When I arrived at the shop today Sean had proceeded to put this copper spunover together. We were so anxious to hear what it sounded like we threw a set of strings on it prior to finishing, We built up 6 similar rims yesterday (All 12" diameter rims). This particular rim has a single ply cherry insert. The neck is a 26.25" scale length constructed of walnut and a black pear wood center ply. Tone ring is a raw brass Dobson ring and the hardware is all raw brass. As per the sound, lets say we were not disappointed. In fact it sounds fantastic! As soon as we get it apart and lacquer applied, we'll post a sound clip. Also thinking of installing a real calf head. Also thinking of trying some antique solution on the next rim. 

Bill Rickard   

You're going to lacquer the copper? Otherwise it'll be a devil of a trick to keep it clean. As is, it sounds wonderful.

Brokenstrings:

Definitely a good point! We've been discussing this and hence the possibility of applying an antique solution to the copper. I've also been experimenting with a process that is wiped on and then set under a heat lamp for a period of time. We've tried this process on a brass rim and after left it outside for a couple of days in the rain and snow with absolutely no tarnishing to the brass. It's guaranteed for  a period of approx. 5 years and comes with a wipe on polishing solution that can be applied every 6 or 7 months with a simple polishing cloth. I forget the name of the product at the moment but was approached to be a shop that could apply the product and offer the kits to the music industry. What was amazing about the stuff was that it left no visible coating on the brass. On the down side it cost a couple of hundred bucks for approx. 1 pint of the solution! Not cheap stuff, but then it goes a long way! Another option would be to wipe on a couple of coats of high quality furniture wax, or just let it age naturally. This is definitely a rim for the player who likes to polish his banjos! Only time will tell.

Bill Rickard

I am amazed at the stuff that comes out of your shop up there. I'm still kicking around the idea of using your brass hardware on the maple rimmed 5 string I'm plotting out. Very curious to hear the copper!

Dave

I love the look. It looks like it will have a warm sound to it!

WoW! Fabulous! Sound soon, please! Banjered

Bill, I like it, like the shoes too!

What are those darn Canadians gonna come up with next?! And from a great guy to deal with.
Looks great, Mr. Bill!!

It looks wonderful! I wouldn't be concerned about coating the copper and brass. Let them age naturally! Great work!

Definitely no coating on that thing.  If you think it looks great now, just wait a few years, a check it out when a nice patina sets in.

Tim

I agree let the natural patina change it .Myself I would have opted for a cherry neck to go with the pot that"s my opinion

I've been planning for years for my next "serious" banjo build to feature a copper spun-over pot. I also want it to be a first class frailer. Now it looks like I've got a source for a good pot. Great going, Bill.

Mr. Rickard,

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

I have used shelac on brass, and copper, lamp parts with good results. Just wipe it on, and smooth it out, with a piece of lint free cloth stuffed with cotton, and dabbed in alcohol ever so often.

I have always wonderd about how a spunover pot is made. I see no seams, and while I am usually able to figure out how something is done, I am stumped on by this.

Would like to know how that sheet metal is wrapped tightly around a wooden rim with the edge rolled, and no seams apparent to my eye.

Can anyone enlighten me on this ?