TunaWater - Posted - 03/03/2012:  07:29:25

Hello!

I recently got a new lefty Savannah SB-100. I really like it, but there is a problem. It seems that the geared tuner for the 5th string is the same design as a right handed one. It makes contact with the neck where the curved part of the tuner sticks out. It also covers the pearl dot on the side of the neck, though the contact is all that really concerns me.

I tried to see if they make a lefty one, but I had no luck. The housing for the tuner will not allow me to reverse the direction of the worm gear. I would have to make a new housing out of brass or something in order to do this.

Are there geared tuners that stick straight out?

Any suggestions would be lovely!

Thanks,

TW

Mumble Peg - Posted - 03/03/2012:  07:47:37

Check with Gold Tone. They show a lot of lefties on eBay with the 5th peg in the proper orientation. Go on eBay and search "lefty banjo." Give Wayne Rogers a call.

I have seen plans to remove the string post of a standard peg and reverse it in the housing. it is all held together with a small dowel pin, but I have never actually done it.

Fathand - Posted - 03/03/2012:  07:49:49

Stew Mac sells this Waverly Planetary inline 5th peg,  There used to be a 5 Star brand one as well but I don't see it.  Be aware that it can be troublesome to remove a broken string from these.

stewmac.com/shop/Tuners/Banjo_..._Peg.html

mbanza - Posted - 03/03/2012:  08:52:53

On that neck, the Waverly peg will likely contact the neck prior to full insertion.  Richie Dotson has a page describing the conversion process, but it is no longer accessible.  You have to cut a new channel for the retaining pin a tricky task unless you have a lathe and requisite experience.  After all is done, the tuner will still operate in reverse, but it will look and fit right.  If you know a machinist, take it to them.

fzartvaark - Posted - 03/03/2012:  11:08:27

I have the same thing on my 86 deering calico... I used a needle file to relieve the neck (actually just the binding) ever so slightly...No problem and not really noticeable

BanjoJAF - Posted - 03/03/2012:  12:40:00

Hello Tim

Mumble Peg mentioned Gold Tone (above).

Looks like my lefty Gold Tone (CCOTA) has the same 5th string tuner issue.  It is only a problem when I change the string (the peg will fall out once string tension is released).  However, that is not a really a big deal for me, I just push the peg back into the neck and wind-up the new string.

It is my first and only banjo, so, I don't know if this "loose-fit tuner" affects the tone.  The 5th string sounds OK to me and there is no buzz or other unwanted sound from the string or tuner ~ except when I play it ;~))

So, is this a problem that requires correction?  If it does, what will happen if I do not correct it?

Cheers! Jay

grm405 - Posted - 03/03/2012:  12:45:37

Actually, you are in luck.  The Waverly will work fine as your tuner hole is drilled back towards the 4th fret.  At most you will need a small piece of tubing to protect the binding.  I have the Waverly on one banjo and it is my favorite 5th string tuner to actually tune with.  I have heard of the problems you can encounter with removing a broken end of a 5th string and understand it.  If you are careful in inserting and winding the string however, you may never encounter it.  I haven't, but then I have only played this banjo for 18 months and have been careful in inserting and winding the string.

Gerry

stanleytone - Posted - 03/03/2012:  14:40:03

contact Richie Dotson via BHO

if he cant help you nobody can.

banjonz - Posted - 03/03/2012:  15:25:21

Remove the peg and locate the pin. I usually use a 1/16" pin punch. Install the string post on the other side of the housing and reinstall the pin. You should now be able to fit the peg back in the hole 180 degrees and it should work fine.

Please note!!! Your peg may have a 'fin' on the spine which bits into the wood of the hole and prevents the peg from turning. The best and safest way to install the peg is to remove the button. Place the peg in the hole in the position you want it. Rest the neck directly under the peg on a padded but solid surface so that no damage is done to the neck and finish. Place a cotton reel ( I use a 1" piece of dowel with a hole drilled in the center for the button shaft) and tap firmly (but not hard) a couple of times on the reel to drive the peg in. Hope it helps.

Winnieff - Posted - 03/04/2012:  05:53:56

TW

I have the same Savannah SB100 lefty which I ordered a month ago. I don't have this problem as the tuner is further back from the curve and there is about a 3/16' space between the tuner and curve. Possibly a different production run. I can just see the pearl dot on mine.

Andy

Edited by - Winnieff on 03/04/2012 05:56:54

TunaWater - Posted - 03/04/2012:  09:10:53

I thank you for all the replies!

The Waverly will clear the neck in my case and would be an easy solution. I do wish to see if I can make do with what I got first.

The final 3 pieces must be press fit together, because I searched and could not find a roll pin. The gear is also wider than the post (it's one piece), so it will not slide out of the front. I tried to clamp it and put a piece of wood on the post and hammer it out, but all I succeeded at doing was hitting a piece of wood with a hammer.

BobCu - Posted - 03/04/2012:  13:40:10

I think the Waverly in line will be the way to go Tuna.  When I had my Sagmoen built Wayne strongly suggested the Waverly for the 5th and said his experience was that It worked a whole lot better for a left hand neck.  So far no problems and it was well worth the small extra.