The Gibson UB-4 and UB-5
First of all, until recently, the two models were both considered to be simply UB-4, in nickel and gold plating.
In the 1930s the Gibson catalogs began to list the UB-5 as a separate instrument that had gold plating on the metal parts. I posted a pamphlet that lists the models very clearly on March 22,2011.
Both models are identical except for the plating. They are adorned with m.o.p. inlays at frets 3,5,7,10,12,15 and no two inlays are the same design on the various frets. In addition to these inlays the logo "the gibson" is inlayed and below it there is a floral inlay similar to the Fleur de lis. The UB4/5 has a deep reddish rosewood fret board. They share the diamond cut out metal flange with the ub2/ub3 deluxe models. The scale of the UB4/5 is the longest of the Gibson line and measures 7 1/2" to the 12th fret giving it a 15" scale. I don't know if the Ub4 was ever produced with the block laminated rim but the two examples I have seen are both strip laminated. Of those two one has mahogany on the sides of the resonator and the other is clearly dark walnut. The back of both resonators are higly figured walnut that almost looks like burl wood in cut.
The necks are darkly stained maple to match the rest of the instrument.
The UB4/5 was equipped with a Grover Presto Ideal tail piece that has a hinged top that opens to expose the string grooves. The two models I have seen have Ivoroid buttons on the Grover spring loaded friction tuners unlike the rest of the Gibson line. (I don't know if the later gibson banjo ukes had these). There is binding on the sides of the fret board that is white/black/white layered in 1/4 round. The resonator also has this white/black/white binding around it's lower edge. Last but certainly not least is the fact that the ub4/5 ukes were equipped with a 1/4" solid brass tone ring that was seated on the outer edge of the flat topped (truly flat) rim.
The UB4 has a larger more open "banjo like" tone that is like any tone, difficult to describe in words. They are heavier than any other Gibson because of the longer neck and flanged resonator. Fairly similar in weight to the Ludwig models. It could probably be said that this model, in comparison to rest of the Gibson line is quite showy in appearance but nowhere nearly as extravagant as the banjos of other makers that had almost endless inlays,metal engraving and complicated peg head designs during these same years of production.
The UB-4/5 is still quite understated and gives the appearance of a serious performers instrument. It has a uniqueness that the entire Gibson line possesses in terms of sonority. This model was stamped with a serial number that also indicates the year of manufacture.
As far as rarity goes, I have seen two available at auction during the last year and few others in shops. Of these, two were gold, and two were nickel plated.
I would consider the UB-4/5 to be a fairly rare find especially of the Gibson line. They are handsome instruments by any standard.
First of all, until recently, the two models were both considered to be simply UB-4, in nickel and gold plating.
In the 1930s the Gibson catalogs began to list the UB-5 as a separate instrument that had gold plating on the metal parts. I posted a pamphlet that lists the models very clearly on March 22,2011.
Both models are identical except for the plating. They are adorned with m.o.p. inlays at frets 3,5,7,10,12,15 and no two inlays are the same design on the various frets. In addition to these inlays the logo "the gibson" is inlayed and below it there is a floral inlay similar to the Fleur de lis. The UB4/5 has a deep reddish rosewood fret board. They share the diamond cut out metal flange with the ub2/ub3 deluxe models. The scale of the UB4/5 is the longest of the Gibson line and measures 7 1/2" to the 12th fret giving it a 15" scale. I don't know if the Ub4 was ever produced with the block laminated rim but the two examples I have seen are both strip laminated. Of those two one has mahogany on the sides of the resonator and the other is clearly dark walnut. The back of both resonators are higly figured walnut that almost looks like burl wood in cut.
The necks are darkly stained maple to match the rest of the instrument.
The UB4/5 was equipped with a Grover Presto Ideal tail piece that has a hinged top that opens to expose the string grooves. The two models I have seen have Ivoroid buttons on the Grover spring loaded friction tuners unlike the rest of the Gibson line. (I don't know if the later gibson banjo ukes had these). There is binding on the sides of the fret board that is white/black/white layered in 1/4 round. The resonator also has this white/black/white binding around it's lower edge. Last but certainly not least is the fact that the ub4/5 ukes were equipped with a 1/4" solid brass tone ring that was seated on the outer edge of the flat topped (truly flat) rim.
The UB4 has a larger more open "banjo like" tone that is like any tone, difficult to describe in words. They are heavier than any other Gibson because of the longer neck and flanged resonator. Fairly similar in weight to the Ludwig models. It could probably be said that this model, in comparison to rest of the Gibson line is quite showy in appearance but nowhere nearly as extravagant as the banjos of other makers that had almost endless inlays,metal engraving and complicated peg head designs during these same years of production.
As far as rarity goes, I have seen two available at auction during the last year and few others in shops. Of these, two were gold, and two were nickel plated.
I would consider the UB-4/5 to be a fairly rare find especially of the Gibson line. They are handsome instruments by any standard.
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