mfbrin - Posted - 06/10/2017:  22:04:32

I purchased a used 1931 Bacon and Day Senorita plectrum.  It does not have much sustain and I was interested in whether there was any type of tone ring that one could add without modifying the pot.  From the forum, it appears that one needs to trim the pot. I am new to this.  I see from the inside of the pot that there is a small bevel as the pot comes into contact with the head.  Is there any shape tonering that could slip into that space, or is this not possible?  Thanks.

rudykizuty - Posted - 06/11/2017:  06:55:47

My plectrum Senorita has has a brass rod that substitutes as a tone ring. It sits right into the bevel. I don't know why some have the road and others don't. 

rudykizuty - Posted - 06/11/2017:  06:56:58

quote:

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Originally posted by rudykizuty

 

My plectrum Senorita has has a brass rod that substitutes as a tone ring. It sits right into the bevel. I don't know why some have the road and others don't, although mine is a much later example circa 1935.

 

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mfbrin - Posted - 06/11/2017:  07:46:56

Thanks for this insight. Does the rod also extend to sit on top of the wood on the outer edge so that it is also between the head and pot, or is it just a round rod limited to the bevel?

Polle Flaunoe - Posted - 06/11/2017:  08:19:01

Mitchell,

10 months ago I restored, rebuilt, set up and sold an already ordered PITT BRAND tenor - a private-labeled B&D Senorita - in advance for some strange reason missing its original appr. 1/6" steel rod "tone ring".

I did myself roll a 6 mm brass rod ring for it - but again for some strange reason I (a/the world leading B&D expert - LOL!) made a big mistake about its position - I placed it into the "bevel" at the rim inside - as you can see:

Well - both my customer and I did surprisingly become extremely happy about the result of my mistake - I´ve in the past had great results using my magic hands on Senorita examples - but this particular example turned out being even better.

Polle

mfbrin - Posted - 06/11/2017:  08:43:36

Hi Polle. I got this instrument as my first plectrum until I can find one with the sound I really want...something openback with a full, rich, mellow, but not loud tone. Nevertheless, this banjo seems plunky and has no sustain, particularly when I fret up the neck by the 10th or 12th fret. Based on your experience, it seems that I could get a ring like the one at Stewmac cut it to size and then mount it in the bevel?

stewmac.com/Hardware_and_Parts...Ring.html

I was hoping that I would not have to solder the ends, as I do not have the tools to do any soldering.

Any other thoughts?
Thanks, Mitchell

mikehalloran - Posted - 06/11/2017:  09:47:12

No need to solder or braise the ends. The head holds it in place. 

My Bacon round rod plectrum was the loudest, least 'mellow' banjo I ever owned. I eventually traded it with some cash for a Tubaphone NO 3 that I still have. 

TLG - Posted - 06/11/2017:  17:20:56

I added a B&D ring with the brass 1/4" rod (I think it was from float plane Tom) to my tenor Senorita, it sounds great

TLG - Posted - 06/11/2017:  17:45:09

Bill Camp is where I got the ring from. His son Tom is selling the remainder of Bill's stuff & has rings , flanges, ect banjo stuff.