bargrasspicker - Posted - 11/13/2013:  08:32:32

local guy is selling one for pretty cheap. claims it to be a 28, the pictures online are awful. do these make good conversions? What should I look for when I check it out?

revellfa - Posted - 11/13/2013:  09:08:32

Arthur Hatfield is known for turning these into good conversions. To answer your question yes they can make good conversions but they are not really meant for that because most are thin rim and have the bracket shoe construction. IMHO they are best left as tenors. Besides that I don't think this model came with a resonator.

Emiel - Posted - 11/13/2013:  09:08:44

That the rim is 11" in diameter, not 10.5; and preferably 3/4" thick, not 1/2.

bargrasspicker - Posted - 11/13/2013:  09:45:42

its an 11 inch pot for sure, not sure about thinkness but ill figure it out, i think i can get it for $100 so it might be fun project.

Emiel - Posted - 11/13/2013:  10:59:23

If it's an 11" rim, you can convert it to a flathead-tonering banjo. Would be nice, if it  has a resonator already...

Arthur Hatfield offers a flathead ring for a thinner rim. An alternative would be a normal archtop tonering, will make enough contact on a thinner rim.

Edited by - Emiel on 11/13/2013 11:00:18

revellfa - Posted - 11/13/2013:  11:24:45

For 100 bucks you won't go wrong. It will be a fun banjo.

Lou Bourbon - Posted - 11/13/2013:  11:45:37

Is a resonator included? If so...anything under $300 is a steal.
Lou

ktbown - Posted - 11/13/2013:  12:18:19

I believe this particular Oriole is a 10 1/2" rim .  but the seller said a resonator was included but I didn't ask about the flange plate.

mikeyes - Posted - 11/14/2013:  12:53:03

Every 11" Oriole I have seen (4) had a 3/4" rim which could be cut to take a standard tone ring. I have one that was turned into a TB-7 (I had an original neck) and the others are now five string banjos with a pre-war rim on them. If it is an 11" rim then $100 is a steal as they usually go for $300-$500 if they are any good. They are terrific as Irish tenor banjos if set up properly and are very light which a number of Irish trad pros I talked to like very much.

The 10 1/2 " rims are OK but they don't get the juices flowing for conversions. I'd leave that one a tenor and use it for Irish music.

USELESSWALI - Posted - 11/14/2013:  19:39:29

i have a 11inch with res 3/4 inch rim  if u like to see ill eail to you as i cant fig ure how to do photos