remaking rare banjo parts-washburn imperial nuts

[skip sail]

I have a few 1890s Washburns that are missing some of the original "Imperial" nuts. These things are completely unobtainable,so a friend of mine who is a good backyard engineer and I decided to have a go at making some. I described this process in detail on Banjohangout,but thought i would mention it here to encourage anyone who is missing that vital and elusive part-anything that was made by humans CAN be remade! Also,to see what people think.

The next step is to try and recreate the 4 piece bracket shoes,a much harder task.

[Richard William Ineson]

You have to admire human ingenuity, especially when it is applied to the humble banjo. They certainly went to lengths beyond the call of duty to make banjos which are works of art. Congratulations on working out how it was done.

[skip sail]

thanks Richard,its one of the few things ive done that im actually proud of!

[1ugx886af01bm]

 
 

Didn't make any extras did you as I need 3?

Norm

[skip sail]

Can make a few more,got a photo of your banjo?

[1ugx886af01bm]

skip sail said:

Can make a few more,got a photo of your banjo?

[1ugx886af01bm]

Hi

I am in WVa and only have dial up!  I will try to get a close up of the nuts as i recall the purfling was on an angle.

Norm

[skip sail]

no worries,let me know your adress

[1ugx886af01bm]

HI

I am now in the UK but will be in Perth at the beginning of Feb.. sorry for the delay in replying but I have been working on the web site below .. do you have some I can buy?

 http://www.vintagebanjomaker.com

 

[skip sail]

sure,if you only need 3,i will send them,no charge. let me know where to send them,and i will put them in the mail.

cheers,skip

[1ugx886af01bm]

Skip .. most kind, the banjo is in W Va, the address is

Norman Guiver

PO Box 10

Kerens

W Virginia 26276

USA

skip sail said:

sure,if you only need 3,i will send them,no charge. let me know where to send them,and i will put them in the mail.

cheers,skip

[Paul Hostetter]

I just stumbled on this thread as I was searching for a different banjo nut for a client, and thought I'd post this:

As you can see, one of these (lower right) is blown out in the end, the others are oxidized but in good shape. They've been languishing in my parts drawer for decades. I'll entertain offers. 

What I am keenly interested in finding is a replacement for this hook and nut:

The owner tightened it down until it bottomed out, then kept turning until it snapped off. I extracted the broken off part, and would love to find either a vintage spare hook and nut that matches, or a nice new-made replacement.

I'd be grateful for any suggestions. 

[skip sail]

I would be interested in the Washburn nuts,and will have a look through my parts drawer for the one youre after.

Im not sure what to offer for the nuts though!