rockyjo - Posted - 01/23/2012:  23:48:56

Hi Everyone,

Any "known problems" or tendencies that should be looked for with B&D Silver Bells before buying?  

Or feel free to pass along a link that discusses this if you're aware of one; I can't be the first one asking about things to look for when considering buying one of these these banjos.

It's a little unnerving considering any instrument built in the 1920s-1930s.

Thanks,

Rockyjo

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 01/24/2012:  03:29:00

Rockyjo,

Only known problem for a late 20s classic Silver Bell as the one in question is - the 4 large thumb screws, that attach the resonator flange to the rim, will most likely go through some small brackets soldered to the flange - the brackets have inside threads - if the thumb screws are being tightened to hard, the brackets can come off. They can however easily be re-soldered by a handyman (-woman).

On later versions/models the thumb screws goes through holes in the flange and into some inside threaded inserts in the rim - no problems with this solution.

That´s all !!!

I have reconditioned/restored/set up and sold almost 100 of these beloved banjos over the last 7-8 years - they come from me with a lifetime warranty - this should tell you something about their strength and sturdyness - I have by the way never had any complaint what so ever!

More infos per PM.

Polle

jbalch - Posted - 01/24/2012:  04:25:27

RockyJo:

I don't have as much experience with these great banjos as Polle.  But I have bought and sold a few of them and now have a very nice Silver Bell #2 that I really like.

1. As with any instrument condition and originality affects value. Also as with other banjos, selling prices are a little lower now than they were a couple of years ago.

2. The design and construction of the Silver Bell line changed significantly over time. Some folks have personal preferences for one type or another. Here are a few examples (there a MANY) more variations:

Early Silver Bells - tone ring holes on outside of the skirt and inside face of the ring, round holes in the resonator flange, turned rings on back of resonator. (see example here: bernunzio.com/products/1116984)

Next - tone ring with  holes inside the face of the ring (none on outside). "f" holes in resonatoe flange, flat resonator back with inlaid rings.  (example: bernunzio.com/products/1015015)

Next: No holes tone ring (example: banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...umid=4982)

Many more variations .... too many to describe.

Other things to look for:

Soft-pedal Knee mute - many silver bells had them (adds value),

Oettinger tailpiece

Level of decoration and design - Silver bells came in style 1 (plain)  through 9 (very ornate).  They also were offered as "Montana" Symphonie ... and others.  Here is a gallery of high-end Silver Bell Banjos:  banjoworld.de/Bacon1.htm

Good luck!  These are awesome old banjos.

Edited by - jbalch on 01/24/2012 04:40:19

TB-4 Guy - Posted - 01/24/2012:  07:42:04

This is an interesting thread. One thing I noticed in cleaning up my new to me 1932 Silver Bell Medalist Plectrum is that the hooks and nuts securing the head to the pot have an 8-26 thread. This is an antique thread form.  As far as I know, taps and dies in that size are not commercially available other than by special order at high cost. Therefore, when tightening them, do so judiciously since the parts are made of hard brass and, in the event that one is stripped or broken, you are out of luck as far as maintaining originality is concerned. 

While replacement hooks and nuts are readily available in other thread forms and they really don't show all that much,. they just wouldn't be original. Thankfully the parts on my banjo are all present and in good condition. 

Edited by - TB-4 Guy on 01/24/2012 07:42:50

rockyjo - Posted - 01/24/2012:  09:45:29

Hi Everyone,

I guess I didn't mention that it is a #1.

Thank you Polle, I'll check.

John, is that last pic one you kept or one you sold? Is it reconditioned presumably? Geesh, it's beautiful.

Thanks, TB-4, I'll check the hooks.

RJ

jbalch - Posted - 01/24/2012:  10:12:33

RJ

Here is the one I kept: banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...umid=3269  It is a silver-plated #2 forn 1925 - with very unusual inlay.

They are magnificent banjos.  Good luck!

JB

rockyjo - Posted - 01/24/2012:  14:39:34

JB,

Well, bum steer John, not much of a looker is it?  :) 

But if it plays well, at least there's something....  :)

RJ

(PS.  Is it going to a museum once your will is enacted?)