Help: 'Setting-up' a 5-String Banjo

Subject: RE: Help: 'Setting-up' a 5-String Banjo
From: fretless
Date: 20 Aug 08 - 09:36 AM

White glue is nasty stuff, and it is almost impossible to undo damage caused by it once it is done. The bond will harden stronger that the wood it is joining; and the chemical composition is inconsistent (the producing companies use different mixes depending on what is available and cheap), so there's no set formula for diluting or removing the glue once it has dried. I'd stay away from white glue if I valued the instrument I was repairing.

Subject: RE: Help: 'Setting-up' a 5-String Banjo
From: Charley Noble
Date: 19 Aug 08 - 10:24 AM

"the people at Sullivan recommended white glue."

I suppose it depends on whether you have a vintage banjo or one from Sullivan.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Help: 'Setting-up' a 5-String Banjo
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 19 Aug 08 - 02:47 AM

Definition of a ' gentleman ' someone who can play the 5 string banjo, and doesn't.

eric

Subject: RE: Help: 'Setting-up' a 5-String Banjo
From: Escapee
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 11:37 PM

I have found that a banjo head creaks or squeaks just before it breaks. I've heard it twice. When it creaks, back the nut off some. That would be the nut on the bracket, not the nut holding the wrench.
A friend's 5th tuner slipped recently and the people at Sullivan recommended white glue.
Good luck all,
SKP

Subject: RE: Help: 'Setting-up' a 5-String Banjo
From: Charley Noble
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 08:45 PM

Lee-

Pouring in a little "Chair-Lock" may be helpful.

Wrapping the 5th string tuner plug with very fine sandpaper is recommended; didn't work especially well for me.

I don't think I would recommend white glue or epoxy.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Help: 'Setting-up' a 5-String Banjo
From: Leadfingers
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 04:03 PM

If its just the wood that is chewed up , try Plastic Wood Filler !

Subject: RE: Help: 'Setting-up' a 5-String Banjo
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Aug 08 - 02:35 PM

Hi, I just bought a Alvarez banjo model #4285 and found out the 5th tuner is stripped in the wood in the neck.What now? Help Lee Caudill

Subject: RE: Help: 'Setting-up' a 5-String Banjo
From: X
Date: 28 Aug 02 - 02:31 PM

Tinker tinker tinker. :o)

Subject: RE: Help: 'Setting-up' a 5-String Banjo
From: beachcomber
Date: 28 Aug 02 - 02:26 PM

Steve,

How do you get a banjo top ring off over your head and those strings around my ears ...jees

Thanks again

beach

Subject: RE: Help: 'Setting-up' a 5-String Banjo
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 27 Aug 02 - 07:20 PM

Beachcomber,

You're welcome. Just be very careful tightening the head, they make a very loud noise when they pop.

Subject: RE: Help: 'Setting-up' a 5-String Banjo
From: beachcomber
Date: 27 Aug 02 - 07:00 PM

Nope Banjost, won't "tinker" mine to death. It weighs a tonne and is well made, does not sound too bad even now , it's just that ..goddammit , I like to "adjust" things and that website is exactly what I wanted. Very grateful to Steve, thank you.

beachcomber. (P.S. can't wait for winter to begin "tinkering" again.)

Subject: RE: Help: 'Setting-up' a 5-String Banjo
From: X
Date: 26 Aug 02 - 08:11 PM

Steve's right. Frets is about the best place to go to find the "what for" in setting up a bluegrass banjo.

Keep it in mind, you can over tinker a banjo to death.

Subject: RE: Help: 'Setting-up' a 5-String Banjo
From: CraigS
Date: 26 Aug 02 - 08:08 PM

I like the concept of cutting the strings, ripping the frets off, and throwing it in the dumpster.

Incidentally I do own three banjos, and a melodeon - but you won't see me play one in public!

Subject: RE: Help: 'Setting-up' a 5-String Banjo
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 26 Aug 02 - 07:02 PM

Hi Beachcomber,

I've found this site to be an excellent resource. It's run by a professional Luthier and has some great set up tips.

Frets.com

Also check out Banjo Hangout

Subject: RE: Help: 'Setting-up' a 5-String Banjo
From: beachcomber
Date: 26 Aug 02 - 06:37 PM

Yes Sir!

For Bluegrass sir! and thank you,

beachcomber

Subject: RE: Help: 'Setting-up' a 5-String Banjo
From: X
Date: 26 Aug 02 - 06:31 PM

Are you setting up for bluegrass or old timey?

Subject: 'Setting-up' a 5-String Banjo
From: beachcomber
Date: 26 Aug 02 - 06:16 PM

Over the past few years I have seen many references to the proper setting up of a 5-String Banjo could some kind 'Catter who is experienced give a "blow by blow" account of exactly how to go about it? I have "tinkered" about with one myself on many occasions but (A character weakness, I admit it) always think that it could sound better.