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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/408340
CJSBoston - Posted - 04/26/2026: 04:16:55
I picked up these two tone rings, each labeled RB-250. I assume they are each from a RB-250. They don't have any markings at all so I'm guessing they are OEM and not aftermarket. The chrome one on the blue carpet weighs 2 pounds, 2 ounces. The unplated one on the orange towel is 1 pound 15 ounces. Any ideas? Thanks!
BobbyE - Posted - 04/26/2026: 06:27:40
I could be wrong, but those weights seem light for any Gibson tone ring I have ever read about when the weight was mentioned. Most come in around pretty close to 3 pounds or so, if my memory serves.
Bobby
CJSBoston - Posted - 04/26/2026: 06:54:41
Thanks, Bobby. I know prewar rings are usually 3 pounds plus (excluding the lightweight flatheads for style 6 banjos), but I don't know anything about 1950s and newer. Maybe other Bowtie enthusiasts can shed some light on this for us.
BobbyE - Posted - 04/26/2026: 07:09:04
There could well have been a time when the 250s did have lighter tone rings. If so, am sure someone will chime in and let us know for sure.
Bobby
lightgauge - Posted - 04/26/2026: 10:46:50
There were lightweight rings used by Gibson in the years of plywood rims. My best guess would be the 70's, but I have no documentation to confirm the exact years.
CJSBoston - Posted - 04/26/2026: 10:52:10
Thanks, Bobby - that is helpful. It seems the make sense with what I'm learning about these years. Both rings are definitely from later than 1964 so 1970s makes sense.
Pigeontown Banjo Co - Posted - 04/29/2026: 11:37:56
I have a couple of these and with a good rim, I would challenge most anybody to discern between the tone and MUCH more desirable rings...I think their reputation was sunk more by the rims and banjos they were on than something inherently bad about them.
CJSBoston - Posted - 04/29/2026: 12:34:15
Thanks, Blake @ Pigeontown Banjo Co
That makes a good deal of sense. Those multi-ply rims were likely the culprit (along with poor build quality) for less than desirable sound. Thanks for sharing that perspective!
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