gmo - Posted - 06/18/2011:  21:24:00

I'm afraid my Saga did not turn out to be a light weight, it is heavier than I expected it to be, not like a full bore tone ring banjo, but probably around 10 #. I guess the brass hoop and the fact that I used bracket shoes rather than the lugs supplied with the kit. 24 of those shoes are pretty hefty believe it or not. At any rate, I'm not complaining, I'm pleased with the outcome. No, I can't say it has a "mastertone" voice, but it is far above the run of the mill aluminum banjo. I'll bet the same thing could be done with a Deering Boston . I have a 3/16" steel rim I had made some years ago when I wanted a Boston and couldn't afford it (made a good banjo too) .I might dig that thing out and try it some time. What do you think ?

George

xnavyguy - Posted - 06/19/2011:  04:43:07

quote:

---

Originally posted by gmo

 I have a 3/16" steel rim I had made some years ago when I wanted a Boston and couldn't afford it (made a good banjo too) .I might dig that thing out and try it some time. What do you think ?

George

---

 You might want to try my "wooden spoon" test.  Hang it from a piece of string and bang it with a wooden spoon.  If it rings like a bell then you may have something.  I've discovered that these metal rims ring a little differently, depending on the mass.  The ones that ring like a skillet are good but the ones that ring like a bell, as with my Monstertone, seem to be better.  I think the type of wood in the inserted rim might also be a factor.  Of the three that I've done, all the insert rims have been different and they each have their own special voice.  There are other differences as well so I can't really pinpoint which element is the most important or how each one affects the overall tone.  All I can confirm is that this modification is a good thing and worth doing if you have the time, skills and inclination to color outside the lines.

gmo - Posted - 06/19/2011:  13:02:51

All my crayons are about worn down to a nub , I never have been able to stay exactly within the lines !! I agree about the wooden spoon "bang" tone. It has been so long since I did anything with that steel rim that I really dont remember how it rang. I will have to find it and see. Then I will have to procure a wood rim to use in the experiment. I used a thin mahogany rim (early RK-50 rim) in the Saga alumunum rimmed banjo, I wonder what might be best for the steel ? Oh well, when I get to it (if) I guess I will use whatever I can come up with. Whatever I do, I'm sure it will be fun, that's the main point of the exercise anyway !!

George

Edited by - gmo on 06/19/2011 13:07:58