backbaybob - Posted - 03/22/2008:  09:01:25

I'm a beginner with no privious musical training. I purchased a fender beinnner package to see if i liked playing and also to see if I would stick to it given my lack of ability to handle frustration.
I have been at it for a couple months and love to practice an play from Jack Hatfields book.
I want to give it a year before I invest a significant amount of money.
How can I improve the sound of the FB 300 without spending more then the banjo cost ($240). I have to do this myself as there is no one in my area that does banjo setup.
thanks for any advice you can give.

HappyAppy - Posted - 03/22/2008:  10:02:54

You are following the same plan I had. When I got my FB300 it was horribly set up. Here is what I did to make it sound decent:

Replace the strings
Adjust the head tightness.
Be sure the bridge is in the correct location.
Tweak the coordinator rod.
Be sure the neck is square to the pot.
I have not replaced the bridge but it may be worth it.

You can search the archives here at the hangout and find instructions on how to do all these things. It took me a couple of months of tweaking but I eventually got my FB300 to sound decent. Good Luck!

wrightedward - Posted - 03/22/2008:  10:42:03

Happy is right ,but what kind of head is on the banjo and what kind of bridge ??? Nothing will change the sound of your banjo more than the head and bridge .Of coarse there is more to do and you can do it .If the action is playable ,not to high ,i wouldnt play with the rods until you have a little knowledge about how they work and what they do .Make sure all is snug,nothing loose ,dont over tighten anything ,you are not working on a car motor ..The things you need to do are not hard ,just take your time .Even 250.00 cant be sneezed at ..And Happy has one and should be able to help
Eddie
Phillipians 4:13

leftybanjojack - Posted - 03/22/2008:  10:55:53

I went through all this with different Banjos. You will never get the sound most players want with a cheap banjo. Save your money and buy one with a good tone ring. Be willing to shuck out about 2500.00. Sorry, but thats the facts.