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
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.
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