DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device.
Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher.
Weekly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, banjo news and more.
Premier Sponsors
|
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/406091
banjodiesel31 - Posted - 11/23/2025: 06:51:09
I recently purchased a Gibson banjo and need help with identifying what it really is. It was listed as a 1930 Gibson TB-2 conversion. The FON is 8383-69. I believe it may be a 1926 TB-1, but I don’t know for sure.
bill t - Posted - 11/23/2025: 17:36:36
A 1926 TB-1 would have a shoe and plate flange like is shown in your pictures.
I would think a 1930 TB-2 would have come with a one piece flange and
because of that would be worth more money.
bill t - Posted - 11/23/2025: 18:16:55
I looked at an ad on the internet that I think is for this banjo.
I wonder if the resonator on the banjo is from the TB-1?
woodchips - Posted - 11/24/2025: 03:48:05
I have seen both Tb1 and Tb2 in 1926 banjos that have shoe brackets and plates. I have had both types of plates and still have plates that I got from a guy when I wanted the diamond but had the other and the seller sent me many of them. I think I will make a pot and do a shoe bracket banjo with a wooden tone ring.
banjodiesel31 - Posted - 11/24/2025: 04:31:37
The banjo is fairly light compared to the others I have. Is there a way to find out the maker of the tone ring? It appears to be smaller than most and light weight. It definitely has a unique sound. Sounds very similar to what I hear on old recordings. I believe this was built without a tone ring. The rim looks like it was cut down for the tone ring placement, going by the 2nd picture. This is my first Gibson. I'm so excited!
banjodiesel31 - Posted - 11/24/2025: 07:39:59
quote:
Originally posted by bill tI looked at an ad on the internet that I think is for this banjo.
I wonder if the resonator on the banjo is from the TB-1?
The resonator is original. Has the same FON stamped in it as the rim. I can't believe how loud it is. It looks like it has a full size tone ring in it. Do you know anything about tone rings or know someone that does?
bill t - Posted - 11/26/2025: 17:03:21
The BHO has a number of people who are knowledgeable about tone rings.
The problem is you need good pictures and any distinguishing markings.
So many tone rings are so similar, it can be hard to tell one brand from another.
If it sounds good to you, that's the important part.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.
