mikeyb2 - Posted - 10/10/2013:  13:32:39

I've made a start to making one based on the plans on Rudy's site. Has anyone used a 6inch plywood tambourine for a tone ring,and also used the skin attached? If so, what's the opinion? Also, looking ahead, I'm wondering what finish to give the banjo, which will be all black walnut. I would like a natural soft sheen, possibly using something like tung oil or similar. I have some oil from Ikea which is intended for use on butchers blocks or timber kitchen worktop surfaces, and I think it's a blend of linseed, tung oil and whatever. Thanks in advance, Mike.

mikeyb2 - Posted - 10/11/2013:  11:57:57

Surely someone out there.........................

Razrandle - Posted - 10/12/2013:  01:01:48

Hi Mike
I use water based wood lacquer. It seems to bring out the grain patterns, or if you want a more uniform finish then a dark stain first. I prefer to see the patterns and imperfections in the grain. It all adds to the beauty of the banjo.
Steve.

aeroweenie - Posted - 10/12/2013:  09:49:15

Tung Oil, Tru Oil, or similar finishes will work fine and they are easy to apply.

mikeyb2 - Posted - 10/13/2013:  07:05:45

Thanks for the replies. Now does anyone have any thoughts on using a 6inch tambourine as a tone ring?

rudy - Posted - 10/13/2013:  08:01:39

quote:

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Originally posted by mikeyb2

 

Thanks for the replies. Now does anyone have any thoughts on using a 6inch tambourine as a tone ring?

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You might look through the "Amazing Mountain Banjo" topic.  I'm pretty sure there was use of a tambourine shell involved by a few builders.

banjohangout.org/topic/173153

mikeyb2 - Posted - 10/13/2013:  08:06:00

Thanks Rudy, I was trying to avoid that. I've read some of it already but as useful as it is , the thread has become too large for it's own good. I.e. if you're looking for a quick answer. Cheers Mike

rudy - Posted - 10/13/2013:  09:13:07

quote:

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Originally posted by mikeyb2

 

Thanks Rudy, I was trying to avoid that. I've read some of it already but as useful as it is , the thread has become too large for it's own good. I.e. if you're looking for a quick answer. Cheers Mike

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You can at least refine a Google search for the entire topic to find pages that mention specific entries such as "tambourine":

Google site (and topic) specific search:

site: banjohangout.org/topic/173153 tambourine

Edited by - rudy on 10/13/2013 09:16:15

mikeyb2 - Posted - 10/13/2013:  11:31:19

Thanks again Rudy, tried what you said and came across one or two mentions of tambourine use but nothing too informative, so I'll just have to give it a try myself. As you've said before, that's the nature of mountain banjo building and seeking ways to improvise. Mike

rudy - Posted - 10/14/2013:  03:50:48

Hi Mike,

There's a few mountain banjos that were made using a pre-tensioned small hand drum in that topic.  The trouble with trying to search the topic is you have to guess what the poster's terminology was.

There would be nothing wrong with doing it that way, you'd just have to make sure the integrity of the tambourine or hand drum wasn't compromised if you need to shorten it by removing material at the rear of its shell.

mikeyb2 - Posted - 10/14/2013:  16:55:37

Rudy, I was also thinking of incorporating a tensioning system, so the thing I'm not quite sure of is the effect this might have on action. If I used the tambo ring to tension a separate skin/head, and the ring was initially made to tighten the head as per the original design, and thus end up with a head which is flush with the face of the rim, how much would the head rise above the rim if the tension was increased by adjusting the tensioning screws. Not sure if this would be a great amount or marginal. Thanks again Mike

rudy - Posted - 10/14/2013:  18:57:28

quote:

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Originally posted by mikeyb2

Rudy, I was also thinking of incorporating a tensioning system, so the thing I'm not quite sure of is the effect this might have on action. If I used the tambo ring to tension a separate skin/head, and the ring was initially made to tighten the head as per the original design, and thus end up with a head which is flush with the face of the rim, how much would the head rise above the rim if the tension was increased by adjusting the tensioning screws. Not sure if this would be a great amount or marginal. Thanks again Mike

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It depends on what type of tensioning system you use.  Some of the tensioning systems pull an outer band down to increase tension.  In that case, none.  Some others have used rings which are raised up against a fixed head, then it depends on head material.  Modern mylar?  If the head is tight to start with then you might raise it another 1/16", which is negligible.

With mountain banjo you normally just throw a bit shorter or  taller bridge to adjust for head height fluctuations.

I'd highly advise adjusting the pot depth to use one of the Remo pre-tensioned hand drums and then you won't have to worry about any of that.

Edited by - rudy on 10/14/2013 18:59:58