Work Page 2025
1920's Orpheum 1
6 string banjo
14.25" rim
Restore as needed to play.
Set up -Left handed Open G
Bottom string drone
Reset Dowel -l Re-fret - re-finish neck
Seal all loose laminates
Setup rim on calfskin - make flesh ring
Clean hardware, freshen finish
14.25" rim
Restore as needed to play.
Set up -Left handed Open G
Bottom string drone
Reset Dowel -l Re-fret - re-finish neck
Seal all loose laminates
Setup rim on calfskin - make flesh ring
Clean hardware, freshen finish

This is the largest rim size Orph that has been in my shop.
Before this Eddy Davis' 13-3/8" "Brass Band" held the record.
Before this Eddy Davis' 13-3/8" "Brass Band" held the record.


Fingerboard lifting

Dowel removed, shim was emory cloth :(

Ready to pull frets.

Medium Banjo wire, compression fretting.

Finish removed, dying Pearwood.

Taking on clear, pretty!

Frets ready to dress.

All cleaned - new finish.

Ready for skin head.

Adding moisture, skin is relaxing.

Tuck pulled tight to flesh ring, all hooks installed.

Dowl is now secured ,with proper angle.

Had is taken from the spine area, hence the straight line.

Down force tailpiece


Tiny original wire, some board wear.

Board glued and clamped.

All out, ready to dress slots

Moving along.

Dye for peghead

Pointing out silver wire as filigree. Rare !

Rim Disassembly.

Oil tuners - clean hardware.

The smaller 18" will be enough.

Flesh ring / tension hoop .Ready to tuck.

Trimming excess.

Nw Cocobolo wedges for neck brace.



Dowel was glued and screwed

Headstock in GC

Cleaning residue from tenon.

Widening for modern wire

Laminates sealed, profiling for finish

Ready for Lacquer

Very "Old School"

Grime removal next

Rim assembly.

Flesh ring made from bottom ring if a lamp shade.

1 hook only, then tuck the rest.

Curing / adjusting.

Skin is cured/ taut, ready for setup.

Bridge fabricated, 1st trial setup.

Action is good
MORE TO FOLLOW
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing