Monroe bought his mandolin in 1943 in a barbershop in Florida, not a pawn shop. As for what he paid, the most common amount reported is $150, although George Gruhn has claimed it was $125. I don't know of any record of the instrument being appraised for more than a million dollars. It is currently in the Country Music Hall of Fame, not the Smithsonian.
From what I've come across reading bluegrass history is that Lloyd Loar was a musical virtuoso who tested Gibson instruments for tonal quality during the early 1920's, and he signed the ones that met his standards. I don't think he actually built instruments.
The only 'million dollar' figure surrounding #73987 was that the Jerusalem Ridge group wanted to buy it and place it out at Bill's renovated homeplace and I believe James was asking $1.25M for the mandolin. Needless to say, it never went to Rosine again. And I don't believe I ever said Bill bought it at a pawnshop; everyone who knows knows it was found in a barber shop window, while Bill was wandering around after lunch!!!!
Bluegrass Mandolin picker here, In response to Rellyevans comment, the Famous "JULY" Mandolin of 1923 was bought by Monroe from a pawn shop in the amount of $50.00. It was built by Master Luthier that worked at the GIBSON factory at that time by the name of Lloyd Loar. After Monroes death in 1996 it was appraised at well over $1,000,000!!! It now resides in the Smithsonian Institute Under HEAVY Gaurded Lock and Key.
One of my alltime favorite Monroe tunes.
Thanks
Beautiful piece.
THANK YOU, VERY MUCH! TRULY THE BEST!
Mr. Bill Monroe, thank you.
beautiful!
Monroe bought his mandolin in 1943 in a barbershop in Florida, not a pawn shop. As for what he paid, the most common amount reported is $150, although George Gruhn has claimed it was $125. I don't know of any record of the instrument being appraised for more than a million dollars. It is currently in the Country Music Hall of Fame, not the Smithsonian.
first man to ever get down!!
From what I've come across reading bluegrass history is that Lloyd Loar was a musical virtuoso who tested Gibson instruments for tonal quality during the early 1920's, and he signed the ones that met his standards. I don't think he actually built instruments.
Nice tune...the banjoguy plays a mean clawhammer "stomp"
your righ true blue grass is the best
The only 'million dollar' figure surrounding #73987 was that the Jerusalem Ridge group wanted to buy it and place it out at Bill's renovated homeplace and I believe James was asking $1.25M for the mandolin. Needless to say, it never went to Rosine again. And I don't believe I ever said Bill bought it at a pawnshop; everyone who knows knows it was found in a barber shop window, while Bill was wandering around after lunch!!!!
This tale you tell is full of holes.
Tater Tate was best!!!
@Stormclouds777 Yep, Kenny was among the best, but this was Tater Tate on fiddle.
Bluegrass Mandolin picker here, In response to Rellyevans comment, the Famous "JULY" Mandolin of 1923 was bought by Monroe from a pawn shop in the amount of $50.00. It was built by Master Luthier that worked at the GIBSON factory at that time by the name of Lloyd Loar. After Monroes death in 1996 it was appraised at well over $1,000,000!!! It now resides in the Smithsonian Institute Under HEAVY Gaurded Lock and Key.