Information on 'loar' tambourines

[8strings]

I am looking for some information on the tambourine that one of these ladies is playing in this clip:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj4I9...eature=related

There are rumors that as a side line, Mr. Loar built about 49 of these and I would like to narrow the date of this one down to between April 01, 1923 and April 01, 1924. If anyone also knows if these frames were varnished or lacquered that would be great help as well? I believe that the metal jingles (zils) were hand poured in a sand mold, using the identical bronze alloy that is found in the hinges of Mr. Monroes F5 mandolin case.

[bobbyD]

I'd be surprised if anyone can tell you anything about it from that video. You can barely even see it.

[cbarry]

Dude, you are such a freak. (And that's a compliment!)

[cbarry]

I mean the first dude (8strings).

[allenhopkins]

Actually, I think that's a Sri Lankan copy of a Loar tambourine. You can tell by the lack of finish inside the scroll. Don't be embarrassed, though; many are taken in, since the Tamil luthiers make excellent copies.

I have attempted to build a copy from the Stewed-Mac(and Cheese) kit, but after hand-rubbing seventeen coats of neat's-foot oil onto the body, I discovered I'd been rubbing the body of the tambourine player instead. Fun, though...

[Bruce Evans]

Hey, isn't that passerby Doodles Weaver?

[JEStanek]

Those Sri Lankan ones are OK. You really want the Eastman copy.

The video is from Road to Nashville (still on my amazon wish list). That sure looks like Doodles Weaver to me!

Jamie

[mandopete]

Are you sure you don't mean a Loat tambourine?

[JeffD]

There should be a warning on this thread, DO NOT READ WHILE DRINKING COFFEE!

[KennyR]

Out of the 49, do you know how many had a Virzi installed?

[Gutbucket]

I now know the source of my daily migraines. Diving into certain threads. Ouch!

[mrmando]

You can't hear that durn tambourine. What she needs is a DeArmond tambourine pickup!

[blacksmith]

Man, dig that crazy knee action! And a Tone-Gard would help with the volume.

[8strings]

.... Thanks everyone for your replies. I might as well come out with it. I have been offered this particular historic tambourine, but with its accompanying price tag. I just wanted to make sure that it is the real thing. The instrument was apparently stored under a bed not long after this very recording. If there was a Virzi installed at one stage, there is no evidence of its removal. It has a two part rim with stunning bookmatched sides and the serial number and signature are pencilled very legible on a paper label on the inside of the rim. There is some 'upper thigh' and 'left palm wear' (obviously a right hand version), but no apparent cracks. Just amazing, considering the (ab)use it could have suffered in the sixties and seventees, when the tambourine had such a strong revival. It comes in its original tri-angular case, which easily fits into even the smallest aircraft luggage rack. Although it sound great as it is, it will most definitely improve with increased playing. I am planning to have it set up properly, but given that the original manufacturer no longer makes, or provides after sales service for these wonderful instruments, I might have to send it overseas to a distinguished luthier. I just hope that there are no hidden ownership disputes looming somewhere behind the scenes. I also do not want it to be displayed in a glass cabinet. Something like that should and must be played. I can't wait attending next year's annual 'Tambo-Loar' Re-union, should my purchase offer be accepted. I will keep you up to date, including a few sound files, if you are interested. A Merry Christmas to everyone and a Happy New Year. #

[stevem]

I just got off the phone with Sumi and he swears he is not responsible for making this Loat copy. He was only 26 years old at the time it was created, and he hadn't developed the requisite hand strength to bend the sides until he was at least 36.

[JEStanek]

Wow, Check the link on the front page for Dan B's latest web page http://www.tambourinearchive.com/ It has details and many photos provided by Darryl of the Tambourine Journal.

I've already pinched a number of Dan's great photos of the jangly bits and skins for my computer's wallpaper and next years Tambourine themed Christmas card.

I've got my eyes on Sister Gertrude Morgan's tambourine even if it isn't a Loar.

Jamie

[cutbait2]

it's definetly got that Loar tone....

[mandroid]

Ah, the Lure of the Loar Lore.

[KennyR]

I found a nice side bound mint condition Loar tambo, is this the one you where offered?

Loar Side bound Tambo

[8ch(pl)]

I think I'm getting a Loar signed Tambourine for Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait. I have 2 of his Kazoos already, what an investment.

[JEStanek]

Kalamazoo Kazoo! Say that after 3 stiff egg nogs! Ha!

The Kalamazoo Kazoo Kazoo
The Kalamazoo Kazoo
There's nothing like the
dulcet tones of my
Kalamazoo Kazoo.

You shake your tambourine, my friend
You bow on the old vi-ole.
You'll never play with nearly the soul
of my Kalamazoo Kazoo.

Chorus

You pick the F-5 signed by Lloyd
I'll hum in a tube of brass
Stop that plinky plinking noise
Or I might kick your.... with my..

Chorus

We hear of Loar's mandolins
and magic of his hands
But I for one, prefer the sound
of the membranophone from good ole Kalamazoo

Chorus.

Sorry... I got to feeling punchy. No egg nog in me either.

Merry Festivus.


Jamie

[allenhopkins]

Sorry to burst your Kalamazoo bubble, my friend, but all metal kazoos are now made in Eden NY. NOWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD, ONLY EDEN. (See below)

Your KKkazoo is a charlatan, an imposter, expelled from Eden for tasting the fruit of the Tree of Kazooledge, doomed to wander the earth raising Cain (as much as it is Abel).

Anyway, wasn't this a thread about tambourines?

Learned Footnote:

The Original American Kazoo Company
The Kazoo Boutique, LLC www.edenkazoo.com
8703 S. Main Street
Eden, NY 14057,

Adjacent Factory opened in 1916; world's sole producer of metal kazoos, museum tours
Contact: Karen K Smith, Owner
(716) 992-3960.

The original American Kazoo Company was established in 1916 and is now the only metal kazoo factory in the world. The museum highlights history, amusing trivia, and shows step by step the way kazoos are made.

[JEStanek]

Allen,
I saw the piece on the Kazoo factory on CBS Sunday Morning a few weeks back. The Kazoo Orchestras and the museum pieces. It was a toot! Here's a link to the story. Karen Smith gets a mention.

Sorry for the divergence... I'll never be worthy of a Loar tambourine. Perhaps a The Loar Tambourine, though.


Jamie

[8ch(pl)]

Take it from me, Lloyd Loar signed Kazoos are extremely rare.

[allenhopkins]

Take it from me, Lloyd Loar signed Kazoos are extremely rare.

Yeah, I've given up on finding one. I'm going to order an instrument from an independent kazoo builder.

Apparently, however, from what I read, there's only one: Karen Smith in Eden NY. Wonder what her waiting list is?

And decisions, decisions –– do I want an F-model, an A-model –– can I get one with f-holes, or only a round-hole –– what finish do I want? I can't bust my budget (approx. $5.85), and yet I want a "keeper," to be my one and only kazoo for the foreseeable future (hey, maybe I could get it finished in Foreseeable Fuschia!).

Then, of course, there's the hardshell case (Calton or Pegasus?), the strap, and I'll definitely need to get some instructional DVD's and learn kazoo tablature.

Maybe I should start a website... Oops, there already is one!