A couple months ago I bought a 1923 Silver Bell #1 shell—the one with the perforated tone ring. I’ve been trying to get one for years. So, since the shell was from a tenor, I had to have a neck made. Renée Karnes is well under way on it. I’ll post any pix she sends, and certainly will post when I get the banjo. If you’re unfamiliar with Renée’s work, check out http://Banjosbyrenee.com.
Edited by - Bill Rogers on 11/25/2020 02:30:54
Bill, I picked up a Bacon very basic Blue Ribbon tenor a few year ago that had the silver belle tone ring with the perforations. I don't know the age, for instead of a serial number, it has an 'X' stamped into the dowel stick and the rim. It is a wonderful banjo with the 5 string neck I had made for it. It's not a reproduction type neck, but more like an electric guitar style with guitar tuners. I'm sure you will be happy with your Silver Belle.
I think two-finger playing Will Keys used a tenor banjo but mounted the fifth string on the tenor banjo neck (but it had a resonator):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOQrX_UzCJk
