Gomer - Posted - 07/29/2010:  16:34:55

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The subjects are all over the place so that I thought I would barge in with the matter of the rim swap on Andy Rau's Tenbrooks. You need to have some appreciation for my theory that the first good banjo you hear from somebody that knows how to drive it, becomes your pre-war sound. For me that was Andy Rau's Tenbrooks. I have heard some others but there was nothing that sounded quite the same. Somebody told me he has a one-off neck that account for the difference. It has always been the standard that I use to compare banjos, even the ubiquitous Johnson Long-neck.
Last night I tried the Andy Rau Tenbrooks with the new red-maple-violin-whatever-they call it. The difference is ASTOUNDING! This change is not on account of strong liquor or herbal smoke. The sound is markedly changed for the better. The mids and highs are rounder, fuller, tumescent, or what ever the music folk might say to express the idea of the music being more present. Thankfully, he didn't have more students, since I stayed put in his studio, noodling on that Tenbrooks for an extra hour before I agreed to leave. I was pretty smitten by a Calico he brought by, but I am back to racehorses.

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Edited by - Gomer on 07/30/2010 07:21:20

Bob Murphy - Posted - 07/29/2010:  20:11:26

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Just when I had myself convinced that my tenbrooks legacy didn't even need to have the strings changed, I read about Andy Rau's new rim! Thanks alot Gomer!

Dear Janet,

When can I send my banjo back to the factory.

Bob

Gomer - Posted - 07/30/2010:  15:03:07

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Sorry about that Brother Bob! I am pretty much against telling the lovely Mrs. that I don't care for her dress after we get to the party. Had I the guts to to say so, I would probably tell her at home in the first place. I think before you go pursuing an unknown sound combination, that you ought to have a dialogue with your self that starts out: " what's not to like about a tenbrooks"? If you have that much cash burning a hole in your pocket, you could get a Calico or a GDL or even the Roquefort for a different good sound altogether.

Bob Murphy - Posted - 07/30/2010:  16:14:31

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Yes! A GDL. That makes my mouth water. Now to convince my better half. Advice needed please. Your way with words is so eloquent, I'll just read whatever you suggest from a 3 X 5 card, pull out my Mastercard, and place the order!

Thanks in advance Gomie!

Gomer - Posted - 07/30/2010:  21:22:09

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I really don't think anything I have to say would really work that well. I can only tell you after 32 years of marriage that in matters of banjo, It's better to say I'm sorry than to ask permission. Of course, you could go the Cyrano de Bergerac route:

"Oh beautiful seraphin, my own angel from on high, would only that I, before my last worldly breath, before my body crumples under the weight of time, before the grain of sand which is my humble self, be washed from the shores of life into the sea; would only I have the pleasure to embrace our love in the glory of music of the most perfect tone, would I die happy, fulfilled and complete. Let me celebrate you in earnest with no less than music of perfection. Let me bring into this house the glorious banjo which I can duly swear, is not from the hands of Men."

You can get a sense of Andy's GDL @ youtube.com/watch?v=fIEbftVzZ_A

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Edited by - Gomer on 07/31/2010 20:32:14

el gordo - Posted - 07/31/2010:  07:52:23

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Gomer do you have pic. of your Tenbrooks sir?Thanks if you do

gdoc - Posted - 07/31/2010:  09:58:57

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quote:

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Originally posted by Bob Murphy

Yes! A GDL. That makes my mouth water. Now to convince my better half. Advice needed please. Your way with words is so eloquent, I'll just read whatever you suggest from a 3 X 5 card, pull out my Mastercard, and place the order!

Thanks in advance Gomie!

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Bob, here is a link to a previous thread by Janet Deering about the exact topic your asking about. (if I did the link correctly).
banjohangout.org/forum/topic.a...ID=161435

It was a fun thread, I was sorry to see it fade away.

DSGoose - Posted - 07/31/2010:  19:48:27

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Do any Deering models have a dowelstick? Maybe a model similar to the Vega Old Tyme Wonder? I'm just a big fan of the old-school look.

Dennis

Gomer - Posted - 08/01/2010:  10:26:18

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I have always been against a dowelstick in the the place of metal co-ordinator rods. If there is a housefire, the dowelstick will surely burn.

gdoc - Posted - 08/01/2010:  19:58:22

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quote:

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Originally posted by Gomer

I have always been against a dowelstick in the the place of metal co-ordinator rods. If there is a housefire, the dowelstick will surely burn.

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Gomer..Gomer...Gomer...sometimes I worry about you...

Gomer - Posted - 08/02/2010:  07:42:37

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quote:

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Originally posted by gdoc

Gomer..Gomer...Gomer...sometimes I worry about you...

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No... Seriously The coordinator rods could possibly melt down, but by then the whole banjo would burn.

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/02/2010:  09:51:21

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I've been off the thread for a week because Greg and I were visiting our dealers on the East Coast after having helped out with the Boy Scout 100 Anniversary Jamboree by driving the truck full of gear for 200 boy scouts from San Diego county across the USA to the Jamboree in Virginia as our volunteer contribution to this big event. I now know that if I ever need a back up plan, I can drive a truck!

It was quite something to see 50,000 boys setting up camp. We just returned last night. One of the San Diego scout masters and his son are driving the truck back after the Jamboree.

I see a few interesting questions have come up and I have a couple of questions in return:

On the tailpiece question - is there a reason that you don't rest the tailpiece firmly on the tension hoop so it doesn't move?

On the dowel stick question - would a dowel stick covering the co-ordinator rod work as well for your needs?

DSGoose - Posted - 08/02/2010:  10:14:46

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"would a dowel stick covering the co-ordinator rod work as well for your needs?"

Well, not for me, but it might for some. To me, a real dowelstick implies craftsmanship and precision (Reiter, Ramsey, etc.)

I'm a guy who'd never want fuel injection in his vintage car - even though it would be easier to live with than a carburetor.

DeanT - Posted - 08/02/2010:  11:17:19

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quote:

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On the tailpiece question - is there a reason that you don't rest the tailpiece firmly on the tension hoop so it doesn't move?

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On my Deering Calico, when the tailpiece touches the top of the tension hoop, volume and the lows are reduced, and the highs become very tinny. When adjusted to a small gap, the tone is deeper and more balanced. Another thing that I have noticed on several Deerings (even a new one in the music store, and my Calico when I recieved it) is that if adjusted to touching the top of the tension hoop... if someone then tries to use the tailpiece "angle adjustment" screw on the back, there is no where for the tailpiece to go, and tightening that screw will bend the tailpiece.

Gomer - Posted - 08/02/2010:  13:38:14

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The best way to accurately get that clearance is set up the tailpiece with a credit card between the rim and the tailpiece before cinching it down. I have been using my VISA card for that purpose. I have heard that the American Express Card is a better route, especially at the beginning of the month after the balance is paid.

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Edited by - Gomer on 08/02/2010 17:51:29

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/03/2010:  06:21:20

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"would a dowel stick covering the co-ordinator rod work as well for your needs?"

Well, not for me, but it might for some. To me, a real dowelstick implies craftsmanship and precision

The only problem is that Mother Nature will often get in the way over the long run, humidity and dry climates do affect the wood of a banjo and adjustments can be needed over the lifetime of the instrument. Even when a craftsman gets it right on a dowel post, the banjo is only good until Mother Nature causes a change. Then it's back to square one trying to fix it to make it playable again. That is why only the small builders mess with dowel posts.

Gomer - Posted - 08/04/2010:  21:27:12

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More to report after my lesson over at Andy Rau's. Deering put the new rim in his GDL which was about the best he's got in his stable. It was fuller than the tenbrooks before the new rim went in that one. Andy's GDL with the 06 he had and the new rime is spectacular. It's not improved. it's not better. It's spectacular. It's gotta be the rim.

He also had them put on the head with the built-in pickup. I didn't care to hear what it was like while plugged in, but it sounded greatwithout the amp. I would expect differently with all the stuff on the head. There are 10 little dots in two rows under the strings that look like Braille makers. I guess if the audience doesn't like your music and somebody pokes out your eyes, that you can still find your banjo by feeling around for the dots.

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Edited by - Gomer on 08/05/2010 08:06:08

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/09/2010:  07:33:58

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I recently purchased a New Vega Senator from the Fiddle Center.

I was wondering have you experimented with putting a tubaphone ring in a vega senator... would this be something that can be easily upgraded?

What would be the cost for the upgrade?

Yes, you can order a Vega Senator with a tubaphone tone ring. It can be upgraded. If you order it built that way we would simply add the cost of the tubaphone tone ring to the cost of the banjo and so you can have a Tubaphone Senator for $2797.

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/09/2010:  07:38:35

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Gomer, you are right. The rim has a lot more effect on the sound than most people realize.

The electric head has surprised us as well that the acoustic sound in spite of the pickup on the head.

The Braille feature is an added bonus!

Deering_Dude - Posted - 08/12/2010:  07:04:29

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Hello Janet. Do you know of any quality audio clips of the kavanjo pickup. I'm very interested in purchasing one but I would like to hear what it sounds like (w/o any effects placed onto it).

Thanks, David.

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/12/2010:  08:11:02

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I have one here showing the sound of the Kavanjo pickup a six-string banjo.

We will make a video with a five string banjo and post it shortly.

youtube.com/watch?v=c0yVMcXO7Q4

This was taken at Merlefest in April playing our B-6 with a Renaissance Kavanjo head.

Gomer - Posted - 08/13/2010:  08:12:22

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Well. . . .I have detached the neck of my beloved Roquefort and sent it to Deering for SS frets. My instructor just about stopped talking to me when I told him I was having it done locally. Of course, I can get him to start talking in tongues if I wear my Stelling t-shirt to a lesson. I am borrowing his Tenbrooks this week and his GDL the next, and his Hartfor thereafter. I think I will call him tonight and tell him that I am setting up his Tenbrooks to my specs with a Scorpion bridge. That'll be lively!

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/13/2010:  08:37:11

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Gomer, don't be cruel!

You're lucky he will loan them to you!

You have one of the best instructors on the planet.

DeanT - Posted - 08/13/2010:  08:54:33

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How much Does Deering charge for a SS refret? My Calico is going to be due maybe next year, and I just can't bring myself to do it myself. I did my Goodtime no problem, but there was no inlays or binding to mess up.

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/13/2010:  09:35:05

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In response to the Tailpiece set up questions I did some homework talking with Greg and Jens on this subject and here's a summary of what I got. You can adjust your tailpiece any way you wish that pleases you. As long as you like the sound, it's great.

The desire to set the tailpiece off the tension hoop in order to decrease the highs and bring out the bass may lead to other problems. We understand why some people may have used this technique this because some of the tailpieces produced have had inherent problems because of their construction. However, the Deering tailpiece is designed to rest on the tension hoop. As soon as you lift the tailpiece off the tension hoop you do get less highs, but you also may add a hum, rattle or buzz, not to mention having it tilt. The tailpiece can begin to absorb the tone that is coming from the strings instead of connecting fully with the rest of the banjo to project the full tone of the instrument. It may counter-vibrate to the strings which can cause the overall volume and precisness of tone of the instrument to be diminished.

One thing affects the other and if you don't consider all the aspects that affect banjo tone you can make less than ideal decisions on set up. Before you try to reduce highs by moving a tailpiece off the tension hoop look at where the added highs are coming from. Proper type of head and adjustment of the head, the correct string gauges, the type of bridge and other set up issues should be addressed first and are another way to achieve the tone you desire.

The proceedure we use is to loosen the little screw on the tailpiece. Set the tailpiece so that the height off the head is where you want it, then tighten up the tailpiece attachment bolt snugly so that the tailpiece sits squarely on the tension hoop. The closer the end of the tailpiece is to the head the more highs you will have, the farther it is from the head the more bass. The little screw at the end of the tailpiece is not designed to adjust the height, it to stabalize the tailpiece in place. With your hand you hold the tailpiece height as you like it and snug up the screw to hold it there.

Greg told me to fully cover this we will need to write an article with diagrams, or maybe video so that will be forth coming.

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Edited by - Janet Deering on 08/14/2010 16:06:46

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/13/2010:  09:45:22

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A Stainless Steel Re-fret is $315.

DeanT - Posted - 08/13/2010:  11:17:27

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Thanks for the fret quote!

quote:

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First, loosen the little screw all the way out on the tailpiece, next tighten up the tailpiece attachment bolt snugly so that the tailpiece sits squarely on the tension hoop. Now tune the banjo up to pitch. The height of the bridge will have some effect on the tension of the strings on the tailpiece. The closer the end of the tailpiece is to the head the more highs you will have, the farther it is from the head the more bass.

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This is where people are getting into trouble. If you follow this, once the tailpiece is down on the tension hoop, with the little adjustment screw all the way out... the tailpiece has no where to go. It cannot pivot. As soon as someone tightens the screw, to attempt to pivot the tailpiece towards the head, they will bend the back of the tailpiece outward. I bought both my Calico and Sierra used, and this condition had happened on both of them. I've also seen it on new Deerings in the store.

Cessna172 - Posted - 08/13/2010:  12:32:33

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Agree with 1four5, with the Deering tailpiece adjusted as described above, directly in contact with the tension hoop, the adjustment screw no longer provides tailpiece angle adjustments - tightening it simply bends the vertical tang.

So, even if you wanted to adjust the tailpiece angle for the "right" reasons, like altering the string pressure on the bridge, you cannot with the unit in contact with the tension hoop.

DeanT - Posted - 08/13/2010:  15:30:25

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quote:

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...The desire to set the tailpiece off the tension hoop in order to decrease the highs and bring out the bass shows a lack of understanding in banjo set up and leads to other problems. We understand why some people may have fallen... if you don't understand all the aspects that affect banjo tone you can make wrong decisions on the set up of your banjo...

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Ohhhhhh Janet, you know I love my banjo and your company... and I love this thread, and appreciate your desire and time spent to interact with your customers and prospective customers. I've had to count to ten, but decided I feel strongly enough to reply anyways. Just my opinion, but I think this is a terrible reply. Maybe not the information (which I don't agree with) but the condecending way in which it was delivered. I've been reading the BHO for over 5 years, hundreds of thousands of posts, and my favorite forum is the set up and repair, and this is a popular subject. From what I've read, and from personal experience, I've gotten different results than you describe, and I'm in the majority. I've had my Calico apart and back together four or five times (who counting?), it's had 4 different heads that I can remember, who knows how many sets of strings, possibly 30 different bridges, 3 different tailpieces (and now back to original), and even a new rim this summer. It sounds fantastic, and I'm in love with it. And yet the one constant in the set up, is in direct conflict with your information. I know that I'm just one banjo player, with just my banjos, and I certianly don't mind having different preferences, or different results than the designers or builders or professional players... but being told that what makes my banjo sound it's best shows a lack of understanding, having fallen, or making wrong decisions. Well, that's not cool.

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Edited by - DeanT on 08/13/2010 15:36:14

drew-gurbach - Posted - 08/13/2010:  15:35:53

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I have an OME, but my friend has a Deering. When he comes over for a lesson we sometimes switch banjos. I enjoy the Deering as much as my ONE.

Gomer - Posted - 08/13/2010:  19:28:42

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quote:

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Originally posted by Janet Deering

In response to the Tailpiece set up questions I did some homework talking with Greg and Jens on this subject

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All of this is good, but what would Jesus do? Some tailpieces require as a part of their design that the tailpiece rest on the rim. However, those that answer to a Higher calling, would install a spacer or (as in the case of my Fults) attach to a point which allows them to adjust the string height with a twist of a button. Mine has been the experience of Brother 145. I get a better sound with a tailpiece that is set so that I can set the height of the strings over the drum. My humble deference to Greg or Jens or the combination of the two. It's my Banjo.

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Edited by - Gomer on 08/13/2010 20:56:07

slickstrings - Posted - 08/13/2010:  20:10:14

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I see that you offer an archtop tonering as an option. Do you cast your own or do you buy them from someone.

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/14/2010:  16:09:34

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We don't have a foundry so we do not cast our own. We have them made for us.

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/14/2010:  16:12:59

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Dean, I see your point in the way I approached my answer on the tailpiece issue. The truth is, you can set it up however you like it best. That is the right thing for you.

I corrected my answer to improve the information and my approach. Thanks for counting to ten.

I hope my edited text communicates the perspective better than the first text.

Thanks,

Janet

DeanT - Posted - 08/14/2010:  20:04:33

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Thanks Janet!
I'm looking forward to seeing a article or video. That will definately help reduce the incidence of people bending the tailpieces. It would be fantastic if the base plate of the Deering tailpiece had a ridge, or feet or something to index against the tension hoop (like an old style waverly) to eliminate any confusion, and allow the tailpiece itself to pivot. As a life long mechanic, adding a spacer to mine was a no brainer, solved everything, made it rock solid, and delivers the best tone I've ever gotten from a Deering tailpiece. However, it was also time consuming to size it just right, for only my set up. It may not work as well on the next guys banjo. Also, if you recommend someone install the little rear facing adjustment screw, just enough so that it doesn't fall out... I would highly recommend putting some silicon sealer on the threads, or it will eventually fall out. I know this from experience.

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Edited by - DeanT on 08/14/2010 20:17:59

kc8tby - Posted - 08/15/2010:  07:34:37

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Janet, I just wanted to say how impressed I am with your open back GoodTime model banjo!
I am a brand new player. By that I mean that until a few days ago, I never so much as picked up a banjo of any kind!
Now I have always been a great fan of folk music, and bluegrass music in particular, and I do have some (limited) experience playing accoustic guitar.
When I decided to learn to play the banjo I began researching on-line, and through various other sources, the best low-cost yet quality made instrument I should purchase. Many, many folks mentioned the Deering banjo, and the GoodTime model in particular, as the best of the bunch. So far, from what I can tell, I think they were absolutely correct!
I love the solid construction as well as the overall "cool" appearance of the instrument!
The light weight is perfect for me as well. Someone else on this forum adviced me that a good, light weight instrument would be that much more of an incentive to a new student" such as me. Easy to pick up, easy to carry around with me, no excuses not to practice!
By the way, I should also mention to you that I purchased your banjo at a local music/guitar store here in town, (Firehouse Guitars, Grand Rapids, Mi.) and the salesmen there were excellent "ambassadors", so to speak, for the Deering product line! Great service as well!
Thanks for making a good, solid, "beginners" instrument! From someone like myself who is semi-retired and a bit limited on what he can spend on an introductory banjo, well, it is good to have found such a great bargain! I hope to treasure it for years to come!
Take care!
Tom

Gomer - Posted - 08/15/2010:  12:37:51

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quote:

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Originally posted by Janet Deering

Dean, . . .I corrected my answer to improve the information and my approach. Thanks for counting to ten.
I hope my edited text communicates the perspective better than the first text.

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It is my belief than in war, romance, and matters of banjo there is little utility to second-guessing one's self and absolutely no use for apology. Brother Dean has both depth and breadth in matters of Deering so that comments are understood as difference of opinion upon matters where reasonable minds may disagree. On the other hand, I am quite petty in many matters.

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Edited by - Gomer on 08/15/2010 15:06:40

Cessna172 - Posted - 08/16/2010:  11:15:17

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Sorry Janet, most likely it's me, but I'm now more confused. Your edited post regarding tailpiece adjustments states:

"The little screw at the end of the tailpiece is not designed to adjust the height, it to stabalize the tailpiece in place."

The Deering Maintenance Manual says:

The Deering tailpiece gives you two places for adjustment. The first is the adjustment screw sticking out the back of the tailpiece, parallel to the neck of the banjo. This screw will adjust the angle of the tailpiece to the head of the banjo. Tightening it will tilt the tailpiece down towards the head, loosening it will bring it up

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Edited by - Cessna172 on 08/16/2010 11:16:23

80Heel - Posted - 08/16/2010:  17:33:37

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Slightly different topic....the Kruger Swiss tone ring is a $2500 option. It would be well worth the price if you can get the bell tone that Jens gets out of his Tenbrooks. Does anyone have any experience with that tone ring? It's such a unique sound, but I can't tell how much is Jens and how much is the banjo and I don't have access to a loaner....

slammer - Posted - 08/16/2010:  19:31:30

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OK, I loosened the strings, brought the tailpiece down so it was resting tight on the hoop , tightened the nut on the bottom , retuned and then put in the little screw in the back of the tailpiece and when I turned it in a tightening motion it brought the end of the tailpiece closer to the head putting more downward tension on the strings. It did NOT bend the tailpiece and I would certainly now consider this an adjustable tailpiece. Not only that , but now (as Janet stated earlier) my tailpiece is rock hard stable as it's resting on the hoop and has no way to turn. I noticed very little volume loss, if any, and I do believe my lacking 1st and 2nd string (Highs) are a little more prominent which I wanted. This was done on my Baucom model. I'm not sure , but I think the Deerings are correct on this one and I'll take advice from the maker anytime they offer it. After all, they're the makers. Unstable tailpiece problem solved!!! Thanks Janet and Greg.
P.S. While I had the resonator off , I decided to take my banjomate tone enhancer thingy out of one of my other banjos and put it in the Baucom. At first, nothing. Gave it a 90 degree turn and BAM. I still can't believe the difference that thing makes and it has happened in every banjo I've owned. Other than a signifigant bridge change, I'd have to say it's probably the best $20 bucks you can spend on your banjo. Hard to describe what it all does for the sound. It just works. Slammer!!!!

DeanT - Posted - 08/16/2010:  19:48:03

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I just realized something. Has Deering improved or changed their tailpieces since 2005? If so, disregard my previous posts. It sounds like thay may have been redesigned. Both my Calico and Sierra were 2005 models. I saw the same bent probelms on a Sierra at GC last year, but that could also have been old stock (or even used for that matter). After reading Slammer's experience, I may try a newer style if there is one.

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Edited by - DeanT on 08/16/2010 20:02:35

Gomer - Posted - 08/17/2010:  07:19:14

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quote:

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Originally posted by 80Heel

Does anyone have any experience with that tone ring? It's such a unique sound, but I can't tell how much is Jens and how much is the banjo and I don't have access to a loaner....

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I am not Jens, but I am a legend in my own mind. There is not a moment that I play that the packed-house crowd at Carnegie is not pouring out it's adulation of thunderous applause. I play on a Hartford and a Saratoga. I have access to banjos with the 06. I am not a musician. The Swiss ring has a sonorous enduring quality to the notes. You can hold the ring of the note or cut it short with your left finger pressure. The Hartford is more in-your-face. Now that helped, didn't it.

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/17/2010:  07:41:18

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You can hear sound of the Kruger Swiss tone ring by listening to Tony Trischka.

I grabbed a quick moment IBMA and filmed a little clip that shows the sound of the his Tenbrooks Saratoga star. So here it is....

youtube.com/watch?v=n-SZAvNLx3Q

Gomer - Posted - 08/17/2010:  16:52:31

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Thanks for that Ms. Janet I could not have said what Mr. Trishka said, or played what he played too much better.

Rindill - Posted - 08/18/2010:  03:36:16

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Hi Janet - I still am playing my good ol' Goodtime (I think it has simply grown into my lwft wrist)
- but here's a question -I have several different 5th string capos - none of which I use.
My favorite would have been the Reagan - a little box-shaped one that screws down on the string - (portable) but it doesn't seem fit my goodtime.
I am not rich enough to get the slide bar one, but what would you suggest? I don't want clunky hardware that would block my left hand I also don't want something that wraps around, or affects the action -
am I putting it on wrong? Seems like the action (which is PERFECTO after all these years, doesn't have enough room to fit the Reagan. I would SO love to be able to use it -

LOVE DEERING! LOVE the emails and newsletters and vids! You guys ROCK!!!!!
Jen

Gomer - Posted - 08/18/2010:  10:34:29

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Whoa.. Whhaaatt.. I sent my neck of to Deering for Stainless steel fret so that I could play like Jens and here it is in my office waiting for me in less than a week!.
Dam, it surely looks good to me.

Miss Jennifer! Welcome! To the East of you on highway 80 out of the town of Elko is a small lake called Angel lake if memory serves me correctly. One of the best things for which you can use your fifth string capos is to take a weekend drive to that trout-laden lake, tie a #8 long shank treble hook to the capo and toss it in to the lake. If you remembered to attach a line to the other end you will surely catch a fine fish in good time. Your trip will be all the more fruitful if you will have dropped off your Goodtime to a local Reno Luthier and move him to install railroad spikes a the seventh ninth and tenth frets. RR spikes are the only acceptable means of fretting the fifth string. The weight of other devices will give a crick in the neck when you stand for long periods.

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Edited by - Gomer on 08/18/2010 10:36:17

Ashkettle - Posted - 08/18/2010:  10:37:15

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There is always this little gem to try
frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/...capo.html

Rindill - Posted - 08/18/2010:  14:24:37

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Oh Geez! LOL!
I had totally forgot that - and yes, I did that once a few years ago in passing, and was amazed at how it worked (I saw it here of course!) Then I got onto gel pens - but, being a writer, I know I have thousands of these still around in tiny out of the way places -
Here - ket me bang my head against the wall.

However, I didn't employ the refinements of utilizing the natural "fret fitter-over" feature,
nor did I shave/cut it down. That is Stellar!
(I was in a surprise jam situation when I was brand new, and remembered seeing someone mention this)
And it worked! (Even just stuck next to the fret!)

Thank you thank you! - gads - banjo "lost technology" is so much a living thing! (grinning!)
Huh - pens tops are like closet hangers - they are all over the place until you need them. I am now off on the hunt! Jen! (rindill here, ladymuse @ FHO)
gee - maybe I should buy some new strings, too - (LOL!)

Janet Deering - Posted - 08/18/2010:  22:07:27

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I would generally recommend spikes.

But, first give the the Fifth String Capo Trick a try - That is a great idea!

I've never seen that idea before. How clever!

Thanks for posting it.

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Edited by - Janet Deering on 08/18/2010 22:15:56