Hello all
I recently bought this banjo from a local kid who bought it off ebay 4 or 5 years ago. It's got a refinished '28 TB3 resonator (8976-14). Everything else is fuzzy.
Rim appears to be either a 30's TB00 or similar non-mastertone pot. Color seems to match for a TB00, though may have been refinished. Could also be a late 40's/50's TB100 or similar pot. It's a full thickness 3 ply rim with 9/16" below the flange. I know it's one of those two possibilities because there are the old screw holes from a resonator bracket that would have been at the 7 oclock position. Also, 3 of the L brackets match (long ovals) and could be either the TB100 or the TB00.
Mastertone label is not for this rim, obviously. However, I's match up and font looks right? They couldn't have transferred the label from the '28TB3? It looks like it's on paper and glued. Haven't taken an exacto knife to see if there might be a 30's little gold label on there.
Been converted to a top tension. One piece pot-metal flange--prewar or postwar? Can anyone identify maker of top tension hoop.
There's a part of me that the neck might have been a reworked neck. You can see the prior holes for cam tuners. However both tuner holes are way off to the side to be functional. Seems like peghead recut? You can see how the neck was cut for a two piece flange and then recut for one piece (different cuts, built up heel). Old screw holes possibly for two tab Grovers? Inlays are handcut. Seems like an older conversion neck.
Tone-ring is low profile and might be an old Ome ring. It's got the notch for a coordinator rod, rather than a hole.
It's obviously a hodge-podge. Been racking my brain over this for a few days trying to figure out parts. Any help appreciated!
Photos can be seen here: http://www.banjohangout.org/myhangout/photos.asp?id=3287&albumid=7125
I've attached a few for easy viewing