made. In the years between 1970 and 2000, these initial numbers referred to the emperor of Japan at the time. From 1970 to 1988, the years of Showa and Alvarez began this sequence with 45 and ended it with 63. For example, if the first two numbers read '45,' your banjo was produced in 1970; if it is '46,' the banjo was made in 1971, and so on. 1989 saw the beginning of the Heisa era, which ended in 2000. Alvarez began this series of serial numbers with 1 and ended with 12. If the first number of your serial number is '1,' your banjo was produced in 1989. If it is '2,' your banjo was produced in 1990, and so on. In 2001, Alvarez discontinued their use of the Emperor date code and simply began assigning two digits which corresponded to the year of production. For example, '01' means the banjo was made in 2001.
Identify the final two numbers in the serial number. These numbers indicate the month of production and are between 01 and 12. They are in sequential order with 01 corresponding to January, 02 corresponding to February, and on through December with 12.
Tip:
There is no standard location for the placement of the serial number, but it will always be one of the most prominently displayed pieces on the back of the banjo.
To prevent the serial number from fading, keep your banjo in a dry and moderately cool room.

desert rose - Posted - 01/01/2020: 18:16:49

Alvarez Banjos History

Unfounded internet folly, sorry, its not true
Do not believe everything you find on the www. Ive been here over thirty years. This banjo proves tht number search isnt true
Scott