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How much does an avereage 5 string 11" BB weigh

From Ragtimejoe on 4/4/2024 9:58:12 AM

I was windering what an average 5 string 11" BB weighs compared to an average 5 string professional level flatheahed tone ring banjo?

Also, does anyone make a repro bb tone ring? 

Thanks

 

5 Comments

petevincze says:
4/4/2024 10:11:07 AM

Ragtime Joe, the difference is pretty minimal, say a pound or two, Ive owned a couple of BB's and yes they are lighter but not quite as light as the non mastertones that have only the brass hoop. I am not aware of any repro bb tone rings. Most people will get a BB to flathead ring.

Fathand says:
4/4/2024 11:11:02 AM

I recall weighing mine at 11.5 lb. All the balls, springs and washers included. I have weighed flathead mastertone styles between 12.5 and 14 lb but none were actual Gibsons.

Gibson got away from the full ball bearing setup of 1925/26 after 2 years, most likely because it was expensive to produce the 98+ parts contained in the tone ring setup. This may be why repo parts are not made although the ball bearings should be easy to find at any bearing supply.

kodakcollector says:
4/4/2024 11:25:07 AM

I think I have a bb tone ring lying around somewhere.

kodakcollector says:
4/4/2024 11:27:05 AM

I can weigh this one.

flickr.com/gp/kodakcollector/1461161sox

kodakcollector says:
4/4/2024 1:43:58 PM

The 1926 Granada I posted the link to above weighs 10.0 lbs.


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