Are there any luthiers out there still offering this service? I know it's not a legit prewar but I've got a couple thin rims I might keep for myself if I could get an extra ply added...
I think a thinner rim may be good suit for a timber top. If you can source some thin aircraft plywood it would be worth a try. I’ve been doing this with good results if you want details I can share them with you.
I do a lot of banjo repairs here in my area of New Zealand rim as well as buy and sell. A year or so ago I purchased a Ibanez B200. When I pulled it all down, I found the tone ring was steel (Yes steel) and that it had a 3-4mm slop on the tone ring. I was a member of group that works with wood (turning, building small projects etc). One of them lived in my street and He had his own workshop. I was able to obtain lengths of wood veneer from him, whereby I glue a couple of strips where the rim sits. He then turned it down on his wood lathe to give the ring a slip fit.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.
