G Edward Porgie - Posted - 11/27/2013:  03:07:01

I've been wondering about the differences between the B&D Super Banjo and the B&D Silver Bell. I've mostly only seen pictures, and to me, other than the obvious peg head and inlay deviations, and that most the Supers lack a resonator, I haven't noticed anything else that stands out. The tone rings and basic construction appear to be the same.

Is there a big difference in the tone quality? Scale lengths? Does one hold up better over the years? Were they made concurrently, or was the Super Banjo dropped in favor of the Silver Bell?

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 11/28/2013:  05:55:32

George,

After many years studying the various B&D models, their histories and developments etc. - I´m still as puzzled as most others - why did B&D during 1923-28 market two models so close - both regarding some constructions, some features and the price level?

Don´t think too much about this - 90 years have past - and the survivor was the fantastic Silver Bell.

You can find great examples of both models from the early years - 1923-26 - but ab late 1926 / early 1927 the Silver Bell took the lead and became The King of 4-string Banjos. It still holds this title these days.

So - don´t compare examples of these two models - of various ages - vintage is the prominent factor - a Silver Bell ab early 1927 is the banjo to go for - with regards to ultimate strength, sturdiness, performance and playability.

Just my 2 cents.

Polle

rudykizuty - Posted - 11/28/2013:  06:28:38

There was a period that my father owned a B&D Super (with original Super resonator) that had been previously refurbished by Richelieu and in the process, had been upgraded with gold plating, metal engravings and heel and peghead carvings. It had it's original style 1 Silver Bell tone ring with the vent holes on the outside (as well as inside). The sound was every bit as good as any plectrum Silver Bell I've ever heard. Dad has since sold the banjo and I'm rather sorry that I didn't have the cabbage to swipe that one into my own collection at the time. The experience of having played that banjo has made me wonder the same things about Bacon's thinking with regard to their offerings. In my mind today, based on prices I have seen, I consider a plain #1 Super the same as an "economy" Silver Bell of sorts, provided it still has a Silver Bell tone ring. 

Edited by - rudykizuty on 11/28/2013 06:31:02

G Edward Porgie - Posted - 11/28/2013:  06:35:06

It does seem strange that these two were so similar. I've only encountered one Silver Bell plectrum, an early model, which was quite nice, but I've never even seen the other in person. I probably never could afford either, but I can always hope that someday some money falls from the sky. Of course, with my luck, that money would be in the form of a heavy gold ingot, which would land on my head and instantly kill me.

Mostly, I'm asking out of curiosity. I can only say that sometimes the popularity of one instrument over another, when playability is fairly equal, can be due to factors other than playability. Players sometimes prefer a particular appearance or style, and amateurs will often go for what their favorite performer is using. However, when one is such an overwhelming favorite after nearly a century, it usually is a matter of its being clearly superior.

Bill Rogers - Posted - 11/28/2013:  17:24:42

As a clawhammer 5-string player, I think the original, fully- perforated ring, with the partially spun over shell, has less sustain and a more clipped, poppy sound than the later versions of the SB ring.  I wish I,d bought the one example I had a chance at.

GeorgeHC - Posted - 12/10/2013:  08:59:11

I just bought a B&D Super Banjo plectrum (ca. 1928) with SB tone ring (#2 version - interior perforations only) in great original condition. It has a resonator with round holes. I'm still waiting for it to arrive. I was curious about the differences betweent the SB and the Super with the SB tone ring too. Vinnie Mondello at Banjohaven told me: "Super is brighter, it's a shallower body more akin to Vegaphone if anything. Nice banjo, different tonal output, very snappy."

To get a feel for what it might sound like before I decided to buy it, I took the resonator off my B&D Silver Bell #1 Tenor (ca 1927) which I keep in CGBD tuning and replaced it with a shallower Vega pie-plate resonator. It was brighter, more responsive, but still sounded sensational. In fact, it even sounded wonderful as an open-back.

A big thanks to Vinnie for all his time, help and advice in choosing a new plectrum.

NYCJazz - Posted - 12/11/2013:  20:34:08

Any B&D plectrum is exceedingly rare and that should be a fantastic sounding banjo. I keep my Roy Smeck SB tenor tuned CGBD also, but the shorter neck doesn't compare with the full 22 fret. My #3 plectrum has the fully perforated ring... I would agree with Bill about the sound.

Vinnie is very helpful... he installed resonator mounting threads on the rim of my #3 for next to nothing.

Please post some photos once you recieve your Super!

GeorgeHC - Posted - 12/12/2013:  08:09:38

NYCJazz, I bought it from Intermountain. I haven't received it yet, but here are their pics.... which are ten times better than anything I could take with my camera! I agree with you regarding the wonderful sound that the plectrum scale length imparts.

My SB #1 tenor sounds great in CGBD tuning, but there is a certain sound quality missing... even my lowly Bacon Peerless open-back plectrum has a smoother, richer, deeper tone quality due to the longer string length.

rudykizuty - Posted - 12/12/2013:  10:55:24

Ooh, I had been ogling that banjo for the last 2 years, but you just can't own them ALL. LOL Congrats on your acquisition, George and please keep us posted when your banjo arrives.

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 12/13/2013:  03:05:27

George,

Congratulations!

FYI - your new Super is manufactured mid 1926 - not 1928. Have a look at my DB acoustudio.dk/BD_and_Bacon_database.html - you´ll find it there.

Polle

GeorgeHC - Posted - 12/16/2013:  20:19:08

Thanks guys.

Polle, your database is a great resource.  Can you also add my Silver Bell tenor to it?

Here are the details:

Serial No. 19392 - Silver Bell #1 tenor, 19 frets, tone ring with holes on the inside only, beveled flange with F holes.

It looks like it's also from 1926.

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 12/17/2013:  04:40:04

George,

It´s now included.

BTW - if you´ll want to be mentioned as the reference/reporter for your banjos - I´ll need your surname.

Polle

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 12/17/2013:  16:41:06

George,

I´ve now put you in - for both banjos.

Have you got the Super?

Polle

GeorgeHC - Posted - 12/20/2013:  10:03:22

Polle,

I'm still waiting for the Super to arrive. Serves me right for ordering something and having it shipped by Canada Post/USPS so close to Christmas!

George