beegee - Posted - 06/14/2014:  21:31:51

Would anybody happen to have any spare ball-bearing springs and washers? I have a 1926 BB that I am ready to begin restoration and rim repair and may need some parts. Don't know how many are missing right now.

Edited by - beegee on 06/14/2014 21:32:04

beegee - Posted - 06/15/2014:  05:03:56

Thanks for all the replies. I have to round up the parts I have and get this project going. If I need a couple of springs as I think I might I'll be in contact. I'm going to send the rim to Vermont and have the bead re-set. The owner had installed a poorly-fitted flathead ring and the bead was pulled loose because he tightened the head way too tight. 

Edited by - beegee on 06/15/2014 05:08:48

brunomathilda - Posted - 06/15/2014:  06:42:42

Bee Gee,if I understand well you can install a flat head on a ball bearing.

Thank you

revellfa - Posted - 06/15/2014:  06:56:55

Jean,

Next week I will be introducing a bill in Annapolis that would make it illegal to install a flathead ring on a ball bearing banjo in our state of Maryland.

The same bill would prohibit the sale and production of ball bearing to flathead conversion rings.

KIDDING....

Have you heard these old banjers? There is no needto convert one, they are fantastic. Beegee--I'm glad that you will be fixing up another old ball bearing. You learned on one correct?

brunomathilda - Posted - 06/15/2014:  07:03:13

Hello Frank.

I will be following that bill of yours,I am sure it's going to be on the front page of the Post,it will be nice to have something a bit different than war here war there,war coming up soon,any way I disgress .

I am playing my TB 4 and I love it.

So what happen when you put a flat head on a ball bearing?

Ken LeVan - Posted - 06/15/2014:  14:56:55

Way too many BBs have been lost already to meaningless conversion. I'm on board with the bill.  What will the fine or punishment for converting one be?  I have some ideas.

dasmith - Posted - 06/15/2014:  15:53:36

Regarding sound of the BB archtop, I did an experiment yesterday to compare my old, unmolested 1926 Style 5 with some well-regarded new flathead banjos. It was a quick but decisive experiment. See my account in the Ballbearing Owners Group blog.

beegee, it occurs to me that you might contact one or more of the banjo makers who are known for doing conversions. I have seen pictures of a couple such shops where the wall is hung with unneeded 4-string necks. Maybe they have drawers full of ball bearings and springs and other pertinent replaced parts as well. Frank Neat, Robin Smith of Heartland, Nechville, Huber Banjos, and others who are mentioned on this forum all the time.

Have fun with your new/old BB!

Edited by - dasmith on 06/15/2014 16:04:09