Banjo Hangout Logo
Banjo Hangout Logo

Premier Sponsors

948
Banjo Lovers Online


Oct 13, 2024 - 2:18:58 AM
394 posts since 6/1/2003

I have a nice 12 inch openback with a rolled brass tonering. Is it possible to just take off the head (medium crown) and remove the tone ring without any other physical changes to the banjo?

Edited by - nyartist on 10/13/2024 02:50:22

Oct 13, 2024 - 5:54:37 AM

4928 posts since 10/13/2005

Yes, you can do that with or without my permission (joke). If you then try to make a playable banjo after that by just putting the head back on the action will probably be too low, or, perhaps a one inch bridge will work? banjered

Oct 13, 2024 - 6:20:04 AM
likes this

15788 posts since 6/2/2008

What he's saying is the plane of the head will be lower by the thickness of the ring. Probably 1/4 inch. A bridge 1/4 inch taller seems like an easy way to make up the difference.

If there were such a thing as a 1/4-inch thick 12-inch diameter ring made of the same wood as the rim, you could replace the tone ring with that.

Oct 13, 2024 - 6:31:07 AM

394 posts since 6/1/2003

I like 5/8" bridged so 3/4" might do the trick even though that's only an additional 1/8"

Oct 13, 2024 - 6:47:53 AM
likes this

3163 posts since 2/4/2013

quote:
Originally posted by nyartist

I like 5/8" bridged so 3/4" might do the trick even though that's only an additional 1/8"


Not without filling the ledge that the rolled brass tone sits on as Ken describes above. If it was just a brass hoop sitting on the rim it would be ok.

Oct 13, 2024 - 6:51:03 AM

394 posts since 6/1/2003

This is a Pisgah openback. I changed the head a few weeks ago and removed the tone ring. But I put it back and don't remember how the ring was sitting on the head. I might have to just take the head off and see for myself.

Oct 13, 2024 - 4:24:49 PM

6092 posts since 5/29/2011

A rolled brass tone ring is a flat hoop that sits on a ledge routed around the rim. It extends about half its height above the wood.
Then there is a 1/4" rod rolled into a ring which sits on top of the rim with no routing. In recent years some people call this a rolled brass tone ring which creates no end of confusion.
Removing either one is going to drop the plane of the head by about 1/4". That will set the strings a 1/4" lower than they are now which means that the action needs to be raised back up to its original position in some way.
If the ring is a true rolled brass ring, then the ledge will also have to be filled in.

Oct 15, 2024 - 12:50:30 PM

443 posts since 6/15/2006

To Phil (if you are still there). I am a bit curious. Why do you want to remove the ring? Is it for tonal reasons or what ? There are great banjos out there without tonerings, so ---- ? Steen

Oct 15, 2024 - 3:25:29 PM

394 posts since 6/1/2003

Hi Steen

it's all about the extra weight of the tone ring. Too many rotator cuff surgeries. I;m looking to trade or sell this Pisgah and get banjo without a tone ring - just wood.

Oct 16, 2024 - 8:50:53 AM

443 posts since 6/15/2006

Oh too bad Phil. It is about getting a light banjo. I know Deering has Goodtime versions both with and without tonerings. I have tried both and of the two I tried I clearly preferred the one without a tone ring. But they may differ? But maybe someone in this forum knows about a good but super light weight banjo. Can anybody help ??
The very best wishes for you and your shoulder. I do hope you find a solution. Steen

Edited by - steen on 10/16/2024 08:57:10

Oct 23, 2024 - 10:06:13 PM

Brodoh

USA

34 posts since 2/25/2017

quote:
Originally posted by nyartist

Hi Steen

it's all about the extra weight of the tone ring. Too many rotator cuff surgeries. I;m looking to trade or sell this Pisgah and get banjo without a tone ring - just wood.


Check out Pisgah's Possum, it's an all wood rim. I have one in Walnut and love it.

Oct 23, 2024 - 10:38 PM
likes this

28273 posts since 6/25/2005

Steve Gerritsen, who makes Stone banjos, builds all-wood pots; I have one and it’s great. He’d work with you to get as light a banjo as possible. He has lots of pix on the stonebanjo.com website; mine is #24158. 

@nyartist

Edited by - Bill Rogers on 10/23/2024 22:48:58

Oct 24, 2024 - 1:24:24 AM
likes this

394 posts since 6/1/2003

I found a beautiful Zach Hoyt walnut openback with a unique zebra wood fret board. Good weight. My shoulders thank Zach. I did look at Stone banjos and would have been just as pleased going that route, but I knew Zach from earlier transactions.

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent
Copyright 2024 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.





Hangout Network Help

View All Topics  |  View Categories

0.2226563