I have a new imported tube and plate flange banjo, which has an 18 hole tone ring. Although it has good tone, volume and projection, I would like to fit a higher quality tone ring. However, I cannot find a flat top tone ring of the same size. It is an 11" pot, having a thickness of 3/4".
My problem, is that the tube and plate set up, requires a longer outer skirt, to those fitted to one and two piece flanged instruments.
If I am wrongly informed, and there are many tube and plate flange tone rings on the market, can someone, please, point me in the right direction?
In my limited experience there is no difference in the tone ring of a tube and plate or single piece flange rim.
Despite having a tone ring, it’s surely steel. They just don’t sound the same. The outer skirt fitment is really just cosmetic. The inner portion of tone ring to rim is what truly matters. If an exposed ledge of 1/8” bothers, you could glue piece of plastic binding that would disguise you had used short outer skirt flathead in place of long skirt.
The other way around is a no go. If you used long skirt tone ring on rim cut for short, your inner bearing edge would float clear of the wooden rim. This is no go, it will create a lesser sounding banjo. Heel fitment to rim, fingerboard end not pressing on tension hoop, and tone ring inner edge fitment to inner edge of rim are crucial. Also, your tone ring needs to slip on and off rim is crucial, with some believing in loose drop fit, which is if you inverted the rim, would the weight of tone ring immediately drop it off rim, or is hand pressure to remove necessary. Everyone has setup opinions, I want a ring neither too sloppy but not requiring tons of strength to remove.
A good ring can be held back by an inferior (multiply) rim.
A quality ring and 3 ply rim are the heart of good tone.
I see you have posted the same question again today Rod. Was there anything you didnt follow in above comments?
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.
