I recently picked up a 1924 Banjo Mandolin. I am currently rebuilding it to make it playable. The tension ring has two threaded holes on the underside. Can anyone tell me the purpose of these two holes?
I will also post a few more pictures of the Banjolin and my progress.
Edited by - SBP on 11/11/2024 17:15:32
This is how I recieved it.
Wood sanded down.
My current progress.
The neck and resonator are refinished.
I hand sanded the nickle plating off of the brass and most of the casting imperfections out.
I expected the fretboard to be ebony, but I was surprised that both the face of the head and fretboard were ebony. I knew ebony was hard, but wow! That was like sanding a stone. lol
I didn't take out too much of the imperfections in the ebony. Besides, it gives it character.
Edited by - SBP on 11/11/2024 17:24:35
Since this is "zither banjo" construction, those threaded holes are probably for adjustable standoffs, one for the neck and one for the tailpiece. These keep the wooden pot from collapsing under string tension. The standoff bolts usually have holes transversely drilled so that a rod can be inserted to turn them.
Edited by - trapdoor2 on 11/11/2024 18:10:30
What a neat project! There is a previous discussion with an image in the archive.
banjohangout.org/archive/310670
You guys are awesome! Thanks for the help, I understand now. They go inline with the neck and strings. After installation, one tightens toward the neck and one tightens toward the tailpiece. Used to counter the string tension.
Originaly I thought it had something to do with holding the flesh hoop in place, but then I noticed the bolts did not go all the way through. Then I was left scratching my head. Thanks for helping me understand.
Here are a few more pictures just in case it helps others in the future.
Edited by - SBP on 11/12/2024 06:07:18
I would be curious to know the size and details of the head and tuning machines. I see another one of these on Etsy and am tempted to buy it.
Appears to just be standard type A machine heads. The ones on mine are original and work fine, but I will be replacing with black and gold machine heads.
quote:
Originally posted by SBPAppears to just be standard type A machine heads. The ones on mine are original and work fine, but I will be replacing with black and gold machine heads.
I hope the tuners work out without having to plug and re-drill. How is the Banjo head? I wonder if a modern head is available that will fit these.
I couldnt find a prefabbed banjo head for it. I will be making my own banjo head out of modern materials. I am not a fan of skin banjo heads. The original is okay, but dirty and stained with rust. I just prefer the consistent tuning of modern banjo heads.
I did pick up another small 100 year old instrument. I am not sure, but I think it is a banjo ukulele. Might also be a 4 string banjo. I will refurbish it after the current instrument.
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