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BRbanjer - Posted - 03/21/2026: 19:35:47
Not a major problem, but it's been bugging me for a while now.
I have a very nice 1926 Montana Special tenor in great condition, but one of the little "cleats" that's drilled to accept a resonator thumbscrew has come loose from the flange. Does anyone know how this thing was originally fastened to the flange? This is the only fly in the ointment with this banjo and I'd love to get it straightened out. I've attached photos for your perusal.
Thanks for any advice you can offer! -Bob
Cockrum_Studios - Posted - 03/21/2026: 20:55:57
I worked on a similar model (Sultana) with the same style resonator a few weeks ago and it didnt have these on it. Now I'm wondering if they were all just missing
Bob Smakula - Posted - 03/22/2026: 04:21:28
They are silver soldered to the flange. Yes they can be re-soldered, but the heat will discolor the plating on the threaded piece and part of the flange.
Bob Smakula
Bob Smakula - Posted - 03/22/2026: 05:17:22
Thinking about the issue a little more, I believe we used dab of JB Weld a few times to reattach the threaded cleat to the flange. No issue with plating discoloration, but not as solid a repair as silver soldering.
Bob Smakula
smakulafrettedinstruments.com
Alvin Conder - Posted - 03/22/2026: 05:23:53
What Bob said above should work. If you want to silver solder it, the best solution would be to take the flange to a reputable jeweler who does repairs on site.
If you can find an old style jeweler who does repairs in the actual shop, they have the ability to do the repair without damaging the surrounding area. The one or two times I brought instruments to a jeweler for detailed repairs they really seemed to enjoy the challenge as it was something different and the repair was fast and cheap.
Banner Blue - Posted - 03/22/2026: 06:18:18
You are nit alone. Common issue with Silverbells.
BRbanjer - Posted - 03/22/2026: 10:48:41
Thanks, Bob! I was hoping you'd see this.
My silver soldering skills are, well, non-existent. But my JB Weld skills are pretty good, and I really don't want to discolor the flange.
Heading for the hardware store as we speak! Thank you!
BTW, that Kingston plectrum I bought from you (the one with the mystery tone ring) is still doing a great job for me. Sounds so good that I've abandoned Chicago tuning and switched to plec tuning just because the chords ring so pretty! Bob R.
BRbanjer - Posted - 03/22/2026: 10:54:48
Thanks to everyone who posted with advice and support! This is the only place I know of to find people who know about plectrum banjos. Means a lot!
Helix - Posted - 03/22/2026: 20:16:03
Why take the chance of discoloring and degrading the original nickel when a modern adhesive will stay in place longer than some will still be on the earth. :)
BRbanjer - Posted - 03/22/2026: 20:59:50
quote:
Originally posted by Helix
Why take the chance of discoloring and degrading the original nickel when a modern adhesive will stay in place longer than some will still be on the earth. :)
That's how I felt too. Glued it up already and will give it lots of cure time before putting it to the test.
