I'm replacing a 1966 Bowtie thin rim with a walnut block rim.
I also have a loose 1969 Bowtie (w/fiddle cut headstock) ring and thin rim. This 69 had it's rim/ring replaced with Huber rim and HR30.
Now I have both of these Bowtie rings from disassembly and leftover from replacement not installed. Both have no markings, but I assume them to be the Gibson parts from these years. Both are 3.2 lbs (about 3 pounds 3.2 ounces). Both are flathead 20 hole rings.
If I I support these rings on a finger and flick/ping the ring with my finger nail, they ring very different notes. I tried to use a tuner with audio input, which did not work well, but the 69 seems to ring a G (or B transient) and the 66 seems to ring a C.
Does this tell me something about which may be better in the final assembly. My first thought is keep the 66 parts together with the new rim.
Also thought that once the rim is received, I'd try both rings, but I can tell from the thin rims, the 66 is a looser fit. I don't think I want to send the rim with small diameter for fitting and then test and opt for the looser ring.
One final question, I'm thinking walnut ring to add a little lower register. If you were choosing (a block rim), what would you choose between maple, walnut and mahogany.
For my ear the tonal differences between maple,walnut and mahagony depend mostly on the wood the neck is made from. Switching necks to the same pot immediately changes the tone. I prefer maple rims therefore. YMMV, and others may hear different.
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