Richard Kulesh, Sr. started manufacturing banjo tone tings in 1987 for Gibson Musical Instruments under the name of the then family business “Anti-Friction Products, Inc.” In 1991, AFP became “Extraordinary Music Components” when AFP closed.
From 1991 on, Richard Sr. focused on innovative new directions to take banjo tone ring development.
In 1993, the legendary Kulesh 10-hole, centrifugally spun tone ring was developed, and was met with very open arms by the bluegrass banjo world.
Tragically, Richard Sr. passed away in a motorcycle accident while riding in Rosarito, Mexico (about 60 miles South of San Diego, CA) on February 18th, 1996.
Richard Kulesh, Jr. continued in the tradition of making high quality banjo components for the banjo world. His additions have included the Powerful Big-10 centrifugally spun tone ring, the archtop to flathead conversion ring the Retrotone tone ring and the Vintage-20 tone rings, to name a few.
Rick still continues in his father's footsteps to this day with Kulesh Musical Components.
Here in the KMC Shop you will find all of our famous tone rings including:
Discounts are available for Professional builders and retailers.
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Centrifugal Rings |
Conversion Rings |
Vintage Rings |
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The Kulesh 20 Hole tonering is about as close to the old pre-war Gibson Mastertone rings as one could ever hope to create in the modern era. - Bob Day |