Posted by Helix on Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Visit www.helixbanjos.com
The Helix rim is just like a shower curtain hung from a curtain rod, Amber Waves of Grain, an 8 panel curtain cut at a 45.
My rim is called a 'build up'. It's like a barber pole, a wagon wheel, a stained glass window arc, thus Helix, an ancient Roman Arch. The music goes down away from the tone ring at a 45 degree angle. The Helix rim is a true 75% solid hardwood rim, the neck mounts through solid wood, we alone do that, and the virtual depth is 4.25". It's an 8-block octagon rim, and has a characteristic and unique optical illusion, an octagonal cylinder 3" high. Like a lighthouse.
Helix rims are 8 solid blocks from top to bottom with only 8 joints reinforced by 8 glueblocks cut from the ends of each block. Simple, strong, gorgeous rims that 'luminesce.' There is Chatoyance "Like a Cat's Eye" the light shows where the music will go .They vibrate cleanly, the rim now sings.
I love the traditions, I Iove to innovate
6 comments on “HeliX Banjo Rims (TM) Since 2007”
darryl k. Says:
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 @9:50:38 AM
sounds interesting, but I'm having a hard time visualizing what you're building. How a bout a photo or two? Also wonder how you use flat stock to make a tone ring?
darryl
Banjo75 Says:
Thursday, December 4, 2008 @8:24:35 AM
I saw these online somewhere (maybe it was yours). cool idea, great looking banjo!
fatgob Says:
Sunday, February 1, 2009 @9:05:20 AM
Hi Helix, 'extreme recycling' I've now reversed this parchment on the head of my banjo, this parchment is pretty thin,I put it on a few years ago not expecting it to last very long but its still going. I've just made a new bridge for it out of laminating 5 layers of hand cut mahogany veneer stuck together with super glue. Its greatly improved the sound and has, I think ,a nice tone and is now my favourite play, Got a picture of this on my blog photos if you'd like to see.
tanglefingers Says:
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 @7:18:11 PM
you ever going to make a sound file Helix?????
Helix Says:
Wednesday, March 18, 2009 @10:16:55 PM
It's word of mouth, The MP3 license I had expired on my software, now I have to pay up or die.
shijokingo Says:
Wednesday, November 13, 2013 @4:34:48 AM
Helix banjos certainly seem not only a value but the person that makes them wants to spread music and banjo. Making a ton of money cuttin' a fat hog appears to not be on his agenda at all. Refreshing for the music industry..... or any industry for that matter
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