Snaps - Posted - 04/11/2012:  11:49:57

I've got a Reiter fretless, I'm at least the 3rd owner. Should there be any relief to the neck like fretted instruments? 

jbalch - Posted - 04/11/2012:  12:53:58

Personally, I don't think you want relief in a fretless neck.  My Reiter fretless neck is very flat.  The action is set fairly low.  It plays and sounds great.

I'm linking this to the Bart Reiter banjos group....  banjohangout.org/group/bartreiterbanjos

Edited by - jbalch on 04/11/2012 12:55:54

Snaps - Posted - 04/11/2012:  13:09:26

Thanks John,

I have a dead spot, 3rd string second "fret". I don't see any wear, but, the location is no surprise i'm sure.

jbalch - Posted - 04/11/2012:  13:49:16

What kind of strings are you using (steel oy nylon/gut)? Just curious.

What happens at that "dead" spot?  Does the string buzz against the fingerboard?  That is pretty close to the nut. I wouldn't expect neck relief to be a big factor so close to the nut ...unless maybe the string slot is cut very low or the neck is bowed back. 

Is the neck flat ? Bart has installed two-way truss rods for several years (since the early 1990s I think).  You should be able to move it either way.

Have you tried a taller bridge?

Edited by - jbalch on 04/11/2012 13:53:55

Snaps - Posted - 04/11/2012:  15:44:43

I have steel strings (I think Nylgut might be a good try), The note is just dead, just a thump. The neck is flat and I have an 11/16" bridge, every other note seems fine

( a little sharp or flat, Can't blame the banjo for that!), I'd hate to lose the nice action with a taller bridge.

Snaps - Posted - 04/11/2012:  15:51:01

Snaps - Posted - 04/11/2012:  15:52:20

If I slide past the spot the note dies too.

jbalch - Posted - 04/11/2012:  16:08:47

I'm out of ideas....sorry.   I'm not sure it is a set-up issue. 

I play my fretted banjos much more than the fretless.  Maybe some of the more experienced fretless players will chime in

hoverflytheo - Posted - 04/11/2012:  16:24:32

I'm not an experienced fretless player by any means, and I have a penchant for high action anyway, but...

I had no volume issues with my home made fretless banjos with rather high action and no neck relief (or rather no truss rod), however I had to raise the action on the banjo I converted to fretless recently a lot more than I expected before I got a reasonable volume.

I wouldn't want much (or any) less neck relief than a fretted banjo, and I'd try raising the action with a higher bridge or slight co-rod adjustment, too... If it cures the dead spot but makes the overall action too high then at least you'll know where the start looking.

Edited by - hoverflytheo on 04/11/2012 16:25:12

DEmery - Posted - 04/11/2012:  16:42:47

If I had a problem with a fretless banjo or any kind of banjo needing attention, I would call BHO member Dan Knowles. He has built for years and some of his build projects have been posted over the years. You can find Dan during normal hours in his Paris, Tennessee shop or send him a private message through BHO. For more information and contact ; Google Dan Knowles Stringed Instruments. David E.

Edited by - DEmery on 04/11/2012 16:44:13