Work Page 6-28-26
1919 "The Gibson"
Model "TB"
FON# 216
12" block rim / trap-door
I will not restore this banjo, my plan is to keep it as original as possible.
It will not be getting a plastic head.
However I will be changing the skin on it (not old) to one thicker.
This will be left as a 4 string and I do not like the tone of thin skin at 12" on a tenor.
I will disassemble and clean all parts and wood and wax it.
It will get modern frets, these are much smaller than what you Paramount players consider "small" trust me on that.
It is almost like playing fretless, they are a chore to get out.
The Model "TB" is best explained here on Roger Siminoff's excellent reference pages.
https://www.siminoff.net/gibson
This one appears to be one that back in the day, was sent back to Gibson by the dealer who had not sold it, and was upgraded to have the trap door.
This is a known story, I did not invent it myself.
That would have given it a fresher look at look like what was in the catalog.
I wanted to make a page on it because it is a rare opportunity for others to see the thoughts and designs of the era when tenor banjo would come "Roaring" into the `1920's
Lets get started.
INITIAL PICS
I
12" block rim / trap-door
I will not restore this banjo, my plan is to keep it as original as possible.
It will not be getting a plastic head.
However I will be changing the skin on it (not old) to one thicker.
This will be left as a 4 string and I do not like the tone of thin skin at 12" on a tenor.
I will disassemble and clean all parts and wood and wax it.
It will get modern frets, these are much smaller than what you Paramount players consider "small" trust me on that.
It is almost like playing fretless, they are a chore to get out.
The Model "TB" is best explained here on Roger Siminoff's excellent reference pages.
https://www.siminoff.net/gibson
This one appears to be one that back in the day, was sent back to Gibson by the dealer who had not sold it, and was upgraded to have the trap door.
This is a known story, I did not invent it myself.
That would have given it a fresher look at look like what was in the catalog.
I wanted to make a page on it because it is a rare opportunity for others to see the thoughts and designs of the era when tenor banjo would come "Roaring" into the `1920's
Lets get started.
INITIAL PICS
I
Nice example.
Disassembly-Cleaning
That is a cam bolt that swivels and tightens.
My Birthday.
All stable in the blocks.
This clips to the hoop and to the bottom of the head, critical fit.
MOP nut. Common on early Gibsons.
Going with 147 Stewmac wire.
Now the fret pliers will grab it.
This one does not. Frets completed.
I will seal the cast metal next to impede further degradation.
These tailpieces require no attachment.
Logo must be removed to for plate to come off.
I will seal all of the cast metal cracks with thin CA.
The new Balch 4 star, unbleached.
Lets get these out. Fret pullers will not grab them.
That is my microchisel, upsetting the ends
That dot had a chunk missing.
This makers mark is also on the rim.
Looking at armrest ideas.
Since this is a 12" the radii is not that far off 11" brass stock so I will use this 120 degree that I made for a BD that never got it. I will clean it and use Nikolas brass lacquer on it.
I want a functional armrest on it for myself and trust me, it will have the simplest of "non invasive" mounts!
I want a functional armrest on it for myself and trust me, it will have the simplest of "non invasive" mounts!
MORE TO FOLLOW