kbaird62 - Posted - 07/17/2023:  08:07:26

I recently picked up this Maybell Slingerland 24 Banjolele. It is in overall decent shape, but is missing a couple parts and needs a new head. The head is painted with a dragon and has the name Thomas Miller painted on it. It looks as though 1923 was written on the head just above the 'as' in Thomas. Only the 9 and 2 are easily visible.

Does this seem like the right year for this instrument?

It is missing one of the tuners and a hook & nut. I am looking to find originals. If anyone has these in their miscellaneous parts bin, I would be interested in purchasing them.

I am new to the banjo so I am also looking for recommendations on what bridge and head to buy?

Any other comments and suggestions are welcome.

I will also post a picture in the decorated banjo heads group.

 

Bob Smakula - Posted - 07/17/2023:  09:38:03

kbaird62



If the rim diameter is 8", then I have plenty of options for Remo plastic heads. Check out the banjo head page of my website to see what is available.

If it is not 8",  you will have to install a skin head.A  tricky,  but not impossible task for a rookie.



Likely I have a tuner too, but I need to see one of the original tuners removed from the banjo to make sure I am looking for the correct part.



Bob Smakula

smakula.com

Edited by - Bob Smakula on 07/17/2023 09:40:19

beezaboy - Posted - 07/17/2023:  09:41:31

Year for instrument?
1923 is possible as the first May Bell image of a tenor banjo appeared in a trade magazine in Dec. 1923. 1923 is not likely for your banjo uke, though, as the first May Bell catalog came out in Oct 1925. The "24" is a catalog number to make ordering easy for the trade. But, your assessment is certainly in the ballpark.

kbaird62 - Posted - 07/17/2023:  11:02:43

Bob, thank you for the quick reply.  I will check out your site.  I have experience with other types of instruments.  I think I will be able to install a skin head if that ends up being the way I need to go.  I am attaching pics to the original post of the tuner and hook/nut.  

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Originally posted by Bob Smakula

kbaird62



If the rim diameter is 8", then I have plenty of options for Remo plastic heads. Check out the banjo head page of my website to see what is available.

If it is not 8",  you will have to install a skin head.A  tricky,  but not impossible task for a rookie.



Likely I have a tuner too, but I need to see one of the original tuners removed from the banjo to make sure I am looking for the correct part.



Bob Smakula

smakula.com

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kbaird62 - Posted - 07/17/2023:  11:10:57

John, thankk you for the input and for educating me on the catalog numbering.  Kevin

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Originally posted by beezaboy

Year for instrument?

1923 is possible as the first May Bell image of a tenor banjo appeared in a trade magazine in Dec. 1923. 1923 is not likely for your banjo uke, though, as the first May Bell catalog came out in Oct 1925. The "24" is a catalog number to make ordering easy for the trade. But, your assessment is certainly in the ballpark.

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britcarfan - Posted - 07/18/2023:  11:55:36

Unless that head is torn I wouldn’t replace it. Adds a cool factor to that little jo.

mikehalloran - Posted - 07/18/2023:  18:25:51

The earliest Slingerland May Bell banjo ukuleles had wooden pegs with a slot cut vertically into the top. I have two or three from my great grandfather's in my basement. I installed violin pgs on that May Bell after my brother broke one of the originals.

I have some of those Waverly tuners from a 1930s Kalamazoo plectrum but, like Bob, have no idea if they will fit your headstock—it depends on the thickness of yours. My 1924 Gibson RB-3 had them, too.

Edited by - mikehalloran on 07/18/2023 18:26:42

kbaird62 - Posted - 07/20/2023:  08:21:11

Mike, thank you for the reply. My headstock is appx 1/2" thick. Pictures with calipers added for a more precise measurement.

Please let me know if you have a tuner that matches and which might fit my banjolele.....Thanks!

mikehalloran - Posted - 07/21/2023:  11:02:43

Caliper measurements? Sweet!

Hopefully, I have that box here and not in the basement of my other place. If so, I'll know this afternoon.

mikehalloran - Posted - 07/21/2023:  12:25:16

I checked and the shafts on mine are 43.7 mm and will not work on a 1/2" headstock unless cut down — which may just work if you are good with a file. 

I have some other vintage Waverly tuners that might work but won't know till tomorrow. At the moment, I've applied penetrating oil to see if I can convince the screws to come loose so that I can take measurements.