ktbown - Posted - 05/21/2013:  13:00:20

Although I'd like the tuners    ebay.com/itm/Bacon-Day-Montana...926540556

beegee - Posted - 05/21/2013:  13:02:47

I would surmise that someone had lights installed at some point. Shame.

kmwaters - Posted - 05/21/2013:  13:04:41

They just forgot the furry dice.

jbalch - Posted - 05/21/2013:  13:53:08

Looks like a series of maybe eight (8) holes (if they continue all around the rim).  You can see five (5).

First generation Silver Bell tone rings were "ventilated" with small holes all around the ring.

Gretsch student-grade  "Clarophone" banjos had holes around the rim.

Maybe this was an attempt to open up the rim and let more sound out.

I wonder what it sounds like.

Edited by - jbalch on 05/21/2013 13:53:28

rudykizuty - Posted - 05/21/2013:  15:18:51

Shameful to do that to such a fine piece of history.

jims38134 - Posted - 05/21/2013:  15:21:17

That's some BIG holes.  I'd like to see it first hand and look under the hood.  Resonator is non-Montana, outside of rim should be covered in pyralin (I suspect not original rim), nice catalin tuner buttons (again not original equipment) and flange engraving is not normal for a Montana No 1.  BUT, other than that, if neck is straight, I'm sure it sounds great! jim

ktbown - Posted - 05/21/2013:  15:24:20

the flange looks like it was gold plated .. or is that brassing from wear ?

bargrasspicker - Posted - 05/21/2013:  15:31:48

I put those speed holes in so I could play faster. less wind resistance.

USELESSWALI - Posted - 05/21/2013:  15:51:44

lets the gas out

BanjoDaddio - Posted - 05/21/2013:  17:23:57

I had some BIG ole rhinestones that needed to go somewhere and the holes were perfect...I didn't have enough to spell out my name on my old, no-count Stradivarius, so off to the B&D....

stanger - Posted - 05/25/2013:  13:13:45

quote:

---

Originally posted by beegee

 

I would surmise that someone had lights installed at some point. Shame.

---

Yup. Probably flashers, too.

This wasn't uncommon back then. Light kits were widely available and were very popular, but most of the lights were mounted on the inside surface of the rim. I've seen the lights on the outer surfaces installed in all kinds of ways, some very ugly to my eye.

The drill job looks very clean. I'm sure the holes could be plugged, and a new veneer would cover it all up. The resonator doesn't match the banjo, though. 

regards,

stanger