June of 2011 I asked the major importer of No-Knot banjo tailpieces about the possibility of an unplated brass version. "No Problem" was the reply. Of course I knew better. The first sample was an unplated No-Knot with a plated steel hanger screw and nut. Next came a sample with an unplated brass hanger screw with a plated nut. OK, Close enough. I got them to promise that all parts would be in unplated brass and placed my order.
I received my order of 500 yesterday and have filled all the preorders, so I can release the remaining 497 tailpieces to all who want to buy them. Cost is $12 each.
Thank you for your interest and I'll keep trying to come up with unusual, useful, and affordable high quality banjo parts
Bob Smakula