Charlie Cushman recently completed a set-up on one of Uncle Dave's genuine custom Gibson banjos. I was thrilled that he wanted to replace the newer (obviously non-original) REMO plastic with a JDBalch / Stern Tanning Co. hide head. It is a real honor to contribute a part to such an historic and significant instrument. THANK-You Charlie!
11 comments on “UNCLE DAVE MACON's original Gibson banjo - with new JDBalch hide head”
Gordy Ohliger Says:
Tuesday, September 22, 2015 @3:26:57 PM
I was just listening to the Dixie Dewdrop hours ago!
This ol' boy SHOULD be cared for...I've gotten a lot of pleasure from her.
What's the tone-ring like? Wood of the pot?
Thank you ~
GSCarson Says:
Tuesday, September 22, 2015 @3:28:17 PM
Very cool John. Is that the same one George G owns? If so, I had a chance to check it out when we were in Nashville, neat piece of banjo history! The head looks perfect. Glenn
jbalch Says:
Tuesday, September 22, 2015 @3:42:29 PM
This one belongs to an heir of a legendary country music family (Nashville royalty). It is not the one that George has. It is no-doubt authentic. The provenance is clear. I think Uncle Dave personally gave it to the current owner's famous grandmother. Apparently, there were four (4) or five (5) of these that were custom-made for Uncle Dave with dowel sticks rather then the standard RB-1 coordinator rod. The dowel made it possible for Uncle Dave to do his stage tricks - spinning and flipping the banjo.
banjochuck Says:
Tuesday, September 22, 2015 @3:46:53 PM
Kudos top you, John! That historic banjo joins the growing exclusive club of Balch-headed banjers!
Chuck
jbalch Says:
Tuesday, September 22, 2015 @3:48:50 PM
Gordy: I didn't get to handle the banjo - just to supply the head. From what I understand - other than the dowel stick - it is a standard RB1 from the period. The tone ring would be a simple brass hoop. Rim was most likely 3-ply.
dbrooks Says:
Tuesday, September 22, 2015 @4:05:15 PM
What a great story, John. This just feels right.
Gordy Ohliger Says:
Wednesday, September 23, 2015 @7:55:22 AM
That just tickles the heck out of me, and starts my day in the right frame of mind.
Why, I just might play a little tune...
pastorharry Says:
Wednesday, September 23, 2015 @10:36:48 AM
Been listening to Uncle Dave in my car while driving back and forth to jams Monday and Tuesday
...no mean feat! :)
pastorharry Says:
Wednesday, September 23, 2015 @10:38:26 AM
Is that the one Stringbean got?
five-string fever Says:
Tuesday, November 17, 2015 @2:41:09 PM
I am guessing Roseanne Cash inherited it from Maybelle Carter.
five-string fever Says:
Tuesday, November 17, 2015 @2:54:26 PM
Just thinking that would be about as Nashville Royalty as you get. I can't imagine too many other famous females in the industry from 80 or more years ago who'd have kids and grandkids still in the business. It might have been Maybelle>June Carter-Cash>Roseanne.
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