jchipps_1 - Posted - 12/05/2015:  00:15:23

I tried a BHO search and found quite a few archived posts concerning the TP thin skirt  rims, but not many were real recent.

I'm assuming they are still being manufactured since Tony's passing? If so, is the quality still up to the same high standard?

There seemed to be a lot of hype and discussion surrounding them several years back, but at that time, not a lot of first hand experience or opinions of those who'd actually tried them.

Now that they've been around for a while, I was just curious of what the general consensus is of those who have tried them, knowledge of them, or played them in a conventional Mastertone style banjo?

I realize opinions are just that, and everyone has a different one concerning what they think of block rims, or perhaps what sounds 'good' their ear etc., but I'd still appreciate hearing those opinions.

I have an 80's Japanese Masterclone that I'm thinking about fixing up and doing some upgrades on. So I'm just curious about different rim options etc, and I'm kind of intrigued by what I've read about the TP thin skirt rims, and might like to try one.

How would you describe the sound, when compared to say a conventional Cox rim? In what way would you describe the difference? Do they produce a more brighter tone, or a more deeper tone?

Thanks

desert rose - Posted - 12/05/2015:  02:31:49

Jeff

Tonys rims are still being made. There was zero change when Tony died as Tony's partner Keebey Schaeffer who had been with Tony since day one bought the company when Tony was still alive

I will use nothing else in my banjos as Geoff Stelling also feels.

Feel free to email me off list if you want to discuss their specifics

Scott

Phil - MO - Posted - 12/05/2015:  06:01:11

I put a Pass rim (all wood, no tone ring) for a woody style in a very well built Japanese Leo Fender that had a neck that I really liked both finish and workmanship wise. If I remember right I sent original rim and tone ring and Mr. Schaeffer matched the height and drilled holes for the lag bolts perfectly and stained to match neck. He then waited to cash check until I was satisfied. I just bolted the neck on and everything lined up perfect. That being said, tone wise I am comparing a woody to a banjo with a tone ring, but I like it very well. Cost was probably higher than a 3 ply.

By the same token I would think you would have as good an experience with Cox 3 ply as people like Hatfield, etc. use his rims and he has many satisfied customers here on the hangout and has an excellent reputation.

I know of one well known maker that I talked to at the SPBGMA convention in Nashville in Feb. that stopped using Pass rims, but I think it was a cost saving decision since he supposedly went to another block rim supplier.

ClayTech - Posted - 12/05/2015:  06:57:47

quote:

---

Originally posted by desert rose

 

Jeff

 

Feel free to email me off list if you want to discuss their specifics

 

Scott

---

Why not discuss it here, so we can all benefit?

kmwaters - Posted - 12/05/2015:  11:13:30

The combination of the walnut neck and the TP rim make my Masters Cross sing like a bird.

PurlyBlue - Posted - 12/05/2015:  14:46:07

I put a Pass Rim in my Ode Style D a few months ago. I really love the sound of it now. :-)

CAPT Steve - Posted - 12/05/2015:  21:46:22

Put a birch Pass Schaeffer rim (per Keebey's recommendation) on my walnut Nechville Phantom; really liked the way it sweetened the sound over the original block rim that the Nechville shop built for my instrument.  Just could not not find the sound I was looking for using all the other means that the Nechville design allows; rim made a great deal of difference for my banjo.  Also have one in my Stelling Master's Cross and love the sound of this instrument.  While it's walnut, too, they really have different voices.

Steve

O.D. - Posted - 12/06/2015:  01:59:31

I have the first rim Tony built. . Its documented in a thread here  somewhere, maybe archived.

 The  quality  and construction  of this rim and all other of his rims is   top shelf..

  My rim was turned for a T&P flange so my sound analysis  probably would not be accurate for your  needs,  although a Masterclone could have a 2 piece flange., in which case Ill say that the tone I get  with the maple rim is more in line with what you hear in a Stelling banjo. however   with different wood  and the thin skirt type rim I imagine you could get the tone your after,with set up etc built into the equation.

Good luck

 Everett

jchipps_1 - Posted - 12/06/2015:  17:09:58

Thanks everyone for all the input and info so far. Very much appreciated.

I didn't really think to mention it until reading O.D.'s reply, but this banjo does have a T&P flange.

Not sure if that makes any difference in choice of a rim or not, but thought I better mention it.

From what I've learned so far, I'm leaning toward the Thin Skirt Birch rim, but still debating and weighing my different options.

I look forward to hearing any additional opinions or knowledge that anyone may have.

Thanks