Banjo repairs

Subject: Banjo repairs
From: GUEST,Colin Cotter
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 10:39 AM

Hello all,

    I've seen a few mentions of banjo-players on Mudcat so I thought I'd post this here.

    I've broken the plastic button of the end of one of my tuning machine heads on my cheapy Encore banjo - any tips for doing the repair? I'm guessing it's impossible to fix another button to the end and I'll have to fit a whole new machine head. It would be nice to avoid drilling new holes into the headstock if possible, but that is possibly inevitable.

cheers

-cjc

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: mooman
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 10:46 AM

Dear Colin,

Without knowing the exact type of tuning peg it is difficult to say, but often the plastic buttons are replaceable. I still have a supply of them from the days I used to do more repairs.

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: GUEST,Colin Cotter
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 10:56 AM

It's the type where the peg and the rod that the string is wrapped round are perpendicular to each other. It looks like the button was made of two pieces which were glued together onto the metal peg, I think. How did you fit the buttons which you had?

-cjc

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: mooman
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 10:59 AM

Normally the metal part has a slightly flattened rectangular end which corresponds to a similar shaped recess in the button, which can then be glued on. If that is the case, you should be able to replace the button.

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 06:13 PM

Try ANdy Perkins, Faversham

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: s&r
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 06:59 PM

You can often just heat the buttonless spindle, and push another button on. You can take the button off an old machine head by heating the spindle. It takes a couple of minutes with a cigarette lighter. All the usual precautions please. Don't heat the button itself with a flame it's (in)flammable and stinks.

Stu

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 17 Jun 04 - 08:15 PM

It's amazing what you can do with "Araldite" The slow setting epoxy gives a very solid result. Do not use the "Quick - Setting" variety. It is much softer and is more likely to tear when pressure is applied.
OR...
Look out for a decent second hand "old" banjo - they are usually much better.
Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: GUEST,Colin Cotter
Date: 18 Jun 04 - 03:53 AM

Thanks Mooman I will try to get some buttons.

Araldite is in my blood so I will give that a try - my grandfather worked on one of the worlds first computers, (ACE) at the National Physical Laboratory, and he had several computer science patents involving araldite. Those were the days...

-cjc

p.s. GtD you are right, I am looking out for a better banjo at the moment, will go the second-hand route I think.

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 04:35 AM

I'm having trouble getting hold of those buttons - I tried Hobgoblin in London but they only had classical guitar ones which are too small. Does anyone have any idea where I might be able to order them from? (Preferably UK-based but anything will do at this stage...)

-cjc

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: mooman
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 04:42 AM

Dear Colin,

Andy Perkins in Faversham, Kent will be able to supply you with what you need.

Peace,

moo

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: GUEST,Colin Cotter
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 04:59 AM

Hey Moo,

Sorry I missed your recommendation before! I am stoopid. Again.

Thanks

-cjc

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 05:20 AM

A useful link, Mooo.
Quack!
GtD.

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 08:10 AM

Do not, however, let Andy loose on guitar setups.

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: mooman
Date: 22 Jun 04 - 08:18 AM

Dear Colin,

Although I have done business with Andy and posted the link, it was actually Richard Bridge who recommended him earlier in this thread!

Peace

moo (the other Richard!)

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: GUEST,Hootenanny
Date: 23 Jun 04 - 07:34 AM

You might like to try Dave Stacey at Letchworth Garden City he is an expert banjo builder and repair man. I understand that he has built instruments for many performers including Debbie McClatchy.

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: GUEST,Geordie
Date: 09 Jun 10 - 07:36 PM

I have just completed making a 5 string banjo and I am ready to string and tune.
Can you advise me about tuning pegs and strings. The wood at the neck is one inch thick and I would prefer nylon strings. Thanks geordie

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 10 Jun 10 - 06:19 AM

GUEST,Geordie - Metal strings are easy to get hold of.
Fewer people stock nylon, but there are a few about. It may depend where you live. If you are UK, The Music Room at Cleckheaton sell sets. I expect Eagle Music near Huddersfield will also. Both sell online.
You say you have just finished making, then ask about tuning pegs. What sort of information do you need to know?
Do you mean that you have not bought tuning pegs yet?
Are you saying you still have to shape the head and want to know dimensions?
There is a lot of expertise on Mudcat, but it is easier to answer a specific question rather than guess what someone might possibly already know.
Quack!
Geoff the Duck.

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: GUEST,Songbob
Date: 10 Jun 10 - 01:41 PM

"Juststrings.com" or Elderly Instruments for all kinds of banjo strings.

La Bella makes good nylon strings, or look for 'minstrel banjo' nylgut strings, if you want to go that way.

Bob

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 10 Jun 10 - 01:59 PM

I had a mandolin on which several of the tuning knobs just "crumbled."

I had no luck finding replacement knobs from any of "the usual sources." Replacements for guitar tuner knobs were fairly easily found; but apparently mandolinists are less prone to use their instruments defensively in bar room fights, so there's a more limited market.

Since the mando machines were very conventional and easily available, I ended up just replacing the whole set.

I did find one manufacturer who apparently made a wide variety of knobs appropriate for almost any instrument. These people apparently are the suppliers for all (or many of) the tuning machine makers.

Unfortunately, they appeared to be located in S. Korea, and their web site offered no alternate language options, so the whole bit may have been just an illusion. They did have what appeared to be an "order form" but I was afraid I might end up with a superfluous oriental bride if I tried to send one in.

That was a couple of years ago, and occasionally people do update web sites; but since I couldn't read any of it at the time I didn't save a record of how I ended up there.

John

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: GUEST,Songbob
Date: 10 Jun 10 - 04:07 PM

Stewart-MacDonald Co. (stewmac.com) sells tuners and parts for same, and I think sells buttons.

Bob

Subject: RE: Banjo repairs
From: GUEST,Songbob
Date: 10 Jun 10 - 04:09 PM

Try: Stewmac comes through!

Bob