I had a banjo that I’ve had a while, as one of my back up banjo’s. The tone ring that was in it, was very bright, and loud. I have probably 30 bridges, I keep on hand, to try as needed. I tried almost every one, to try and get the tone I like. None would help, so I bought another “named” tone ring. I set it up as I always do, basically the same sound. I was able to purchase a “Ceres” ring that Jim Britton has. I put the ring in this banjo, and set it up as before. Tuned it to standard tuning, and right off the bat the tone is already much better than ever. It will only get better as the banjo is played and settles more. I’ll be playing this banjo on future shows coming up for sure.
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Originally posted by StevespicknThe tone ring that was in it, was very bright, and loud. I have probably 30 bridges, I keep on hand, to try as needed. I tried almost every one, to try and get the tone I like. None would help, so I bought another “named” tone ring.
What rings did you cycle through?
What is the rim construction style and wood species?
Edited by - pinenut on 05/07/2026 14:39:19
This is good to know. Thanks, Steve. I've been wondering about those. I assumed Jim B would not put his name on it if he didn't think it met a big need.
Is this the Huber Ceres Ring? If so, do you know if it is different from the Huber HR-30 ring?
Huber website says the "844" ring was supplied to "many builders who use it in their private label banjos" years before he put it in the Workhorse banjo.
Not saying the Ceres ring is the 844. Just saying the 844 is a Huber ring that other makers were selling as their own.
The Ceres is its own ring 100%. Unique to any other on the market. This is the info I advertise with:
"I’m excited to bring a new flat head tone ring to the banjo market. After playing all of the modern tone rings available and many of the prewar Gibson flathead tone rings I've put together the things I liked between a 1929 and 1931 flathead from Gibson to create the Ceres ring. These rings are stamped "CERES" underneath along with a serial number. This ring is available in nickel, chrome, gold, and unplated. They are $599, and gold is $675. The tone ring basically weighs 3 pounds, 2 ounces and is a long skirt."
Originally posted by HessIs this the Huber Ceres Ring? If so, do you know if it is different from the Huber HR-30 ring?
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