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new owner of bottlecap rim with questions
From tonywils on 2/24/2018 5:33:08 PM
I’m so glad to find this group, thanks. I am the proud new owner of an aluminum rim, I think it’s what you guys call a “bottle cap.” :)
I have lots of questions about it, if you don’t mind. I understand if you may not have all the answers.
1st, which side is up ;) I’m thinking that the small hole opposite the neck mounting hole should be below the flange. But I could see it going the other way as well.
2. should the rim have a single rod going from the oval neck hole to the hole opposite; the two holes are not even each other, the rod would angle down from the neck.
3. Is a single bolt enough to securely hold the neck, or should a 2nd hole be drilled for another lag bolt?
4. What sort of tailpiece works with bottlecaps? Would any tailpiece work if I’m willing to experiment with screws, spacers etc?
5. It has 30 holes for hooks, I've never seen a notched hoop with 30 notches, is a grooved hoop the only way to go?
Sorry for all the questions and if they seem very basic. I see this as a fun project, a chance to play around with something new.
(I tried to post photos but I don't see a way to attach them. They've been uploaded to my media folder in my profile.)
Thank you,
Tony Wilson
6 Comments |
 | darwinyarwin says:
2/25/2018 11:18:28 AM
Okay, I'll give it a shot:
Most of your questions can be answered visually be looking at images. Try this - google.com/search?q=aluminum+r...6&bih=611
#1 - The wider side of the rim is "up", the narrow side is "down" on most bottlecaps.
#2 Single rod. some rods angle some don't (sorry for this answer). Most are parallel, but some slightly angle one way or another as they are not always well engineered.
#3 just the single bolt. Try it.
#4 most standard tailpieces with a single bolt running down to the flange will work.
#5 I won't say there are NO notched hoops, but grooved is more common. with cobra hooks.
These are just my opinions, others will have possibly better answers.
Good Luck and Welcome!
Tom
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 | tonywils says:
2/25/2018 12:58:58 PM
Thanks for the reply and the information, Tom. Some of photos make it it a little clearer, and as I start assembling hardware, it should all come together. Also, I may do modifications as I go along. I think the hole for the rear of the rods is in a bad spot, if I shift it down it will improve the neck attachment and make it easier to attach the tailpiece.
Thanks again,
Tony
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 | tucsonsean says:
2/26/2018 8:30:06 AM
You can eliminate any concern for rod angle by simply not using one. The rigidness of the metal pot precludes needing one. Many original aluminum rim banjos (Gariepys, e.g.) never had one.
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| tonywils says:
2/26/2018 9:32:30 AM
Tucsonsean, thanks for the tip; assembly would be simpler if I just attached the neck w/o a rod. I grabbed some old parts from my "hardware box" and did a quick check and it's good. The rim is about 11 1/8 inches, but an 11" tension hoop slides on OK.
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| tonywils says:
2/27/2018 5:29:40 AM
To follow up on my own post: googling 'japanese aluminum banjo' brought up a lot of photos and discussions. Part of my confusion came from the different way these banjo have their necks attached - a rod held secure by a screw through the heel as opposed to the lag screw method I am familiar with. I found a few places that sell replacements for those rods, but I'm just going to go with the lag screw. I found a video of a guy doing the same; it's a bit short on details, but it has some playing ;)
Thanks for the help, guys, it's appreciated.
youtube.com/watch?v=xUoq1IUiByA
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 | Shmockiebaby says:
4/23/2020 6:11:26 AM
I am in the process of modifying an old “Encore” bottle cap from Japan right now. I have a Saga neck that I’m putting on it. Gonna still the hole today for that big neck heel bolt.
Funny, I spent last evening studying and thinking, and after considering my box OC banjo parts and all of the alternatives, I decided to reuse the old neck bolt and single rod. It works well, holds it all together.
I always assumed that the angle of the neck rod was to give leverage if you try to use the rod to tweak the neck angle. But I always try to install the neck at the correct angle to start with.
As noted above, Gariepy and others didn’t use a rod, so you can probably just bolt it on.
As for single bolt, if it is lined up properly, and the not h in neck is against the tension hoop, it shouldn’t wiggle. Bolt is plenty strong enough to secure neck. If you think about it, all of the force is actually on the screw that secures that bolt. And it holds just fine. Banjo string tension is pretty light.
These little bottle caps are great for projects, camping banjos, and can be nice players when set up correctly. Have fun with yours!
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