HeliX unique, bias-cut rim design

Read some comments on BanjoHangout.org about the HeliX sound:

+   Forum Post:   HeliX as a first banjo?
+   Forum Post:   HeliX as a bluegrass openback...
+   Forum Post:   HeliX vs. Deering Calico, with sound clips
+   Forum Post:   HeliX: General Discussion

+   BanjoHangout Homepage:   HeliX

The HeliX rim is just like a shower curtain hung from a curtain rod, amber waves of grain, an 8 panel curtain cut at a 45.

My rim is called a 'build up'. It's like a barber pole, a wagon wheel, a stained glass window arc: thus Helix, an ancient Roman Arch. The music goes down away from the tone ring at a 45 degree angle. The Helix rim is a true 75% solid hardwood rim, the neck mounts through solid wood, we alone do that, and the virtual depth is 4.25". It's an 8-block octagon rim, and has a characteristic and unique optical illusion, an 8-sided cylinder 3" high. Like a lighthouse.

Helix rims are 8 solid blocks from top to bottom with only 8 joints reinforced by 8 glueblocks cut from the ends of each block. Simple, strong, gorgeous rims that 'luminesce.' There is chantoyance, melodiousness. They vibrate cleanly, the rim itself now sings.

I feel my rim design allows me to produce great sound from most any hardwood because the tone ring now sits on top of a stack of fibers.


 

 

 

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HeliX:


Building a better banjo.

Bias-cut rim design, for maximum tone.