I just installed a new Bill Rickard 12" Dobson tone ring on my 1993 Bart Reiter 12" Internal resonator banjo. The impact is very good!
This banjo is a very rare 12" Internal resonator. Bart built a small number of these in the early 1990s. When they were made, I'm sure there were precious few tone ring options available in the 12" rim size. This banjo had only a simple brass hoop ring on top of the internal resonator rim. It is a truly great instrument as originally built (used extensively in the recording of my ~HOT~ Biscuit Jam cd http://www.johnbalchmusic.com/hot.html)
But I've never been one to leave well-enough alone. I wondered what it would sound like if I could add a Rickard Dobson ring on top of the rim. After all, that would be similar in concept to an original Bacon FF style spun brass ring inside the resonator...but in a 12" size. No such Bacon FF ring is available in that size ... but the Rickard Dobson is.
It turns out that Bill's 12" Dobson ring is turned to fit a Keller drum shell with an actual outside Diameter of 11 7/8". Bart must have used such a shell as the outside all of the internal resonator rim, because the ring is a perfect fit.
The Reiter banjo was originally supplied with a brass hoop tone ring that was 5/16" cross-section and 12" outside diameter (actually 1/8" larger than the wood rim). This original brass hoop would not fit inside Bill's 11 7/8" Dobson ring. So I asked Bill to supply a 1/4" brass hoop fitted to the inside of his Dobson. This type of ring is not normally included..but Bill was able to provide it -no problem.
When I got it all together, the assembly was a perfect fit. It went on my rim with absolutely no modification of the original banjo. The same head, tailpiece and bridge work perfectly. I did not have to change anything about the set-up.
The new tone ring accomplished exactly what I hoped. This banjo has a VERY big sound. It might be a little louder. The tone of the banjo did not change (It was already great to begin with). But the Dobson ring adds a subtle, warm sustain to the notes. It really "tickles your belly" now. I am VERY pleased!
Bill and Sean were extremely helpful. I recommend their products and service! Thanks guys!
