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https://youtu.be/WV3wY1GYgfw
This unmarked "Dobson" has an unusual 12-inch rim, new goatskin head, new Five Star tuners, reproduction No-Knot tailpiece, and a Clifford Essex bridge. All Dobson banjos (even the "Silver Bell" models) were probably produced by Buckbee in New York City from the early 1880s until his bankruptcy in 1901. By that time, Buckbee had been bought out by Rettberg & Lange.
This unmarked "Dobson" has an unusual 12-inch rim, new goatskin head, new Five Star tuners, reproduction No-Knot tailpiece, and a Clifford Essex bridge. All Dobson banjos (even the "Silver Bell" models) were probably produced by Buckbee in New York City from the early 1880s until his bankruptcy in 1901. By that time, Buckbee had been bought out by Rettberg & Lange.
I was wondering when you'd get hold of one of these. They sure seem to get snapped up pretty quickly. Like you said, they're what's "in" right now. I can't say I'm surprised. They are lovely sounding. Far gone from the old 1867s he first produced.
It's an OK banjo. Has a decent, booming tone, but more sustain than I'm into. They were cheaply made by Buckbee. Tone ring was by the far the most expensive part.
I use a low bridge on mine, and it removes a lot of the sustain. I found out with high bridges on Dobsons makes for LONG notes, so lowering that angle from the tail piece really helped me get a sound I liked. Earned that from your talks about adding brightness and such by increasing that angle, so I used the opposite method to "dull" the strings.
An don't get me wrong, I still prefer the 1867 to the "silver bell"
SWitching from ebony-cap bluegrass bridge to solid maple Clifford Essex bridge madec a world of difference on this old tub.