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Questions on a 1925 Conversion
From FiveStringPop on 8/6/2018 5:10:46 AM
I have purchased a 1925 TB4. Clancy Mullins is building a reproduction 5-string neck for it. We decided to make the heel the size of the tenor neck to keep the resonator neck notch original. We have skipped inlays on the 1st and 15th frets. I have found the two replacement resonator hex screws I need with Don Bryant.
My questions are:
1.) Tuners - use the original 2-tab tuners, modern tuners, or reproduction pancakes that are not period correct either, but closer.
2.) Punch the tailpiece or not?
3.) How far do I go in cleaning it? Brush off the dust, or remove the crud and gently polish and clean.
Thanks everyone for your input.
5 Comments |
 | Fathand says:
8/6/2018 5:26:22 AM
Try the original tuners first, then change if you do not like them. Then use whatever you like because they aren't original either way.
A "punched" tailpiece is still worth as much or more than a 4 string tailpiece. If you are a stickler for keeping things original then buy a repro tailpiece. I cut the 1/8" x 1/4" hole in mine with a milling machine and it looks really close.
I like my banjos clean but not so clean that you wear off original finish or plating. Your neck will be new, maybe you want them to match.
These are all your personal decisions, none will affect the $ value of your banjo by much.
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 | FiveStringPop says:
8/6/2018 5:48:58 AM
Thank you for your answers, Rick. These were basically my thoughts, but this is my first old banjo and very much a novice in this department.
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 | Dave1climber says:
8/6/2018 6:34:19 AM
Two thoughts, Save any original parts that you are replacing such as the neck, tuners, etc. It is your banjo, clean it as much as you like. I would wipe every thing with a soft cloth as a start. Then go from there.
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 | jimt says:
8/6/2018 6:39:15 AM
I have a 1926 TB - 4 with a Robin Smith neck. I am using the two band Stew Mac reproduction tuners. Trouble with using the eared tuners is the screw holes in the back of the peghead if you decide you want different tuners. You don't need to punch or drill the tailpiece. Run the third string with the second string. No one will notice and it is perfectly stable. Don't polish or buff or refinish. Gently clean only. If the original head is still on it, try to resist the advice of everyone else to replace it with plastic. A Style 4 BB has plenty of power and snap, and twice the soul, with a vintage head. Enjoy your banjo.
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 | dhergert says:
9/9/2018 6:11:51 AM
These are all choices you should make, but here's what I did with mine:
For me, the important point was keeping as many parts original and un-damaged as possible so originality can be restored as completely as possible, yet still being able to use and enjoy the banjo. I figured the new 5-string neck would never be an original one, so why try to fool anyone, and also why wear out the original parts? Old tuners can wear out or get broken, and original tailpieces can crack under string or adjusting screw tension or with accidents. The original armrest weld can break under pressure. As such:
1) I kept the original plectrum neck completely original and ready to put on, including the tuners. The new neck has new tuners.
2) I also kept the original 4-string tailpiece original and replaced it with a nice, readily available reproduction 5-string Presto. So again, the original plectrum neck and original tailpiece are ready to use if I ever decide to configure the banjo as the original plectrum again. I also replaced the original armrest with a new armrest so I wouldn't break the weld on the original armrest.
3) I cleaned up the remaining original metal pieces gently with a slightly moist soft cloth. No cleaner, no abrasives. The patina of the years has not been removed.
Again, choices all you should decide about. These are just examples of directions that a person can take. Enjoy your Ballbearing!
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