Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

Banjo Flange Problem

#1

Quick question to any who might know….

My son brought home a Washburn B-16 banjo that someone he works with gave him. The problem is that the person who owned it removed the flange and resonator to make it an “open back”. The resonator was in the case but the flange is gone. I want to put the banjo back to its original condition so I checked the specs for a Washburn B-16 online and it says they have a 11” flange. I searched the web and the only place I could find an 11” flange was Goldtone so I ordered one. When it came in the mail, it didn’t fit. It is about a quarter inch too small to fit over the pot. I guess they measured the 11” on outside diameter. I emailed Banjo Ben’s general store to see if they might have a used or new flange with an inside diameter of 11” so hopefully they do. Can’t seem to find flanges much at all on the internet. Any ideas or suggestions on where to look would be great help.

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#2

Hi @FIrebelly Chuck you might care to ask the guy’s over on the Banjo Hangout. They have a section on their forum that deals with repairs and spare parts. Also check with the guys at stewmac.com

#3

Thanks Archie, I’ll check out Banjo Hangout, that’s a good idea. I tried Stewmac and they only carry one flange and it’s out of stock.

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#4

I was was thinking more on the lines of chatting with one of their luthiers. They have a lot of knowledge & expertise and they may be able to offer up a solution. If my memory serves me I think Washburn Banjos are Asian built so it might be worthwhile looking to track down an Asian parts supplier. China or Taiwan

Also check with these guys they have a list of dealerships in the USA
https://www.washburn.com/

#5

Thanks again Archie. I have an email in to Washburn’s parts department. Hopefully they can help. I appreciate your help, if not, I’ll try calling Stewmac. I’m kind of surprised how hard it is to find flanges on the internet.

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#6

Yes one would think you could buy spares easily.

#7

I got a response from Jake today and unfortunately the General Store doesn’t have a flange that will fit the Washburn, but he was very helpful as always and suggested that I might have to turn the rim down slightly to accept the 11” standard flange. I also received an email from Washburn. They said they couldn’t find that part, but they are checking further and will get back to me. Evidently they are owned by Jam Industries in Canada now? I’ll give it a few days and if I don’t hear from them then I’ll be turning the rim.

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