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Helix - Posted - 01/06/2010: 07:16:54
Hi, I saw your post about Melrose, thanks for your interest here as well.
I have built both bluegrass and openback leftys. The Cherry Blossom shown in the website photos is a lefty, and we dug that he let there be clear lacquer, no stain to show that Cherry grain.
I converted a Gold Tone Orange Blossom 250 lefty from 13 pounds to a 9 pound Oak Helix with a Helix tone ring.
I am very lucky that lots of people make the Helix their only banjo, I have no 4-string customers so far, but clawhammer to bluegrass, clawgrass, bluehammer, have fun, make it up as you go.
1/3 play Cherry 3" deep +or-
1/2 play old-time, clawhammer.
1/2 play bluegrass, resonator optional
the other half plays uppicking, frailing, clawhammer and bluegrass sometimes in the same song. That's 3 halves, right?
I prefer rim rods, but dowelsticks of Jatoba are just the thing.
xnavyguy - Posted - 01/06/2010: 09:15:36
quote:
Originally posted by Helix
1/3 play Cherry 3" deep +or-
1/2 play old-time, clawhammer.
1/2 play bluegrass, resonator optional
the other half plays uppicking, frailing, clawhammer and bluegrass sometimes in the same song. That's 3 halves, right?
Larry, I think that's 3 halves plus a third. I think you've been sniffing too much sawdust again. How many times to I have to tell you that you've just got to wear your respirator? 
banjo_bro83 - Posted - 01/06/2010: 12:39:37
I guess its a good thing that you're building banjos and not rockets 
10gauge - Posted - 01/06/2010: 13:07:05
He must have the spirit of a sports coach, since those guys are always asking for 150%.
Stringbean45 - Posted - 01/06/2010: 21:36:22
Hi all,
Just found this Discussion, and was glad to see my name in it. Thanks Rick for the good words about the Spillway Dam Bridge, and Jerry for refering you to me.
I think I know how Larry feels, when people get one of his banjos, and really like it, I get the same feeling when I make a bridge for someone, and they really like it. I don't know who is happier, them or me. And Rick, your banjo does sound great.
Don
swirlypillow - Posted - 01/07/2010: 07:42:01
Is it me, or does Larry speak in riddles? 
xnavyguy - Posted - 01/07/2010: 08:40:09
Larry speaks, and writes, in a continuous stream of excited consciousness. What ever is on his mind, at any particular time, is what he says or writes. He holds nothing back and is absolutely totally honest about all things.
rvrose - Posted - 01/07/2010: 08:49:42
quote:
Originally posted by xnavyguy
Larry speaks, and writes, in a continuous stream of excited consciousness. What ever is on his mind, at any particular time, is what he says or writes. He holds nothing back and is absolutely totally honest about all things.
Well said. I agree. Larry is a totally nice guy. He might not win a Pulitzer, but he builds a great performing rim. Rick
swirlypillow - Posted - 01/07/2010: 11:01:06
Anyone got any good pics of their Helix banjo? I've stared at the ones on the Helix website long enough. 
rvrose - Posted - 01/07/2010: 12:01:53
quote:
Originally posted by swirlypillow
Anyone got any good pics of their Helix banjo? I've stared at the ones on the Helix website long enough.
The open back long neck is the Helix: 
xnavyguy - Posted - 01/07/2010: 12:11:18
This is my Japanese Aria standard scale length neck on a modified Helix (tm) Douglas Fir pot, held together with Aria hardware and backed by a Korean bottlecap resonator with MOP eagle inlay and strung with AMB Cryogenic light gauge strings. A truly international banjo:
1four5 - Posted - 01/07/2010: 12:33:26
This is the sunbeam that's pictured on the Helix site during bulild up:
banjo_bro83 - Posted - 01/07/2010: 14:22:58
What is it exactly the differentiates the helix from others?
I've heard it is much louder than other openbacks, but what else makes it stand out?
rvrose - Posted - 01/07/2010: 16:10:20
The three big things for me is the light weight, the volume and tone. Of course the price would be the forth. The Helix is my first open back. I play 3 finger bluegrass style, and I wanted something light weight that still had the volume and punch of a bluegrass banjo. The Helix has almost the volume of my resonator Deering Calico. It is way lighter than my Deering - so easy to play in gigs. I bought the long neck because I wanted to easily play in in different keys with more flexibility. I even put Keith D tuners on - so I get all kinds of tunings.
Rick
rvrose - Posted - 01/07/2010: 16:16:28
quote:
Originally posted by xnavyguy
This is my Japanese Aria standard scale length neck on a modified Helix (tm) Douglas Fir pot, held together with Aria hardware and backed by a Korean bottlecap resonator with MOP eagle inlay and strung with AMB Cryogenic light gauge strings. A truly international banjo:
Jerry, How did you mount your resonator on the Helix rim? Did you have to drill holes in the rim for the mounting hardware? Rick
1four5 - Posted - 01/07/2010: 17:47:07
The difference is that Helix uses solid blocks with the wood grain oriented 45% from the head. The sound vibrations travel along the wood grain, instead of against the conventional cross grain or plywood construction. The first thing you'll notice with a Helix rim is the vibrations. They are alive. I'm like Rick, and use finger picks and play more or less a bluegrass style. I just needed a light banjo. Acoustically, in my living room, it's hard to tell if my Helix is louder than my Calico, It's really close, but into a michrophone, the Helix just explodes with sound. I've never gotten my Calico to mic as good as the Helix.
P.S. I was very sceptical for over a year reading posts here about them. But couriosity got the better of me... and when I contacted Larry, I met the coolest guy you'd ever want to meet, ready to do whatever it took to get a good instrument into my hands, to the exact specs I wanted. He even overnighted some parts to me that I spaced out on... so that I could have it playing as soon as possible. I own 3 banjos. If I had to choose only one to keep, it would be the Helix without hesitation.
Edited by - 1four5 on 01/07/2010 17:56:33
xnavyguy - Posted - 01/07/2010: 18:06:02
quote:
Originally posted by rvrose
quote:
Originally posted by xnavyguy
This is my Japanese Aria standard scale length neck on a modified Helix (tm) Douglas Fir pot, held together with Aria hardware and backed by a Korean bottlecap resonator with MOP eagle inlay and strung with AMB Cryogenic light gauge strings. A truly international banjo:
Jerry,
How did you mount your resonator on the Helix rim? Did you have to drill holes in the rim for the mounting hardware?
Rick
Rick, The resonator mounts are the same as they were when the Aria had an aluminum rim. It is three metal plates, under the tension hoop nuts, each drilled out in the middle to accomodate threaded studs that are mounted in wooden blocks in three positions around the edge of the resonator. All I did was make the Helix rim the same diameter as the aluminum rim and mount the hardware that had been on the aluminum rim. The only thing I had to change, with the hardware, was buy longer screws to go through the rim to access the tension band shoes that are attached to the rim. The other change is that I changed to a slightly larger Rosewood resonator. The original Aria resonator was Mahogany and a bit smaller. Jerry This is how it looked with the original Aria resonator. The larger resonator gave the tone just a bit more "character". 
Edited by - xnavyguy on 01/07/2010 18:08:58
swirlypillow - Posted - 01/08/2010: 06:21:09
Man, I wish I had the $1000 I need for my Helix right now! It's gonna be sweet I tell ya!
swirlypillow - Posted - 01/08/2010: 06:33:40
So how long after paying in full did it take for you all to receive your custom orders?
rvrose - Posted - 01/08/2010: 07:04:16
quote:
Originally posted by swirlypillow
So how long after paying in full did it take for you all to receive your custom orders?
I have the Helix Hurricane sn# 007. He already had it built and just made some adjustments for me. I had it in a week. I would suggest giving him a call or emailing him your phone # and having him call you. He is fun to talk to. Rick
1four5 - Posted - 01/08/2010: 07:25:40
Helix began building mine even before I sent him a cashier's check (which I sent out the next day). I was playing the banjo two weeks, to the day, later. (Sunbeam #3)
Edited by - 1four5 on 01/08/2010 07:48:49
devoall - Posted - 01/08/2010: 19:53:15
swirlypillow Posted - 01/07/2010 : 11:01:06
Anyone got any good pics of their Helix banjo? I've stared at the ones on the Helix website long enough.
Hey check out my profile. i've got some pics of my helix Cherry Blossom. Larry was GREAT to work with.. Couldn't be nicer. It took only a few weeks to get my banjo. He is quick.
Helix - Posted - 01/09/2010: 04:42:57
I'm old and rickety, knock it off. NOtice nothing up our sleeves, it's in our 'heads.'
rvrose - Posted - 01/09/2010: 08:42:36
I see Larry is going to celebrity status. Sunday night he will be on the banjotalk program @ 8pm central....
Larry - now you have to sign my banjo!
banjotalk.com/
Rick
Kirk Jacobs - Posted - 01/10/2010: 19:25:03
Just heard the show. Now that HeliX has gone "public" the price for one of his banjos will make Gibson seem very affordable!
Helix - Posted - 01/11/2010: 04:37:34
That was a great interview, I enjoyed the chance.
The price goes up NOT. The helix league is players who really get it, it helps me and them play more easily to get the same volume and tone. Less carpal tunnel. Great taste, less waste.
A flathead tone ring = 3.5 pounds = cancels the positve opportunities of the Helix, because of the air chamber underneath, and the holes or trumpets.
.
Yet, there are Helix flatheads, I own two of them. I play bluegrass, usually WITHOUT the resonator or teaspoons.
An Archtop tone ring = 3.5 pounds = CANCELS the positive opportunities of the Helix with its plate flat upon the top of the rim.
Yet there are Helix archtops with a setup ala Lange.
The standard tone ring I use is simple brass FLATBAR, not roundstock. The flatbar lets these rims dance, you'll feel them vibrating when you play.
Each person is on a quest for this or that tone and volume. The Helix is adaptable to bluegrass, oldtime, progressive. The music survives better if we look for better ways to do this. Have fun.
Edited by - Helix on 01/11/2010 04:38:45
swirlypillow - Posted - 01/11/2010: 07:29:01
Dang, I missed it. Is it archived somewhere?
Kirk Jacobs - Posted - 01/11/2010: 15:16:53
I enjoyed listening to the program. Even though I do not own one now between you and the bho members that support your vision I know that some day I will. Everyone on the h.o. say I can talk to you anytime but I could not figure any other way to win a free bridge.
banjo_bro83 - Posted - 01/11/2010: 19:59:28
It looks like they do archive shows. Larry's isn't up yet. Hope they put it up soon!
Ks_5-picker - Posted - 01/11/2010: 21:08:14
David mentioned that the archiving was several shows behind because of software glitches.It'll be awhile on that. Larry did great,I was proud of him.
rvrose - Posted - 01/27/2010: 19:07:00
Hey Larry - I couldn't resist putting a resonator on my Helix Hurricane just to see what it would sound like. I didn't want to put anything permanent on it so I bought some strong magnets and mounted them to the resonator. They stick to the Rickard flange and hold great. Now I have the "Magnetic Helix Hurricane"! The resonator just pops on and off. I attached some pix and a test song with and without the resonator... yes I know it's not how Ralph does it 
With out resonator:
banjohangout.org/myhangout/med...archived=
With Resonator:
banjohangout.org/myhangout/med...archived=
Rick
Edited by - rvrose on 01/27/2010 19:07:45
Helix - Posted - 01/28/2010: 01:16:31
Yeehaw, that's exactly how moparcolt did it, little blocks of wood, no interference with the sound, I knew somebody would figure out it was a steel flange. Way to go. never sleep. Notice the tone ring clearly visible, nothin' up our sleeve.
Tortoise wins.
( ):)===='===::}
Edited by - Helix on 01/28/2010 18:57:44
country frank - Posted - 01/28/2010: 03:17:00
Hey Rick!, thats a pretty nice harmonic tone you got there on your Helix, I am fortunate enough to have an awesome AT woody [cherry no. 9] which has an entirely different sound to that. Guess its to do with the fact that it has no tone ring or hoop at all. It does have a dry cracking sound thats quite particular IMO. Here is a [bad quality] film Moparcolt kindly uploaded for me;
s248.photobucket.com/albums/gg...helix.flv
The film was taken when the banjo was first put together and it has opened up significantly since, i'll try and get a better clip up soon.
I have a second Helix AT [cherry no. 10] which i drilled for shoe and brackets as opposed to the OPF set up on no. 9. I 'think' the OPF gives a better [for bluegrass] tone than shoes, so i am gonna plug the holes in no. 10 and re-cut the rim for a flange. I'd be interested to hear how many other Helix banjos run a one piece flange set up?
Larry, looking good!
Edited by - country frank on 01/28/2010 03:25:30
rvrose - Posted - 01/28/2010: 17:09:28
Thanks Frank. You have definitely proved you can get a bluegrass sound out of your Helix! Nice pick'n too.
Rick
xnavyguy - Posted - 01/29/2010: 03:19:00
Rick,
Is that one of Don New's bridges on that Helix?
Jerry
rvrose - Posted - 01/29/2010: 08:15:35
quote:
Originally posted by xnavyguy
Rick,
Is that one of Don New's bridges on that Helix?
Jerry
Yes! Good eye Jerry! I really like that bridge. I have tried different bridges in the past and they all sounded about the same - no matter what the price. But I noticed a great improvement of the high notes and tone with the Don's Spillway Dam. I should get one for my Calico to see what it would do. Rick
asandwho - Posted - 01/29/2010: 08:49:27
Agree totally with the comments regarding Don's bridges.
asandwho - Posted - 01/29/2010: 11:34:11
Larry-
Can you comment on what the difference is between your entry level and your next level for a player looking for tone over volume, strickly Bluegrass?
Thanks,
Adriane
Helix - Posted - 01/29/2010: 13:25:38
Gladly, trouble is, later in the game, the bamboo may outshine itself.
Note many people play bluegrass on Gold Tone Cripple Creeks and Deering Goodtimes, notice the compromises, yet they play.
The bamboo is brassy and sends a great signal, not as high a knock note as Cherry or Maple, 18 brackets instead of 24. The lower knock note just indicates the density of the material, but in the case of the bamboo it transfers acoustic vibrations nicer than 2-ply Maple and such.
The virtual depth of the Helix rim is 4.25", so the music has more time in the rim on its way, therefore tone and volume are present in gobs.
Edited by - Helix on 01/29/2010 13:26:54
Helix - Posted - 02/01/2010: 05:20:00
With Chestnut and a Lilac top, who can go wrong,
Life ain't easy, but it sure is good.
rvrose - Posted - 02/01/2010: 07:39:42
Moparcolt - those are cool! I'm jealous now that I know you have two Helix (is that a double Helix) and I only have one!
Helix - Posted - 02/05/2010: 06:20:50
Yes, that's true, but you have the only Quilted Curly Maple with a Rickard flange, longneck and Scruggs tuners, and a magnetic resonator to boot, top down in a hardtop world. Best regards. It IS a happy new year....
helixbanjos.com
( ))===='===::}
Edited by - Helix on 02/12/2010 04:39:16
greyfolk - Posted - 04/20/2010: 09:20:30
great interview Larry. Goes to show how much time u spend with your customers, Larry filled me in for an hour yesterday, what a great experience. Page: 1 2
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