scooter46 - Posted - 11/15/2009:  19:46:26

By setting the co-rods neutral do you mean there is no pressure on the nuts against the rim they are just snug. Larry

Learning a new skill takes time, patience and practice. Also it is very important to stay hydrated

raykor - Posted - 11/15/2009:  20:13:03

Yes.The nuts are just snugged up enough to hold.

steve davis - Posted - 11/15/2009:  20:19:43

The rods are quite snug that hold the neck lags,though.

sandyhookflash - Posted - 11/15/2009:  20:44:29

"Neutral" generally means that the nuts are not pushing the rim out of round. The neck should be very snug against the pot so that the banjo will stay in tune and transfer sound vibration through the neck, but do not distort the roundness of the rim using the other nuts after you get the neck snug. You can also choke the sound of the banjo if you squeeze the rim very tight using the outside nut holding the tailpiece bracket and the nut immediately inside the pot. First, snug up the neck and then just snug the others and play the banjo. If it does not suit your ear, then some setup experts will tighten the inside bottom nut about a half turn ( this is actually pushing out the rim), and then tighten the top nut next to the head about a quarter turn. Any more turning beyond this runs the risk of egging the rim and, in turn, making the banjo sound much worse than when you began. Hope this helps. Remember to do this in very small increments and keep checking the sound of the banjo as you go because you will hear big difference with just a small turn of the wrench.

John Lewis

Drivel - Posted - 11/15/2009:  22:05:56

I think the top co-rod does a lot more than keeping the rim round. It can be the main stabilizer from the neck to the tailpiece. If it is loose the sound is greatly dampened. When it is tightened enough it makes the connection between the nut and the tailpiece stiffer than going around the rim. Some what like the difference between an acoustic, and a solid body guitar. Increasing sustain, and forcing more of the strings energy down through the bridge. You can easily hear the effect by plucking a string while tightening the nut.

At least that's what I think, but I'm new here. It could just be drivel.

Bill

I thought there were rocks in my path, but each was a stepping-stone.

1+1+1+ Infinity =1

Edited by - Drivel on 11/16/2009 01:58:46

scooter46 - Posted - 11/16/2009:  06:04:37

Thanks for the repllys, I thought that's what it ment but had to be sure. Larry

Learning a new skill takes time, patience and practice. Also it is very important to stay hydrated

5stringypsy - Posted - 11/16/2009:  10:34:14

And to have lots of fiber. Yes, hydration and fiber are key. Do like Drivel said, mess with it by pluckin a string thenbump the nut a little while its vibrating. Everythings subtle but there are ceartain things you can do to kill your sound. There are a ton of forums on this in forums now and one pops up it seems every day or two. It's neat watchin peoples responses It might all be drivel

HIKE FASTER I hear a banjo...