Fri Dec 29, 2006 3:01 pm
I received Bryan's new stainless banjo and I'm very pleased with it. I do have the original USD banjo and Chuck's banjo and they work very well, but only with long yokes which all of you already know. I'm very much of a purest with my equipment. I don't like to alter them in any way. I like to keep them as they were the day they were sold. So, I was very pleased when Bryan reproduced this banjo for use with the short yokes. I think it should be called the "universal" banjo adapter, because it truly is universal. I was a little bit concerned to see if it would work with the early USD cast yokes that were used on the red,green, and some blue label broxton's. They were also used on the early Aquamatics. So when I received the banjo, I took it straight to one of my old yokes and some random tanks and it wouldn't fit. Then I thought to myself, that was dumb of me to think I could have an early 50's yoke work on 60's valve. So I tried it on my 50's USD valve and it was a very tight fit , but I was able to make it work. Now, if anybody has a LP diaphragm for an Aquamatic, I'll be in business. But seriously, this banjo is great. Yes, there might be an oddball yoke/valve combination where it might be tight. But if you're a vintage diver, dive with a vintage valve. If your're on vacation and you'll be using a rental tank, take your Phoenix. You can't get more universal than this banjo.
Bryan, I would like to thank you for your energy and commitment in reproducing all of these parts for the vintage community. Your dedication is very much appreciated.
Before I forget, the mistral/jet air HP seats are flawless!!