roamer - Posted - 05/31/2026:  04:05:08

Hello new here how would a bellflower with 3 ply rim sound if i had a sullivan block walnut rim put in it
thanks

martyjoe - Posted - 05/31/2026:  04:52:28

It would sound like a banjo

Edited by - martyjoe on 05/31/2026 04:55:23

pinenut - Posted - 05/31/2026:  05:36:14

Buying a different banjo is a better investment than swapping a good rim for a good rim.  The bridge is a better place to look for tonal refinements.

Big tone changes can be had by changing/adjusting the head or changing to different string sets.

Edited by - pinenut on 05/31/2026 05:37:51

TTtheBear - Posted - 05/31/2026:  06:18:36

Totally agree with pinenut. Stelling has a proprietary (tapered) rim configuration which contributes to its considerable sustain. I have an older Bellflower. Wouldn't change a thing.

Bart Veerman - Posted - 05/31/2026:  06:26:10

How would a Chevy drive with a Ford engine?



Them Bell Flowers are incredibly unique and amazing banjos, please don't turn it into a not-a-Bellflower.

banjobob36 - Posted - 05/31/2026:  06:58:52

It would be a Stellivan. A completely ruined deflowered original.

roamer - Posted - 05/31/2026:  07:12:53

Thanks guys ill leave it be guess ill find new bridge and different strings been using 5/8 scorpion bridge light Daddario strings any suggestions.

The Old Timer - Posted - 05/31/2026:  08:37:16

What kind of sound are you hunting for? Stellings are generally known for power and sustain. Gibson-ites tend to think Stellings have too much of both.

There are set up tricks galore for Stellings, like any good banjo. You can make it BIT softer and "thuddier" (headed the Gibson way) or you can tweak it to absolute shrillness.

Check out the history of posts here on set up tips for Stellings. And keep your eyes open for a Stelling factory-equipped with a block rim, and play on it and talk to the owner. Many Stellings went out the door with a believe a "Timeless Timber" rim option. No need to convert a standard, especially now that Stellings are NO LONGER MADE.

KCJones - Posted - 05/31/2026:  09:33:50

Stellings sound better with medium strings. They like a heavier string than the typical Mastertone banjos.

Do not swap the rim. Not only will it cost you $1000 and not make much difference, you'll cut the value of that Stelling by a couple grand too.

mirwin - Posted - 05/31/2026:  11:24:09

As KCJones said, Stellings sound more Stelling-like with heavier strings. Mine came from the factory with "Medium Heavy" strings which I found too heavy but the GHS PF145 Medium Light (10 12 13 22 10) seemed like a good compromise to me. Light gauge strings made my Stelling sound like a Gibson.

banjobob36 - Posted - 05/31/2026:  18:05:43

Roamer Roamer roamer... Get a KatZ Eyes bridge and install Huber strings. Disregard mediums, heavies, lights or different makes and brands. Keep it simple forward and straight.

Eastbanjo - Posted - 05/31/2026:  18:19:08

I like 10,12,14,22,10 Black Diamond N730L strings on any Stelling.

rvrose - Posted - 05/31/2026:  22:52:16

Is it a Tony Pass rim? I agree with everyone else, don't do it. If you want a less bright sound, sell it and buy a gibson like banjo. Those TP rims are hard to find.

Rick