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achill - Posted - 12/30/2013: 17:28:38
Hi Friends,
I just picked this banjo up off ebay. The first thing I noticed was the (I think) Cubley tailpiece. then I noticed it's a flush fret. It has the original tuning pegs as well. 38 hooks. Here is my question; what does it look like to you? At first I was thinking Cubley when I saw the tailpiece, but then saw it doesn't have the head shape that I have often seen, the neck "swirl" at the 5th peg, or the round shoes. However, the tailpiece assembly is round and looks original and that it should be there. The dowel stick is marked "Sterling, " which I believe is only who the banjo was sold by. It's about 34 inches long. Any help on identifying this would be appreciated. Thanks! Happy Holidays!
achill - Posted - 12/30/2013: 17:35:35
oops, This may help. :)
beegee - Posted - 12/30/2013: 18:11:51
Sterling was a Tonk Brothers model. It doesn't seem to have a lot of Tonk bros. characteristics, though.
Edited by - beegee on 12/30/2013 18:15:53
trapdoor2 - Posted - 12/30/2013: 18:13:55
Although the headstock is just a tad different than I've seen, I'd still say "Buckbee". A tailpiece is just too easily changed to use it without some other "cubley-esque" features, like the unique Cubley tension-hook nuts or globe brackets. The rest of the banjo really just says "Buckbee" to me.
Brooklynbanjoboy - Posted - 12/30/2013: 18:35:58
Those Cubley TPCs are highly desirable.
achill - Posted - 12/30/2013: 18:55:03
quote:
Originally posted by Brooklynbanjoboy
Those Cubley TPCs are highly desirable.
Very true. Honestly it's really the only reason I bought the banjo!
achill - Posted - 12/30/2013: 18:57:37
quote:
Originally posted by trapdoor2
Although the headstock is just a tad different than I've seen, I'd still say "Buckbee". A tailpiece is just too easily changed to use it without some other "cubley-esque" features, like the unique Cubley tension-hook nuts or globe brackets. The rest of the banjo really just says "Buckbee" to me.
Gee, I wish I knew the story of how this thing ended up with that tailpiece.... where's the rest of the Cubley?!
Noah Cline - Posted - 12/30/2013: 20:36:06
Peg head reminds me a little bit of a Buckbee peg head; very similar in shape.
Also, it has the two screws going through the rim into the heal, another Buckbee feature.
Edited by - Noah Cline on 12/30/2013 20:39:16
maneckep - Posted - 12/31/2013: 05:25:58
I think I must of had the rest of that Cubley. Everything was original on mine except the tailpiece. I made a replica tailpiece out of a thin sheet of brass plate. It looked and played great. I sold it recently to a friend so I no longer own it.
