HELP - Banjo Doesn't Work Properly

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 30 Apr 04 - 10:29 AM

There are some good banjos on eBay at the moment, reasonable prices too.
eric

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 30 Apr 04 - 05:14 AM

Fanks Geoff...

We've had a look at the second hand list on the hobgoblin shop - but things there can be hit and miss. We've got a few connections and friends who play so we'll be able to ask them to keep an eye out too.

We saw some nice old ones last weekend, at a music weekend, they were very nice. But we're due a trip to Ireland one day soon so will probably have a look then.

fank you very much...

Ella

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 30 Apr 04 - 04:54 AM

Ella - general advice, when he is ready to replace it, is - Don't buy an expensive NEW banjo - try to find a GOOD second-hand one.
Various reasons including :-
You can often pick up a better instrument for the same price (or cheaper).
Any problems with the instrument are either obvious or already sorted out.
There are some beautiful old instruments if you can find them.
BUT - if you are not certain what you are looking at try to find somebody you trust who knows about the instrument you want to look at. Get them to try it out to check it is okay. Try it yourself for "feel".
Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 30 Apr 04 - 04:20 AM

fanks Geoff the quack...

That link was too scary to look at. I think he's sorted the problem out, a friend has had a look at it, and it now plays fine... doesn't go out of tune. Don't know what he's done, but it involved new strings, and some tensioning. So he's sorted now...

Opened a whole lot of fings we didn't know about banjos though...

Harpmaker... sorry no pints owed I drank em all... don't do carpets, bare floors matey... much easier to clean... AND the instruments fine until he really gets going, no point in spending £500+ on the instrument we saw and really liked as he might never have got on with it. Fella is only just getting into music (well banjos that is) and there's no point in spending £500+ when it could have just sat in a cupboard... so don't worry. This one is easy to learn on now that it's been sorted!

Art... vodka and milk of mag - euchhhhhhh.... This is the first instrument that the cat has approved off. Fella started learning the whistle first, and she was biting him to make him stop. When he ignored her, she bit me to make him stop. Now he's learning the banjo she doesn't bite either of us, she's fairly happy about it.

BTW... when I play the whislte or flute she's absolutely fine, I think it's just beginner whistle players she objects too. So as long as she's not biting either of us the banjo stays.... perhaps I'll have to check her breath for vodka and milk of mag......

fank you all very much!

Ella

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Art Thieme
Date: 30 Apr 04 - 12:21 AM

try vodka and Milk Of Magnesia.

That's a Phillips screwdriver.

Makes your banjo sound wonderful.

Art

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 29 Apr 04 - 07:08 PM

THIS ONE http://www.banjowizard.com/ might help.
QUack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 29 Apr 04 - 07:04 PM

I Am Used To - NOT "I AMUSED"
Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 29 Apr 04 - 06:55 PM

Neck attachment/tension problems - the solution depends on how the neck is attached. If it is not firm enough, you don't stand a chance of tuning without fixing the problem.
I don't know much about truss rods as I amused to older style banjoes with a perch pole extending as part of the neck.
There have been threads about repairing and adjusting banjoes which link to web sites dedicated to such problems. I'm not sure if the auto-links at the top of the page include the ones I recall, but try clicking on them as a starting point.
If no luck try a Forum Search - (Lyrics & Knowledge Search) - box at top of main forum page.
Quack!
Geoff the Duck.

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: harpmaker
Date: 29 Apr 04 - 02:47 PM

The neck is only a slightly bit wriggly????????.... You've had the gas up to high!!
Ella, I thought this was a belated April fools joke!

You would be much better off spending a few extra bob on a banjo that plays ok & keeps in tune.
It will be so much easier to learn on.

BTW when I read 'Chineese copy of an Ozark' I laughed so much I dropped my beer all over the carpet, so, you owe me a pint!
& a new carpet!!

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 29 Apr 04 - 04:46 AM

Geoff..... that's exactly what happens.... the note changes! The neck is only a slightly bit wiggly. We think we might have sorted it out, but what suggestions do you have for the above symptoms....

Harpmaker... I'm not saying it's a fab instrument, we bought a cheap one as he wanted to learn the banjo, and didn't want to pay out huge amounts of money just incase he didn't get on with it, or got bored. So, it's a first instrument, and will probably be replaced in the near future as he is getting on well with it. Don't feel sorry for us, it's doing the job we wanted it to do!

PS... that was won ton of an awful pun... stick to the day job! eeek!

fank you very much!

Ella

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: harpmaker
Date: 28 Apr 04 - 08:56 PM

"A Chineese copy of an Ozark banjo"---- hmmm, let me see now, I seem to remember ... thats It,
Its one of them Chineese steemer thingy's that you put food in, with a handle on it to make it LOOK like a banjo!

Poor Ella & er fella, no wonder it playes sweet & sour.

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 28 Apr 04 - 06:59 PM

Is the neck firm. Any sight movement will put itout of tune. Try plucking a note then pulling (gently) on the headstock.
Does the not alter? If so - return here with data...
Quack!
Geoff the Duck.

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 28 Apr 04 - 12:43 PM

The other possible culprit might be the compression rod. Do careful internet research and be sure you understand it before adjusting!!

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 28 Apr 04 - 10:41 AM

Make sure the strings are secure at both the pegs and tailpiece, important make sure the bridge is positioned correctly for proper intonation, good luck.
eric

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 28 Apr 04 - 10:18 AM

we're trying all your suggestions... except the violent ones.. or the welding ones!

Cheers

:-)

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 28 Apr 04 - 02:51 AM

When I said get it welded I meant to the back of a bus.
eric

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 27 Apr 04 - 01:06 PM

Tut tut Jim and you a banjo player!

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: MC Fat
Date: 27 Apr 04 - 11:21 AM

perfect pitch is when the banjo hits the bodhran

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: concertina ceol
Date: 27 Apr 04 - 11:05 AM

Does it ever work properly?

Cleanaway skip hire 0870 40 40 40 is your best bet.

don't forget to throw the bodhran in as well.

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: GUEST,noddy
Date: 27 Apr 04 - 10:37 AM

the birmingham screw driver comes in different sizes. the long handled 20lb might do the trick

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: ced2
Date: 27 Apr 04 - 10:11 AM

Ella, Yes very similar to a Birmingham screwdriver, but they are of the genus used by chippies and have a forky thing at one end; the genuine engineers 3lb adjustment tool on the other hand has the second working sufrace nicely rounded! On a serious note (f#dim) could it be that the strings are slipping at the bridge end?

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 27 Apr 04 - 09:04 AM

In that case - if you get a puncture and need to change a wheel on the camper, the banjo is great for hitting the end of the wheelbrace, when the nut's been done up rather tight.

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 27 Apr 04 - 07:53 AM

Do any of them? :0) :0)

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 27 Apr 04 - 07:52 AM

Dave... we are no longer the users of tents... having found a lovely ole vw camper van called tom. Could use it for friends tents on a loan basis though...

ced2... is the engineer's 3lb universal adjustment tool the same thing fella calls a Birmingham screwdriver?..... (a hammer).

Ella

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: ced2
Date: 27 Apr 04 - 06:53 AM

The engineer's 3lb universal adjustment tool may be of considerable assistance when attempting to do any work on a banjo. I may have used it on mine in the past; as opposed to Eric the Red's use of the arc welder... come to think of it Eric, would the gas-axe work as well?

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 27 Apr 04 - 06:33 AM

Is it all right for bashing in tent-pegs and slicing hard-boiled eggs (cut a hole in the skin first) ? - if so, it's perfectly functional.

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 27 Apr 04 - 04:29 AM

heheheheheh eric fab suggestion don't think fella would approve though.

We took it along with us to a session local to us last night and got a pal, who is an instrument maker (mandolas) to have a look at it. He also plays banjo. The diagnostics are that it is nothing desperately wrong with it. Yes we have to check the pegs, but also he's suggested a heavier string to go on it, as one string has a different weight. So, we're going to do that. But ALSO... the little groovy bits where the strings are not quite wide enough on the bridge, and at the top of the neck. Which I think Uncle Dave O was describing.

Also, he suggested putting a cappo on the top fret, which lowers the strings, and will mean playing the banjo will be like touch typing as you won't need to put as much pressure onto the fretty bits.

Splott man (or should we say... Splough man if it's posh), thanks for that suggestion, we'll try that too. It's going to have a wee overhaul and try all the ideas.

Guest Davy... it's not an overally expensive banjo, we've been told it's a Chinese copy of an ozark. We bought it in Galway, it was not a horrendously expensive instrument, which is why we bought it... for fella to learn on and see how he got on. He's getting rather good!

open mike.... I don't mind the blink blink bong bong bling wing clunk noises as long as they are in tune... ;-)

So, thanks all... we'll keep you posted, any further suggestions will be gratefull taken on and tried out.

All the best

Ella and the fella

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 27 Apr 04 - 02:27 AM

When you get it in tune get it welded.
eric

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: fretless
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 01:29 PM

I'm with Leadfingers -- it sounds like the peg screws need to be tightened. Assuming, as we all appear to have, that we're talking about metal strings here. Nylon strings take a lot longer to settle in; and if your fella is using fishing line in lieu of actual nylon strings, then you and he are really going to learn the meaning of patience. Fishing line keeps stretching forever.

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Leadfingers
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 12:45 PM

If there is reasonable tension on the head and the strings are well
wrapped round the peg AND fed through the hole in the peg the most likely cause is lack of tension on the pegs . Even OLD banjos had a screw to tighten the peg in the hole , unless its got solid Ivory pegs
If it was strings settling in it wouldnt keep happenenig after an hour or so.

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Splott Man
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 11:11 AM

Try putting the end of the string through the peg twice so you have a loop. It could just be a case of shiny metal string against shiny metal peg.

all the best

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: open mike
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 11:10 AM

yep-it is either at the top _where the strings connect
or in the middle...the bridge is held by tension from
the skin head...perhaps the skin is natural fiber (animal
skin) and is weather-sensitive. They do make synthetic
ones which would not be as tempermemtal.
by the way, banjos always make that
"incesant blink blink bong bong bong bling sounds "
whether in tune or not.

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: GUEST,Davy
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 11:02 AM

Could also be low skin tension. If this is suspected try 1/2 a turn on each tensioner and see if it improves.
How expensive is it?

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Uncle_DaveO
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 10:46 AM

It might even be that the strings are not being attached correctly to the tuners--that is, in such a fashion that the string is not thoroughly clamped to the tuner's capstan. This has happened to me.

I know what to do, but don't know how to describe the correct technique.

Dave Oesterreich

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 10:18 AM

ooo fab... keep the ideas coming, I'll print them off eventually hand em over to fella to keep him busy trying all your ideas.

Brill, cheers all!

Ella

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: Dave Bryant
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 10:15 AM

Are the pegs too loose ? - most modern banjos have pegs where the friction can be ajusted by tightening a screw in the tuning tab.

Subject: RE: HELP - BANJO DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY
From: jacqui.c
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 10:15 AM

Sounds like the tuning pegs are slipping.Do you see a way to tighten them?

Subject: HELP - banjo doesn't work properly
From: Ella who is Sooze
Date: 26 Apr 04 - 10:10 AM

Hello all...

The fellas banjo doesn't work properly (no sniggering... I'm not being rude... it's an honest call for help)

I need some help and ideas on how to sort a problem out on a banjo. It's a fairly newish one, and when we tune the strings into the correct tone, within a few minutes of playing it the strings slide out of tune some times by a whole semitone or more. It's frustrating and driving me mad with the incesant blink blink bong bong bong bling sounds as the wretched thing is tuned back in...

We've checked that the neck isn't twisted so it's not that... any other ideas???? Hints or tips on what to do how to fix what to check for would be fab!

By the way... it's an irish, short neck tenor banjo.....

Regards

Ella on behalf of the fella