I have a 2001 Gibson Earl Scruggs Standard #4051. I took it apart for a new set up. Didn't know who made the tone ring. I was guessing it was going to be a Kulesh or maybe a Crowe 75 by Sullivan. After sending some photos to some experts, it turns out that Steve Huber's Vintage tone ring was used for a short while. Stamped Gibson USA and #00 175 on the lip that faces the top of the rim, Jim Britton says, "Extremely rare!"
So, ESS pickers: Do you know what tone ring is in your banjo?
Thanks to Gabe H, Jim B, Doug H, and Steve H.
Here's a link to the archived topic.
banjohangout.org/archive/234812
Edited by - Chris Quinn on 03/27/2025 19:12:22
Mine is from the later 90s and is a Kulesh.
What I read here in previous postings was that Steve turned some rings for Gibson from castings sent to him by Gibson, but they were not Huber's own rings. It seems he stamped them on the opposite end from Kulesh to make them easy to identify. I am far from an expert, but have read multiple discussions on this topic over the years.
I actually had an ESS that came from the factory with a 10 hole Kulesh. It was verified.
Edited by - banjoez on 04/01/2025 15:37:36
