Broken Stelling flange

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Stelling Owners Club

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For those who own or want to own the ultimate banjo. www.stellingbanjo.com

536 Members, Created 1/28/2011 -

Administrators: 5 String (owner)

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From grm405 on 1/27/2012 2:27:19 PM

Bought a 1984 Sunflower off Craigs list a few days ago. It was in "under the bed" condition with the head totally loose. Since the price was right, I bought even though, in its condition, it was virtually unplayable.

When i tried to tighten the head, the flange expanded until it would not fit into the resonator. After several attempts (wondering about the wisdom of the wedge system) it finally dawned on me to remove the neck. Turns out the flange had broken cleanly in two, hidden by the neck. Not sure how it happened, my guess is some extreme environmental condition in storage (like subzero temperature with a very tight head).

Riveted a small SS plate under the break with brass rivets and it allowed the head to be tightened, but now seems to be allowing the crack to open up some.

Has anyone else had this problem? How did you fix it? How much does a new flange cost? Geoff?

Aside from this broken flange, and some minor belt buckle rash, the banjo was in excellent condition and sounds and plays wonderfully.

Gerry

4 Comments
	Grum says: 1/27/2012 9:04:36 PM I seems a crime, to me, to do a bodgy repair on a quality instrument like a Stelling. The flange is a replaceable part so I would replace it. But then again it all costs money and the more you spend on replacement parts the less the bargain in the first place.
	Norand says: 1/28/2012 1:23:39 AM I'd vote for replacing too. But let Geoff have the final say in the matter before you decide. Best and most fair maker of anything out there.
	CurtissWhite says: 1/29/2012 10:46:45 AM I vote to contact Geoff and replace it. You'll enjoy getting to know Geoff. He treats all Stellings like they were his children. He could also give you a history on your instrument. Good luck and enjoy!
	Geoff Stelling says: 2/1/2012 1:20:17 PM Gerry, I apologize for the broken flange. There was a short period of time when we used bent copper that was silver soldered at the joint right at the neck heel. Several have broken over the years and I've resoldered a few with satisfactory results. Unfortunately, the newer flanges are a bit wider and do not fit all the resonators of older banjos like yours. Depending on how much it has been mutilated and/or deformed from your repair attempt, I may be able to resurrect it for you. The last time I had it done, I think it cost me about $70. A new flange would cost well over thrice that and it would probably not fit anyway. If you can send me the flange, I'll see what I can do. Geoff
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