Vintage Gibson experts, I'd value your thoughts and input on this banjo which I recently bought (a crazy unplanned adventure to be honest). I've been building and messing with old banjos for a long time but have always focused on the turn of the century openbacks and never got involved with the real details of the pre war Gibsons.
This is what I am assuming is a 1931 or so tenor labeled SS Stewart which was made by Gibson similar to the Kel Kroyden banjos of that same period. It appears to be all original and in good shape with the possible exception of the tailpiece which I wasn't certain of. I read up a little on Greg Earnest's site which was interesting. Here are a few photos and I've put more in a folder titled SS Stewart - Style 11 on my photo pages. I'd appreciate any insight. Although I am a builder and have made many necks I would be interested in opinions for builders who have done 5 string conversions like this because I think I would rather work with someone who specializes in these in this case. Also your thoughts with how others may have handled this kind of conversion and what to call it if I follow through with a five string neck (SS Stewart with that peghead, Kel Kroyden, or Gibson style 11????). Did Gibson ever make a five string version of this with the SS Stewart logo? I think I would leave the rim alone and use the existing pot as is one a conversion to keep it original ala Wade Ward or something along those lines.
Thanks for any and all info in advance. Glenn C.