1926 TB-4 converted at last

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Gibson Ballbearing Owners Group

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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)

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From jimt on 7/28/2015 3:56:30 PM

I have finally tweaked the set-up on the 1926 TB-4 that I bought on eBay a couple of years back. The pot is factory original, down to the Jos. Rogers head. Robin did his typical superb job and replicated the original neck specifications as a 5-string. I have heard of legendary BB conversions that had power and tone but never experienced one until now. Most of the BB banjos I have seen and played had the bearings removed or were cranked down tight or whatever but they always sounded thin and weak up the neck. I am humbled by the one I now have. It has the lonesome fundamentals and the mysterious overtones yet is clear as a bell and strong everywhere on the fretboard. Compared to my 1927 Granada 40 hole, it has the same flavor but is a bit clearer and louder. I am happy.

2 Comments
	NDJohn says: 7/28/2015 4:15:32 PM Congratulations, Jim! Hope things are well with you these days. Your old R&T Keith is happy and well fed, incidentally...
	revellfa says: 8/5/2015 10:58:31 AM I always wondered what a mahogany BB would sound like so I got what was essentially a "parts" Style 4 a little over a year ago. It was a fine banjo. I'm glad yours turned out well.
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