looking to up grade the black rim to a sullivan wood rim ... will that help are would more have to be done
ok maybe i should explain my question a little better ... 1977 gibson Mastertone was wondering if replacing the multi ply rim blk for a 3ply wood rim if that would make an approvment or must i replace the flange and tone ring also ..... any opoinions would be appreciated
Around '77-78 is when Gibson changed the rim from a many ply to a three ply, seams routed and filled making it look like a 5-ply rim. The many ply rim should be obvious as there are about 12 plies. The 3-ply rims are finished in a matte/flat black and the seams aren't as obvious.
If the latter, a rim change may be marginal and it's also likely to have to have the heavier, near 3-1/2lbs, GBB ring. The many ply rim 250's also have a light weight weight ring just over 2 pounds.
So, as usual.....it depends.
edit: posted as previous post being made.
Edited by - 550Spyder on 01/24/2021 10:54:45
Hmmmm thank you , i better look this thing over a little closer ....... it really dont sound all that bad ..... but nothing like my Deering golden era
LOTS of folks upgraded these 1970s Mastertones with decent 3 ply maple rims. I hear of Jimmy Cox rims used a lot for this very purpose. Of course, you want to be a rim properly cut for your vintage of Mastertone, meaning a 2 piece flange construction.
No need to change the flange.
Changing the tone ring puts you on the never-ending quest for the best sounding tone ring. I suggest you take time to tweak set up details once you have the new rim in, before you start going down the tone ring trail.
I have a 1981 RB250 with a brown 3 ply rim and a GBB ring. Weighs a ton but sounds great.
The Factory Floor rims Sullivan that are in the V-35 banjos are awesome rims. Can't beat them IMO. I would send the ring to Eric and have him fit the rim properly to it. You'll be glad you did IMO.
thank you all for the advise in my head thats what i have been thinking start with the rim i will send it off to Eric for proper fit
quote:
Originally posted by Wayne Cthank you all for the advise in my head thats what i have been thinking start with the rim i will send it off to Eric for proper fit
Make sure to send the flange, too.
Send the whole banjo and get a free setup. Have him put one of those $10 bridges on too. Best bargain in banjoland
gotta becarfull ill have the money cop on my back .... im gonna save $50 if i stain it myself ..... ahhhh the retired life of penny pinching
quote:
Originally posted by Ks_5-pickerSend the whole banjo and get a free setup. Have him put one of those $10 bridges on too. Best bargain in banjoland
I'll agree on the 10 roasted maple bridge. They are the real thing!
