Need 2 washers

Premier Sponsors

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue, we will assume that you agree to our privacy policy which includes details of cookie usage. Hide this notice

Gibson Ballbearing Owners Group

Join This Group

All those who own or would like to own one of these wonderful instruments are invited to join.

119 Members, Created 1/26/2011 -

Administrators: Couchie (owner)

< Back to Home

From 80Percent on 8/28/2019 12:24:37 PM

I'm doing a tune up on a friend's BB, serial 8412-17. Where can I get 2 spring washers?

3 Comments
	monstertone says: 8/28/2019 3:27:03 PM The springs were die springs. The washers are what is referred to as hi collar washers used under socket head cap screws. I think. Take one to a hardware store like Ace or whatever you have in your area, & see what kind of match you can find. besides the thickness, the hole must match the originals or the ball will not sit at the same height as the others. If youare unable to find a match at the local hardware store, you might try looking up a tool & die shop.
80Percent says: 8/28/2019 6:25:10 PM Thanks.
	dhergert says: 2/28/2020 8:30:18 AM I've found stainless steel pop-rivet washers to be a pretty close match. Take an original washer in with you when you go shopping to get the closest match available, being careful not to loose the original washer though. While an exact match would be ideal, the outside diameter is the most important measurement to match. Thickness differences get compensated for by the springs when you bring the assembly up to tension. Springs are much harder to find replacements for, so be careful not to loose them. Note that when you tighten up the assembly, the welded tone ring assembly should not touch the rim, there should be enough free space for the ring to vibrate freely. I usually make sure I can at least fit a nickle between the tone ring and the top of the rim... With that in mind, if the springs do not hold the tone ring away from the rim when the head is up to proper tension, the springs probably need to be replaced.
Post a Comment
You must be logged in and a member of this group to post a comment.

	Meet Doc, Sleepy, Happy and Grumpy Linked by paxflyer 6 years ago
	1926 Gibson tb3 w/conversion 5 string neck Linked by petevincze 7 years ago
	(untitled) Linked by bbult 7 years ago: Gibson Script Logo Block on my 1925 Tb3.....very few were made...Oct 1925...
	PRICE REDUCED! Original 5 String 1926 Gibson Mastertone RB-3, Ball-bearing, FON 8447-7 Linked by revellfa 8 years ago: Wow. Only one I've ever seen for sale
Forum Post: (untitled) Linked by revellfa 8 years ago
Forum Post: (untitled) Linked by revellfa 8 years ago: I'd like to trade my 1954 Gibson Southern Jumbo for your Ball Bearing Banjo
	Raised head Banjo for sale - REDUCED REDUCED REDUCED - ON EBAY. ** SOLD SOLD SOLD ** Linked by Ralph Stanley legend 8 years ago
Forum Post: (untitled) Linked by Ralph Stanley legend 8 years ago
Forum Post: (untitled) Linked by revellfa 9 years ago: 1923 TB-3 conversion. Balls and tone hoop but no springs on this model I'm told.
MP3: Darlin' Cora Linked by revellfa 9 years ago: Played on a 1923 TB-3 Conversion. No springs on this model, just the tube and balls.