Most students of pre-war banjo construction believe that both the materials and the process of pouring and turning are crucial elements in the final sound produced by a tone ring. Steve has meticulously researched and replicated both of these components of banjo tone ring manufacturing and the results of his efforts are now available to all banjo pickers.

Plating is also a major concern. Many a fine ring has seen its tone and volume suffer from poor or over plating. Steve personally plates each ring using the finest materials in a "human-controlled" environment. He also offers the triple gold plating option that was used on the pre-war Gibsons.

On both the gold and triple-gold rings, Steve plates in the "older" fashion whereby the gold is plated directly over the copper flashing that is applied to the brass, instead of applying a coat of nickel between the copper and the gold. While the value of this process has generated some debate among students of banjo tone, Steve clearly feels that the "gold over copper" plating offers a superior tonal response.

Let's be honest... this is a premium product, and it carries a premium price. Rather than look for a way to bring production costs in line with a projected price point, Steve has employed the design and manufacturing process required to turn out a banjo ring of exceptional quality and priced it accordingly.

Yes, you can find less expensive tone rings. But can you find a better one? See what top pros have to say about that.

Since these rings are produced in limited quantities and largely by hand, delivery time can vary between 2 and 4 weeks. Our goal is to ship all orders within two weeks of receipt and every effort is made to stay within that time frame.

Full payment is required at the time of your order, but checks are not deposited nor credit cards processed until we are ready to ship. The shipping fee by UPS to any continental US address is $12.

Custom Fitting:

If you have a post 1990 model Gibson banjo or any banjo that is fitted with a Kulesh or First Quality tone ring you will find the Vintage Flathead to be an easy and exact retrofit. If you have an older banjo, or are not sure about the ring that is currently in your banjo, Steve recommends that you ship us your shell. We can then measure it and, if it is not cut for a stock ring, Steve will custom cut a Vintage Flathead ring for your shell for only an additional $35 charge. If your banjo is an arch top or has a hoop-style ring (style 1, 11 or 100), Steve can cut your shell to accept his flathead ring for the same additional $35 charge.

Be sure to pack the shell carefully to avoid damage. It will be shipped back with the Vintage Flathead properly seated.