jbalch - Posted - 05/09/2011:  06:56:22

I had fun setting-up this little tenor banjo over the Mothers' day weekend. It has been an easy project and turned out great.  It was an inexpensive ebaY find (under $100).  The banjo plays and sounds great. Based on the hardware & construction, I think this is a Lyon & Healy or Washburn product. But there are no marks anywhere on it.  Anyone know for sure?

Here is what I did:

1. new Bill Miller vellum-processed calfskin head

2. new micarta nut

3. reposition the neck (plugged the end bolt hole in the dowel and re-drilled for an improved neck angle)

4. filed the fret ends

5. installed a no-knot tailpiece

I think I'll replace the tuners and this cute little tenor will be ready for action.

More photos here: banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...umid=5676

Edited by - jbalch on 05/30/2011 08:16:00

Banjolution - Posted - 05/09/2011:  09:00:00

Wowsers! What a beauty for under a hundred bucks! Interesting tone ring too. Looks like a nice heavy pot. Have fun John! 

dickinnorwich - Posted - 05/09/2011:  10:34:53

quote:

---

Originally posted by jbalch

I had fun setting-up this little tenor banjo over the Mothers' day weekend. It has been an easy project and turned out great.  It was an inexpensive ebaY find (under $100).  The banjo plays and sounds great. Based on the hardware & construction, I think this is a Lyon & Healy or Washburn product. But there are no marks anywhere on it.  Anyone know for sure?

Here is what I did:

1. new Bill Miller vellum-processed calfskin head

2. new micarta nut

3. reposition the neck (plugged the end bolt hole in the dowel and re-drilled for an improved neck angle)

4. filed the fret ends

5. installed a no-knot tailpiece

I think I'll replace the tuners and this cute little tenor will be ready for action.

More photos here: banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...umid=5676

---

Really nice, John.

Is that a Bacon tone ring?

jbalch - Posted - 05/09/2011:  11:34:52

The tone ring is similar to a Bacon design. The shape is a bit different.  Also, this rim is only 10 5.8" diameter.  This type ring is found on some banjos by Washburn (Lyon & Healy) and Slingerland. 

jbalch - Posted - 05/30/2011:  08:13:58

Based on another recent thread, I assume this little banjo was probably made by Slingerland.  I completed the project recently by adding some modern geared tuners.  I decided this little banjo is worthy of the cost...it is a very sweet little player.

I uploaded a short video of the finished project just for fun.

Edited by - jbalch on 05/30/2011 08:18:57

VIDEO: John Balch ~ Slingerland Tenor banjo circa:1920s (click to view)

dbrooks - Posted - 05/30/2011:  11:40:46

What fun, John.  Now you've got me thinking if setting up my Slingerland for this style rather than as an Irish tenor.  After learning a few jigs for the contra dances, I ended up working out suitable clawhammer arrangements for jigs, so the tenor is just sitting idle.

David