Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/407233
LouieChee - Posted - 02/07/2026: 08:30:15
I found this ring in a banjo I'm working on for a friend. The banjo looks to be custom with parts from Roger Siminoff. It wasn't fit well so I think the ring was added later without changes to the rim.
It's 1lb, 15oz. It has a long skirt ~.402", nickel plated, 20 hole, bronze/brass. The bearing surface is round and broad, not sharp like 70's Gibsons. It has some burrs around the holes and some rough machining marks on the bottom. No label markings.
Any ideas are appreciated!
Edited by - LouieChee on 02/07/2026 08:37:38
Bob Rodgers - Posted - 02/07/2026: 10:14:43
Have seen those marks many times on imported Banjos
Old Hickory - Posted - 02/07/2026: 13:16:31
I've only seen a few 20-hole rings, but I've never seen such unfinished holes as these.
desert rose - Posted - 02/07/2026: 19:51:09
I think Asian as well, the holes dont bother me but that extreme chatter on the rim contact surface and the thin face there isnt a good thing
lazyarcher - Posted - 02/09/2026: 08:23:13
quote:
Originally posted by desert rose
I think Asian as well, the holes dont bother me but that extreme chatter on the rim contact surface and the thin face there isnt a good thing
Scott..I just did a setup on a converted Gibson KK11. It had an unmarked 20 hole flathead ring from the early 70s that weighed 34.4 oz. Were there offshore rings around then that light? I know Gibson was making some light rings, but what about Stew Mac, Liberty, etc?
Alvin Conder - Posted - 02/09/2026: 11:07:01
That looks Asian. Finish quality is not up to the level of old Stew Mac or Liberty products. Probably not a bad ring, and who knows….with the quality level of some Gibsons in the past, this could just as well be a ring out of a Gibson banjo. With no markings of any kind, very difficult to give a definitive answer.
desert rose - Posted - 02/09/2026: 20:08:04
Dave How are you doing !
Both those names made full weight or close to it, especially Liberty were high respected prewar spec rings, the best of the best when they were made, neither were that lite
lazyarcher - Posted - 02/10/2026: 06:53:29
quote:
Originally posted by desert rose
Dave How are you doing !
Both those names made full weight or close to it, especially Liberty were high respected prewar spec rings, the best of the best when they were made, neither were that lite
Im well..how about you?? Thanks for the feedback. Real light ring, but the banjo is a hoss with it.
BTW..all my banjos still wear Z bridges!!
