The Original Internal Resonator Banjo: the Dobson Great Echo

Abstract

C. E. Dobson designed, patented in 1888, produced, and marketed a banjo, the Great Echo, whose unique feature was an internal resonator. Although the instruments he made had a single-piece spun-over metal rim, his patent acknowledged that it could be made of wood and achieve the same desired goal: a more mellow sound and a slight "echo." In spite of the fact that examples survive to this day, the Great Echo is never mentioned in discussions of the history internal resonators, which always begin with F. Bacon's 1906 patent and ensuing production of his ff Professional. Nor does the Great Echo appear in any current histories of 19th Century banjo. Starting with a salvaged 9 3/4" Great Echo rim, I cobbled together a 20" scale 5-string. Sound samples of this and of a full-size instrument are included.

Files

Additional details