Banjo Tonerings

In the late 19th century, the shape of the 5 string banjo evolved into
todays standard; i.e. pot around 11", 26 some inch scale length etc.

Then the evolution in sound began in 1890's. Before that time
banjo pot is usually made of all wood or german silver covered
wood. In the quest for louder sound and more crisp tone, individual
metal parts are incorporated between the skin head and the wood rim.
They are called the tone rings. Most notable inventions in tone ring
are by A.C.Fairbanks & co. around the turn of the century.
i.e. the Elecric and the Whyte Laydie tone rings.

In the '20's the Jazz music flourished. To cope with brass horns,
banjo sound became even louder with many nouveau inventions.
The resonators added, pot and tone rings became heavier.
The only surviver today is the Mastertone construction by the Gibson.

Recent revival of the old time music led to the popularity of
Fairbanks-Vega style banjos and some luthiers began building
Whyte-Laydie and Tubaphone type banjos.
Some even build civil war era minstrel type banjos.

After the folk boom of the '60s was over, C.F.Martin bought VEGA.
Eventually the Vega name was sold to a Korean company and cheap
Vega banjos were sold for a while. But recently Greg Deering
bought back the Vega name and now Deering banjo co. revived
the quality and authentic Vega banjos including the Tubaphone,
the Little Wonder and the legendary Pete Seeger models.

A.A.Farland Concert Grand Vega VOX
Vega Little Wonder Bacon FF Professional
Fairbanks Electric B&D Silverbell
Whyte Laydie Orpheum/Paramount
Tu-ba-phone Others

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