Banjos are machines, mechanical by nature. Look for these warning signs that show your banjo is far from running its best.
The fine print: Some of these adjustments require prowess and technical expertise. If you are not comfortable with any of these procedures, please contact Nechville or bring your instrument to a professional luthier.
1. Your banjo goes out of tune quickly, or does not stay in tune
- Change your strings the right way
- Stretch out new strings
- Upgrade your tuning machines if necessary
- Make sure your neck connection is stable
2. Your banjo goes out of tune up the neck
- Check your bridge’s intonation
- Consider using a compensated bridge (if you aren’t already)
- Check for excessive fret wear and a warp or twisted neck
- Check the bow in your neck, adjust your truss rod if necessary
3. Your banjo sounds “tubby”
- Check your head tension and consider tightening or replacing your head
- Consider a lighter bridge, the right bridge can have a huge impact on sound
- Consider light strings
4. Your banjo sounds too bright or “thin”
- Your head may be overly tight, check with a drum dial and adjust
- Consider a heavy bridge that will bring out more sustain and lower harmonics
5. Your banjo buzzes in certain spots on the neck
- Check the bow in your neck, adjust your truss rod if necessary
- Check for excessive fret wear
6, Your action is too high/too low
- Make sure you have the proper bow in your neck
- Adjust your neck connection to raise or lower your action
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