jbalch - Posted - 05/23/2014:  19:07:03

I have never seen anything like this  ... anyone have experience with them?

I am installing a new hide head on a very cool vintage Fairbanks Electric - spunover rim.  The tension hoop has a rabbet cut in the bottom that I assume is to hide the flesh hoop.  See photos:

Edited by - jbalch on 05/23/2014 19:07:29

maneckep - Posted - 05/24/2014:  03:49:54

John,

I have never seen a tension hoop like that but I would guess that the skin head would be mounted where the excess that you cut away would be inside the rim versus on top of the banjo like they normally are. Here is a link to a video showing it done that way.

youtube.com/watch?v=b9r2VGZf--0

Paul

SFI - Posted - 05/24/2014:  04:27:19

We have had several similar tension hoops come through our shop. Always on Fairbanks banjos.

Bob Smakula

smakula.com

Ken LeVan - Posted - 05/24/2014:  05:09:50

Very slick.  I have never seen one like that.

hbick2 - Posted - 05/25/2014:  05:44:25

hbick2 - Posted - 05/25/2014:  05:47:32

Bill Destler mentions this on the following banjo: billsbanjos.com/F&CImperial2.htm

I have a Fairbanks & Cole Expert and a Fairbanks Electric No. 2 with the same type of hoop . It is a very nice touch that I assume was reserved for their more expensive banjos.

Harry Bickel

Will1717 - Posted - 05/25/2014:  09:37:44

John:

Never seen this before but definitely worth adding this feature to our new tension hoops. It would definitely help if using a skin head as I'd think the square insert in the head would really lock into place and prevent any slippage.

rudy - Posted - 05/25/2014:  10:07:43

Fairbanks March 11th, 1890 US patent 423231 plainly shows the flesh hoop skirt if you view the original patent drawing and zoom in.

google.com/patents/US423231

Edited by - rudy on 05/25/2014 10:08:34

jbalch - Posted - 05/25/2014:  10:53:28

I'm going to attempt installing a new head on this one tomorrow.  Will let you know how it goes. 

I am amazed by the attention to small details that was paid by the best old builders.  These guys really we're passionate about their work. I guess that us why the instruments stand the test of time. 

jbalch - Posted - 05/27/2014:  17:35:23

The head went on without way too much extra trouble. I did decide to use round flesh hoop material (rather than square. The hoop had to be fitted very carefully too.

Here is the result:

new goat hide installed

R. Blakeslee Gilpin - Posted - 05/28/2014:  03:29:32

Hey John - I know that rim! Lookin' really nice as usual.