BB set-up

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Gibson Ballbearing Owners Group

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All those who own or would like to own one of these wonderful instruments are invited to join.

119 Members, Created 1/26/2011 -

Administrators: Couchie (owner)

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From loggerhead on 12/19/2015 1:52:21 PM

I have had the good fortune to acquire a Style 5 conversion with one of the smoothest playing necks I have ever tried. I love the sound of these old BBs, and have mine set up with a Remo Weatherking head at about 92 by drum dial, 11/16" Sullivan roasted maple bridge, 10.5-11.5-12.5-20-10 strings, tailpiece (Kerschner) set with the hinge just above the tension hoop and angling upward about 1/4'' off the head at the front. I know every owner has his or her way of doing things, but I just wondered what others do, and why. I would be particularly interested in ways to get the most volume and bass out of these beasts. How do others have their BB set up, and what kind of sound are you after? Thanks

4 Comments
	dhergert says: 12/19/2015 2:15:07 PM Hey Gil, The only thing I can add is to make sure that the tension of the head is not making the tone ring contact the wooden rim. If it is touching, the head is too tight, and the banjo won't have the strong vibrant sweet tone that this Mastertone model is known for. I usually try to fit a nickel between the tone ring and the rim, all around the pot, to make sure there is sufficient space to allow free vibration of the tone ring and the springs. In order to maximize this available space on my Ballbearing, I use a Yellowstone (DuPont Nomex) head, which doesn't have to be extremely tight to sound good and loud. Another nice thing about using a lower tension head for our Ballbearing banjos is that it doesn't stress those 90 year old hooks and nuts (which tend to break under high tension). This last point isn't a setup item, but it does have to do with things that affect tone... I also notice that Ballbearing Mastertones are extremely sensitive to cold weather -- all the metals contract and it makes the tone sound pinched. This is probably due to the multi=piece welded (and probably more temperature stable) tone ring being held tight by the separate skirt in cold weather. Because of this effect, I try not to play my Ballbearing in temperatures below about 62 degrees. -- Don
	Dave1climber says: 12/19/2015 3:41:27 PM Don I just read your post and the last paragraph I find interesting, I have noticed this same effect with my Ball Bearing's. I had not connected the cause and effect until I read your post. Thanks Dave
	loggerhead says: 12/20/2015 1:25:59 PM Thank you for your replies and tips. I looked at the Yellowstone info, and fitting that type head may be more than I want to attempt. I have considered one of the Balch ready-mounted skin heads, but have no idea what that might sound like. Even with the Remo at 92, there is easy space for a nickel to slide. Any other head suggestions? Fortunately my house rarely gets actually cold, but I appreciate the thoughts about temperature and tone. Gill
	loggerhead says: 12/22/2015 4:28:10 PM I tried loosening up the head--closer to 89-90--and it did seem to help a little with the volume, and made the tone fuller. Thanks again for the advice.
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