TimFoster - Posted - 06/15/2025:  09:01:49

If you had a prewar conversion which could be reliably gigged (stays in tune, plays well, etc)… would you?



I get that any tonal nuances aren’t so important in the context of a group through a PA… but there are a number of reasons any banjo might be desirable to the player — feel or perceived sensitivity, the way the resonator rattles your gut, the ghosts of players past haunting your pickin’ fingers… whatever the case.



I ask as the first time dipping my toes into a prewar conversion, the banjo (reasonably well packed) arrived with a cracked/broken flange. It was insured and returnable, but… are they that delicate? I have a Calton case and I’m certainly not careless with my instruments, but — jams, rehearsals, bars, breweries — do you bring ‘em out? Ever had a mishap?

Edited by - TimFoster on 06/15/2025 09:05:19

OldFrets - Posted - 06/15/2025:  09:15:09

I would not hesitate to gig with any of my 1920s banjos, conversions or not. Sure, there are fragile ones out there, but plenty are still in fine condition.

Old Hickory - Posted - 06/15/2025:  10:42:11

quote:

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Originally posted by TimFoster

If you had a prewar conversion which could be reliably gigged (stays in tune, plays well, etc)… would you?



I ask as the first time dipping my toes into a prewar conversion, the banjo (reasonably well packed) arrived with a cracked/broken flange.

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I own instruments to play them. If I were to buy a pre-war conversion it would be to play it -- preferably with others. I rarely gig any more, but I get out to jams. I'd be careful, but things happen.

As to your broken flange: I think pre-war pot metal flanges are known to go brittle.  I don't think simply taking the banjo out to play is the risk.  I don't know if they break from the normal bumps of handling. And I assume plenty of purchased pre-war banjos get shipped and arrive with their flanges in tact. Again, I guess things happen.



Are you considering returning it? Can you get partial reimbursement for just the flange? Maybe the cost to attempt a repair?



I've seen photos of repaired pre-war flanges. Kind of hit-or-miss results. I think that's the nature of old pot metal. Or maybe specifically Zamac.



You could possibly replace the flange. Pre-war flanges turn up for sale from time-to-time. So do Doehler flanges (Gibson's fabricator) from other eras.

jdeluke137 - Posted - 06/15/2025:  12:00:08

I have 3 conversions - a 29 TB4, a 30 TB4 and a 36 MB3. They all go to jams, gigs, and anything else you can dream up. No point of having them if they are just going to stay at home in their cases.

Two travel in Calton cases, 1 in a Price.  If they're out at home they're in Sosebee stands.  Nothing has broken yet.  If it does, I'll get it fixed.

Edited by - jdeluke137 on 06/15/2025 12:03:13

Alvin Conder - Posted - 06/15/2025:  12:36:56

They are meant to be played. Insure them and take them anywhere you want.

What good are they if they are not utilized.

TimFoster - Posted - 06/15/2025:  12:42:00

Thanks guys… I’m thinking along similar lines — I wouldn’t consider myself a collector, and it would be hard for me to justify owning if I’m unable to enjoy it to it’s fullest (playing it alongside other folks).

Old Hickory — my prior experience with the broken flange was a while ago, and I did wind up exchanging it for something else in the seller’s inventory. The experience discouraged me from pursuing the prewar conversion thing for some time, but I’ve done some horse trading recently and will be picking up another (in person) near the end of the month…

Just wanted a bit of a sanity check before bringing it out!

lightgauge - Posted - 06/15/2025:  14:01:42

The flange is likely the only really fragile thing about them. I am not convinced that a newer well fitted flange has any different sound than an original. I think pot metal is dead, new or old.
If concerned, have a newer flange fitted and play it everywhere and enjoy it! The RK flanges have worked well for me as replacements, but I expect Prucha or even Golden Gate are good as well.

TimFoster - Posted - 06/15/2025:  17:03:31

quote:

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Originally posted by lightgauge

...If concerned, have a newer flange fitted and play it everywhere and enjoy it! The RK flanges have worked well for me as replacements, but I expect Prucha or even Golden Gate are good as well.

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That's a great idea -- thanks Bobby!

Barretone - Posted - 06/15/2025:  17:46:16

These old banjos were designed to be played -- and they're plenty tough. The most dangerous thing you can do at a gig is put one on a guitar-style stand. That's a recipe for broken necks and a jobs program for luthiers. Get the low, triangular stands. Sorry about your flange. I've been playing out for 40+ years and never broke one. 

quote:

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Originally posted by TimFoster

If you had a prewar conversion which could be reliably gigged (stays in tune, plays well, etc)… would you?



I get that any tonal nuances aren’t so important in the context of a group through a PA… but there are a number of reasons any banjo might be desirable to the player — feel or perceived sensitivity, the way the resonator rattles your gut, the ghosts of players past haunting your pickin’ fingers… whatever the case.



I ask as the first time dipping my toes into a prewar conversion, the banjo (reasonably well packed) arrived with a cracked/broken flange. It was insured and returnable, but… are they that delicate? I have a Calton case and I’m certainly not careless with my instruments, but — jams, rehearsals, bars, breweries — do you bring ‘em out? Ever had a mishap?

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The Old Timer - Posted - 06/15/2025:  20:34:15

A pre-war resonator banjo is MUCH tougher than an old fiddle or pre-war Martin guitar.

Oddly Gibson mandolins are described as tough as tanks...

Necks of course are the most vulnerable part of a banjo; heel and peghead.

Unless you drop one on the edge of the resonator/pot, how on earth would you ever bust the flange? Barring of course that it's one of the SUPER-delicate pot metal flanges with zinc pest.

Shipping damage is a whole 'nother issue though. Who knows what forces they are subjected to.

I really enjoy playing my pre-war conversions out at festivals, gigs, etc. They all have good hardshell cases, and I handle them with care. The only damage I've endured was when I stupidly leaned a 1926 Granada up against the back wall of a festival stage, and when I turned away, just my footsteps on the stage floor led it to (naturally) tip over sideways (in agonizing slow motion). I am eternally grateful that the only damage was to a Schaller D-tuner which absorbed the landing, breaking into a top and bottom half. I learned my lesson.

kyleb - Posted - 06/16/2025:  11:18:56

I know pros like sonny osborne had replica necks built so they could travel and gig with their prewars. Since a neck break is probably the most common accident to happen to any stringed insturment, that makes sense to me. I dont have a prewar flathead five, but I do take my prewar conversions and my non mastertone fives to jams and festivals without incident.

KCJones - Posted - 06/16/2025:  17:13:44

Unless it's a museum-quality piece, or a unique piece of history not represented elsewhere, there's no reason to preserve it.