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 ARCHIVED TOPIC: b&d silver bell plectrum with simple dot inlay?


Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/236455

slowdeath - Posted - 05/18/2012:  11:56:49


Do these exist.  I am checking out one today and the inlays have been described as simple dots and not diamonds or anything fancy.  I couldn't find any pics of any silver bells with this pattern.  I am very green with these banjos as I am a 5string gibson guy myself, but this seems like a deal I can't pass up so any info would help.  Thanks!



 



 


jbalch - Posted - 05/18/2012:  12:19:57


Be careful. I'm not a "expert" like some around here.  But I've never seen a real B&D (Groton-made) Silver Bell with dot inlay. 



Bacon banjos can be confusing.  After the original factory closed (1938)  the brand was manufactured by Gretsch.  The serial numbers overlap and change throughout the brand's history.  The construction of the Silver Bell model changed over time too. The later (Gretsch) banjos are generally much less valuable. 



The original Groton-made Siilver Bells are awesome banjos and are recognizable once you have seen a few. 



The example you found might be modified, or a non-silver bell model (possibly with a tone ring added), or a later Gretsch banjo.



Here is a resource: acoustudio.dk/BD_and_Bacon_database.html



 Good luck!



 


Edited by - jbalch on 05/18/2012 12:24:42

TB-4 Guy - Posted - 05/18/2012:  17:12:50


 I have a 1932 No 1. B&D Medalist that has a nicely laid out inlay pattern. It's somewhat more than just dots, but not as ornate as the higher graded instruments. I am not the expert here, either, however. Polle, where are you/? LOL.




B&D Neck, Fingerboard
   

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 05/18/2012:  23:20:36


Matt,



Nope - the fretboard has most likely been replaced - inclusive of simple dots.



Do have in mind, that Silver Bell examples from 1923 to appr. mid 1926 have necks without steel reinforcement. Bacon did always use woods of very high quality - but a few of these early examples can have a bow or a twist,



Maybe the banjo in question is one of these - and maybe therefore the fretboard has been replaced icw. a later reinforcement or a leveling of the neck. Some pics could help determine this.



Later examples got glued-in bars of surgical steel - in the beginning heavy round bars - but very soon slim rectangular bars. I still have to see a Silver Bell like this with a bowed or twisted neck and/or a replaced fretboard.



Do compare the serial number for this banjo with my database acoustudio.dk/BD_and_Bacon_database.html - this will give you an indication of the manufacturing date.



B&D Silver Bell plectrums are rather rare and sought by many players - depending on version and condition a Style No. 1 will normally bring 1,600-2,400 at an eBay auction.



Do post some pics, if you can - and do ask any further questions - I/we will try helping you the best I/we can.



big



Polle


Edited by - Polle Flaunoe on 05/18/2012 23:25:42

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