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ARCHIVED TOPIC: Duplex hide head

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/307115

CamC - Posted - 07/30/2015: 19:22:11

I recently acquired an old Whyte Laydie and it came with a Duplex Three Star Brand skin head. Just curious if anyone has heard of this brand, and how old it might be.

Jim D - Posted - 07/30/2015: 19:47:41

maybe related to this:

"The Vintage Banjo Maker

A comprehensive reference of 218 antique banjo makers for your banjo addiction

In the June issue of “The Cadenza” it notes that EN Guckert, of Toledo, Ohio is the owner of the Union Music Co, “ a concern which manufacturers the ‘Duplex” banjos and publishes chord books for stringed instruments.

Guckert wrote and published a chord book in 1919 and 2 years later this was followed by a tenor-banjo chord method, but it is doubtful when he actually manufactured instruments."

Guckert apparently patented a tone ring, part of which could be elevated to change from what was a flathead configuration to an archtop.

google.com/patents/US4226159

Jim

Edited by - Jim D on 07/30/2015 19:48:51

tdennis - Posted - 07/30/2015: 21:36:07

Duplex was a major early innovative Drum company started in 1883. I would guess this is the origin of your head. (There was a "Duplex" banjo , but it was a very odd design, with no popularity whatsoever, & I believe it it is unrelated to the drum company , or the 5 Star head)

jbalch - Posted - 07/31/2015: 04:41:41

I bet tdennis is correct regarding Duplex.

But it may not be original to the banjo (more likely a replacement). Vega often re-branded Rogers heads by adding their own stamp beside the Rogers logo. Sometimes they included a "guarantee" stamped on the skin. Later they marketed the ""brand of synthetic heads too. I think such heads were more likely provided as original on their banjos (see attached).

I don't know if the Duplex company made their own hide heads - or if they sourced them from a OEM supplier like United Rawhide in Chicago. Companies like United made heads for other drum makers (including: Slingerland & Ludwig).

Edited by - jbalch on 07/31/2015 04:50:28