Bob Murphy says:
10/5/2014 1:29:45 PM

1931 TB1 with Neat neck. I use an older Snuffy III. Sounds great.

Porter Claxton says:
10/5/2014 7:35:39 PM

I have a 1928 TB5. Every banjo is "chemically" different and must be set up to enhance its individual characteristics as well as owner's tastes. My banjo was somewhat heavy or dark sounding when I got it, but after investing a ton of time setting it up, I now consider it a "rocket". Set your action first (at the nut, then bridge). This will also be the time to choose your tailpiece and bridge. I believe in using the original tailpiece and have done so on mine. If you don't have that, try to purchase a vintage one. They are generally heavier and better quality than what are manufactured today. Next decide on a head and strings. I went with light guage strings and a Remo head to give mine a bright sound. I tried a calfskin, but wasn't pleased with the sound. I've tried tuning the Remo head by ear; even had an "expert" do the same when I wasn't successful. Didn't really work! Waste of time in my book. I was then let in on a sectret. Tune it like a drum head. Tighten it and then tap around the hoop (about 3/4" away from the metal). At first it will be kindly like a thud but as you tighten the head gradually it will get brighter. Keep tightening until the head starts to ring back at you - like 12th fret harmonics). Adjust individual hooks until it is singing back at all locations around the outer edge of the head. The first few days that you play it, it will be tight and somewhat dead and unresponsive, but after a week or two the head will loosen slightly and all this brilliant sound will start to come out. But mostly you'll be amazed at the volume and how the banjo "cuts" through the sound of other instruments. After another 2 weeks to a month, tighten it again about a 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Now you're set. Don't mess with it any more. The head tension is where you get your volume and cut - not with the tailpiece (although the tailpiece must be set correctly or it can indeed ruin your sound). The tailpiece has more to do with making your sound thinner or darker, not volume. I'll put my RB5 Gibson, my Earl Scruggs Gibson or my 90's Style 5 re-issue against any banjo out there for both volume and tone.

flynbanjo says:
5/15/2015 6:43:09 PM

I have found the Snuffy Smiths to be the most consistent. However, I've also found a large variation even with them. They say a gal needs to kiss a lot of frogs to find a prince. Same thing for banjo bridges.

Burlile Tone Ring - Pending
Linked by scarroll 4 years ago

Gibson Tb3 1928 conversion uk
Linked by ian tofte 7 years ago: For sale in the uk

Forum Post: (untitled)
Linked by revellfa 9 years ago: Trapdoor conversion

Sullivan neck with Hopper cam tuners.(Trade pending)
Linked by TOMCAT 10 years ago

Banjo Magic in Area 51
Linked by J Ward 11 years ago: Donnie Little releasing the tone of a 31 TB conversion in "Area 51" no less!