banjopaul100 - Posted - 09/24/2012:  18:18:24

Hi i am brand new to bacon & day silver bell banjos can anyone tell me the difference between a montana 3 silver bell and ordinary silver bell 3 it`s

got me puzzled is it the tone ring or just cosmetic ?

your help would be appreciated

thanks

jbalch - Posted - 09/24/2012:  18:26:10

Generally number 3 is gold plated and often has a carved heel.

Montana is white holly wood (as opposed to maple).  The fingerboard is usually covered in matching, engraved peraloid too. Heel may not be carved.

 The tone ring should be the same as another Silver Bell (of the same period). Silver Bell tone rings changed over time.  I think the Montana banjos often have the type with no holes.

good photos here: gryphonstrings.com/instpix/28890/Extra.php

I'm sure others here can tell you a good bit more...

Edited by - jbalch on 09/24/2012 18:33:50

rudykizuty - Posted - 09/24/2012:  18:39:36

quote:

---

Originally posted by jbalch

Generally number 3 is gold plated and often has a carved heel.

Montana is white holly wood (as opposed to maple).  The fingerboard is usually covered in matching, engraved peraloid too. Heel may not be carved.

 The tone ring should be the same as another Silver Bell (of the same period). Silver Bell tone rings changed over time.  I think the Montana banjos often have the type with no holes.

good photos here: gryphonstrings.com/instpix/28890/Extra.php

I'm sure others here can tell you a good bit more...

---

John,

One correction. The #3 Montana would also have a carved heel. All #3 SB's have such carving as it is a standard feature of a #3 along with the gold plating. Nowadays, there are plenty around that would appear to be #3's without a carved heel, but they are actually #1's re-plated in gold (Just as in the example in the link you posted; note the manufacturer plate on the resonator. PS this banjo appears to be identical to that owned by Brian Hamburg, Mummerburger here on BHO). 

In addition to the fingerboard, the peghead face and rim is also clad in white ivoroid. Often the resonator back is as well, but there are some exceptions on the earliest of the Montanas. Same goes for the ivoroid veneer "back strap" (the peg head reverse).....most have this but earlier versions don't. 

Edited by - rudykizuty on 09/24/2012 18:43:15

brunomathilda - Posted - 09/24/2012:  19:03:46

Great link thank you

Hans Dengler - Posted - 09/24/2012:  22:58:29

Hi,

you can get more examples and informations at
topbanjos.de

Have a nice day

Hans

fiddlephil - Posted - 10/15/2012:  13:33:56

Here's a question that maybe only Fred Bacon could answer , although I know there's a wealth of information out there. Did all the B & D's start out in production the same, I mean was a #1 the standard and 3's 4's 6's 9's decorated, added to, plated, engraved as they went down the assembly line. In other words, did a number 4 start from scratch with selecting better wood and materials, etc.
I ask because, it occurs to me that sending off a check for a high grade banjo and expecting a better sounding banjo, might be a mistake.
All replies welcome please, thanks, phil

rudykizuty - Posted - 10/15/2012:  14:55:58

Yes, it is my understanding that the maple used in the neck of a #3 or #4 is supposedly of a higher grade than that used in a #1. However, I do not know if that also applies to the holly used in a #3 and up Montana over a #1, or the ebony used in a #9 over that in a #6. I'm willing to bet that there are possibly two people who might be able to answer. Polle Flauno or Ed Britt.



Fred Bacon certainly could not answer. He is no longer with us 

Edited by - rudykizuty on 10/15/2012 14:57:17