I was looking at replacing the tension hoop on my Artisan Americana open-back with this hoop: rickardbanjos.com/collections/...p-grooved and was wondering if anyone else did this mod.
Please only reply if you have experience with this mod, and don't flame me for wanting to upgrade my banjo. I'm left-handed and don't have all the choices 90% of you have.
Thanks in advance for any help you might offer.
Patrick
quote:
Originally posted by Lefty2ThumbI was looking at replacing the tension hoop on my Artisan Americana open-back with this hoop: rickardbanjos.com/collections/...p-grooved and was wondering if anyone else did this mod.
Please only reply if you have experience with this mod,
Thanks in advance for any help you might offer.
Patrick
Not one of your choices. The likelihood that someone who reads this has actually done the mod are practically nil. There are, however, plenty of experienced people around here who know a thing or two about a thing or two.
That said, it should work but I see a potential issue. You will probably have to modify or replace the hooks for it to work the way you want. Modifying the hooks may be as simple as squeezing them in a pair of pliers or a vise and filing the end till the curve grabs the outer lip of the new hoop as it should.
I don't see a flat hook on Rickard's site. It may be possible that a standard round hook will go with this grooved hoop. They will know so reach out.
Worst case as I see it: new flat hooks and matching nuts if the Deering thread doesn't match what you find.
Banjos are better than Model A Fords when it comes to tinkering.
Lefty2Thumb Mike Halloran knows a thing or three and knows the Deerings as well.
Sir, you have the right to move about your own banjo. I am asking why you would want to exchange a non tarnishing nickel piece for raw brass.
I also have experience modifying other Deering banjos for customer needs. Their use of a non-grooved tension hoop for that price point is self-explanatory. Gold Tone does the same thing. Flat hooks fit nicely on both the rounded shoulders of those level hoops.
The hooks supplied to you are flattened at the top end so they don't stick out away from the tension hoop like round hooks would do if you chose to use them. My opinion is that Mr. Rickard knows what he knows, he doesn't offer flat hooks because he makes great quality round hooks under his supervision. If his round hooks fit his grooved tension hoop it's because he has spec'd a wider groove to keep form having bend his own hooks.
Grooved tension hoops are not easy to produce. First grooved flat and then rolled and joined.
The hooks aren't the issue, grunge and electrolysis might be. I also have some great quality old time Vega grooved tension hoops not of your spec. The nickel plating is still intact and buffable.
Your nickel hooks will fit just fine. Enjoy your personal expression. And be prepared to remove the hooks periodically to buff the hoop.
The brass hoop can be clear coated to prevent ultraviolet interaction for a short period like 5-8 years.
For a 12" rim, I'm sure the 16 hooks contribute well to the "stronger bass response." Extra hooks cost more at the end of the year. I spec. Renaissance heads as well, the 12's especially give great response for whatever the player enjoys.
The Goodtime Artisan Americana™ features a 12” rim, which gives the banjo a stronger bass response and a much warmer tone. The fullness and warmth of the larger rim is further enhanced by the addition of a 12” Renaissance head which beautifully complements the banjo both visually and sonically. The Artisan version of the Goodtime Americana features a rich brown stain, planetary banjo tuners, and the Midnight Maple fingerboard.?
Hi Helix and Mike,
Thank you for the replies. I love to tinker, so for me; this is all about making the banjo "mine." I was also thinking about getting new hooks(round) and nuts. Mostly just dressing up the banjo. In this world of great banjo makers, I know several folks could make me a great lefty, but with almost a two-year wait, and at the age of 71, I'm more inclined to live in the moment. I see many open-back builders using raw brass for much of their hardware, so I'm assuming the issue of tarnish/oxidation is not as worrisome as Helix suggested. I'll post pics once I've completed the makeover.
