Sullivan conversion ring fitting.... Help!

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Gibson Ballbearing Owners Group

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From NickC on 7/15/2013 7:23:57 AM

Hi Folks.

Just wondering if anyone could help me.. Has anyone fitted a sullivan conversion ring to a TB3 before? I'm stuck!

I'm trying to put a Sullivan conversion ring in my 1926 TB3. Just to see how it sounds really. I've removed the tone ring and springs and washers to a safe place.

I understand that i'm supposed to remove the Silver metal band that runs along the outside of the existing tonering and put the sullivan tonerring in its place. The band is is loose all around but won't seem to release at the point where it runs past the neck. I'm wondering if the co-ordinating rod runs through a hole in the band and is holding it in place? Or whether its just wedged itself in and i have to apply brute force.

I thought it was a simple job and can't think i'd have to remove the co-ordinating rod to take the band off?!

many thanks

Nick

6 Comments
	BBKing26 says: 7/15/2013 7:33:46 AM Yes! The top coordinator rod lag screw runs through the metal skirt. You'll have to pull the neck and probably drill a hole in the Sullivan. Now for the unsolicited advice, keep it a ball bearing. There are plenty of reasonably priced flatheads out there.
NickC says: 7/15/2013 7:38:47 AM Thanks so much for your reply Jim. I was under the impression i could just slot it in and see how it sounds. Taking the neck off it a no go for me!
NickC says: 7/15/2013 7:54:22 AM Thanks so much for your reply Jim. I was under the impression i could just slot it in and see how it sounds. Taking the neck off it a no go for me!
	Fathand says: 7/15/2013 10:43:48 AM Neck removal and replacement is easy, just a bolt off & on but BBs do sound good as is.
NickC says: 7/15/2013 2:41:01 PM Thanks Rick. This group is a great source of info!
	gdoc says: 7/15/2013 5:04:44 PM For me, the whole purpose of getting a BB banjo is the sound that only BB's have. I would suggest truely listening to the tone of your banjo for awhile. They have a sweet sound no other banjo has. And believe me, their plenty loud, no matter what other non BB owners say.
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