Work Page 12-2025
Gibson RB-00 style neck
"Coke bottle" style peghead
NOS Liberty Banjo Co. 3 ply maple rim
Ser# 1407-3
Liberty Banjo Co. 20 hole flathead tone ring
NOS Maple resonator
Marked 1407-3 inside
Nickel hardware with raw brass armrest.
Vintage Grover 2:1 pegs
Geared 5th peg.
I will stencil the correct "Gibson" in the peghead .
Not to try and trick someone into it being a Gibson.
But to have it that way so if I or someone else wants to use it on a OPF Gibson at a later date.
NOS Liberty Banjo Co. 3 ply maple rim
Ser# 1407-3
Liberty Banjo Co. 20 hole flathead tone ring
NOS Maple resonator
Marked 1407-3 inside
Nickel hardware with raw brass armrest.
Vintage Grover 2:1 pegs
Geared 5th peg.
I will stencil the correct "Gibson" in the peghead .
Not to try and trick someone into it being a Gibson.
But to have it that way so if I or someone else wants to use it on a OPF Gibson at a later date.
"The plan"
This neck came to me from an estate sale
It was partially completed, but the peghead shape was off.
They were trying for a 1920s "The Gibson" look but it was not the right dimensions and the peg holes were too big, and off- drilled.
But the rest was VG, very straight, perfectly adjustable truss, good inlay, side markers.
It was never on a banjo, cut for one piece Gibson flange.
So I decided to change it to a Gibson "Coke Bottle" shape, since that is a favorite of mine.
I will make it in the fashion of a 1930s Gibson RB-00 , basically.
Sequence #1
This neck came to me from an estate sale
It was partially completed, but the peghead shape was off.
They were trying for a 1920s "The Gibson" look but it was not the right dimensions and the peg holes were too big, and off- drilled.
But the rest was VG, very straight, perfectly adjustable truss, good inlay, side markers.
It was never on a banjo, cut for one piece Gibson flange.
So I decided to change it to a Gibson "Coke Bottle" shape, since that is a favorite of mine.
I will make it in the fashion of a 1930s Gibson RB-00 , basically.
Sequence #1
Almost a Gibson appearance.
My TB-00 template from Leo.
Pull cut saw makes short work of them.
Ready for new ear wood.
ready to profile
Getting close to the correct shape.
Back to full thickness. Nut made.
Truss pocket good, ready for cover.
Easy to change to Coke bottle.
I will use the peghead area from this donor blank.
Just enough.
Now back to the front.
I want bushings for my Grovers.
Drilling for Grover's.
Bringing the RB-00 finish back up the neck.
Most of he plugs will be cut away.
Now to remove the old "ear wood"
Now to smooth the cuts.
Earwood from blank removed, adding pieces.
First I will rasp the backside.
Cutting the profile and drum sanding.
Now I will overlay with Rosewood.
All frets dressed, board oiled.
Sequence #2
This will be the parts used.
I had it on a TB100 tenor neck for awhile to use as a loaner.
They have a good amount of patina which I want.
After I get it all fitted to the new neck then I will pull it down and finish the rim in its correct color.
The resonator, also out of the Liberty estate parts was never cut for a heel but ws done in blue for a Kel Kroydon project I assume.
It was good that it was in enamel, and no stain used.
That way the stripper could get it back to clean mahogany.
It has a repair on the sidewall from the lathe catching it and maybe t he reason it changed to blue.
Being that it is single bound also appealed to me for this style neck.
This will be the parts used.
I had it on a TB100 tenor neck for awhile to use as a loaner.
They have a good amount of patina which I want.
After I get it all fitted to the new neck then I will pull it down and finish the rim in its correct color.
The resonator, also out of the Liberty estate parts was never cut for a heel but ws done in blue for a Kel Kroydon project I assume.
It was good that it was in enamel, and no stain used.
That way the stripper could get it back to clean mahogany.
It has a repair on the sidewall from the lathe catching it and maybe t he reason it changed to blue.
Being that it is single bound also appealed to me for this style neck.
Chem-strip doing it's thing.
Going for first setup trials.
Vinrtage button on modern peg.
Ready to string up.
5/8" bridge, good action.
Original 1407-3
Orig. Liberty #s
Standard truss pocket cover.
Older flange, slight flaring.
GHS mediums, clamshell tailpiece.
Insider refinished, ready for hardware.
This is a heavy ring, around 3 lbs, I will weigh it.
Ready to tear down and finalize finish/setup.
Bone nut-Vintage tuner bushings.
Sunburst complete, taking on clear.
More to follow