KLR - Posted - 07/19/2014:  23:18:25

Today I bought B&D SB #1 16714, a tenor, I gather that's from 1925.  Has an extended fingerboard, up to e - e'''?  e''''?  It will be grand fun playing notes only dogs can hear, anyway.    Put a clear head on to replace the Fyberskin that was there, quite a sweet banjo all around.  Now, my questions are regarding what seem to be two missing items - there's a bushing in the side for the shaft of a mute that's gone missing, and it had a Grover tailpiece instead of the expected Oettinger - were those stock on Silver Bells?  As it happens I had a Tensionater on my Lange Challenger which fits even better on the SB so I'm not hurting.  I also have a replica SB mute and can slap that on as well if need be; but the banjo came from an estate and I'd like to know whether there's much hope of finding originals in the family junk drawer, etc.  

Also bought a fun old Ludwig archtop tenor; the fellow who sold me my other banjos and was middleman for the estate also loaned me the Red Book and Akira says Ludwig switched to die cast metal in 1927, that explains all the cracks in the flange.  Doesn't explain why they'd mate the resonator to the neck instead of using the expected dowel stick though...  But should also be good fun to play with a bit of setup.  

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 07/20/2014:  02:24:05

Kevin,

Your mid 1925 Silver Bell was without any doubt factory equipped with an Oettinger TP and a soft pedal mute - plus most likely Grover Screw Tab tuners.

I have the missing, time correct parts in stock - however an import from DK will most likely be too costly for you. But - I do from time to time see them popping up at the US market as well.

If originality isn´t an issue for you at first hand, an ABM Tensionator TP is a splendid replacement.

Polle

jbalch - Posted - 07/20/2014:  03:56:57

Of course - we all want to see photos. 

Love those old Silver Bell banjos.  My #2 is number 14543.  banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...umid=3269

Enjoy!