My new GT BG-175F arrived a couple of days ago. I'm still trying to make up my mind about it. I am concerned about the bevel cut at the tone ring. I apologize for the poor image quality, I was in a hurry. I'm going to try to get a better image as soon as I can get the right mirror; or I may decide to remove the head. Anyway, in this image you can see the ragged edge of plywood near the top of the image. What the image doesn't show very well are the voids present in the dark band areas. I can't get a depth measurement on any of them but some spots are close to about 1/8" deep. The entire bevel has been slathered with finish, but it will still snag a rag. I don't know squat about building/manufacturing multiply banjo rims, but I've cut my share of plywood, including solid core furniture grade stuff for bookshelves and the like, and I know that this is what can happen. My concern is: would these conditions have an adverse effect on the tone?
My guess is no. But if this level of fit and finish is unacceptable to you, send it back for refund or exchange.
Greg Rich just posted on Facebook photos of a tear-down of a BG-175F to show well it's made and you get for $995.
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Originally posted by Old HickoryMy guess is no. But if this level of fit and finish is unacceptable to you, send it back for refund or exchange.
Greg Rich just posted on Facebook photos of a tear-down of a BG-175F to show well it's made and you get for $995.
Thanks. I saw his breakdown of the BG-150F; I don't see anything regarding the BG-175F.
Are those dark bands GROOVES in the side of the rim? If so, that is NOT how banjo rims are supposed to be made.
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Originally posted by rbdavis2Thanks. I saw his breakdown of the BG-150F; I don't see anything regarding the BG-175F.
My bad. You're right. I misremembered.
But I'm pretty sure the pot assembly is the same on both models. Only the neck and resonator are different. They're maple and mahogany versions of the same banjo.
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Originally posted by The Old TimerAre those dark bands GROOVES in the side of the rim? If so, that is NOT how banjo rims are supposed to be made.
I'm certain they're not grooves (i.e., machined/cut). What I believe is that they are the alternating layers of the plys that take the stain differently (darker) than the other (lighter stained) layers. I may be way off.
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