Bufo Bill - Posted - 04/22/2014:  10:24:52

I have a converted Little Wonder 5 string with a Kershner tailpiece. I have recently changed from a 5/8 Bridge to a ½ inch bridge, as when playing further up the neck the 5/8 made for a very high action which caused a slight intonation issue.

I am very pleased with the new bridge, the high intonation up the neck is fixed, however the banjo doesn’t quite ring the same. Would adjusting the tailpiece have the effect of increasing the ring or do I just have to accept the slight loss of sustain unless I have the neck adjusted (which is not an option, due to money restrictions)?

If adjusting the Kershner is a good idea, how do I go about it? Just turn the screws? A lot? A little?

Look forward to getting your help, from Bill. :D

steve davis - Posted - 04/22/2014:  10:28:24

Lower it closer to the head to regain the break angle you had with the 5/8 bridge and get the tone where it was.

Help the tailpiece adjustment by pushing down lightly on the bridge end of the tailpiece as you turn the adjusting screw.

Edited by - steve davis on 04/22/2014 10:29:00

Dan Drabek - Posted - 04/22/2014:  10:42:53

What Steve said about the break angle.

Also, you can shim the neck without having to re-cut the heel. That would bring your action down and allow you to go back to the 5/8" bridge.

DD

Bufo Bill - Posted - 04/22/2014:  13:41:24

Guys, many thanks, I have had a go, and I think it is sounding better, I will see over the coming days. Many thanks for the advice.
All the best from Bill. :D

The Old Timer - Posted - 04/22/2014:  14:13:16

There are 3 screws on an old Kerschner. The two on the right and left are to adjust how far off the tension hoop you want the tailpiece to sit, also to "center" it so it's well aligned with the length of the neck. These two screws don't affect tone as much. In fact, on my old Kerschner, I've removed those two side screws altogether, and just let the vertical part of the tailpiece rest directly against the tension hoop.

The center screw, that's down a bit lower, is the one that tilts the tailpiece down or up, into or out of the plane of the head. As I remember, turning it clockwise drives the front tip down and puts more string pressure (and angle) onto the bridge. You should be able to crank it down until it nearly touches the head, with no issues or problems. This will make the pitch of the strings go up, so you'll have to re-tune them down of course. Little harm in that.

You'll find the tone changes as your raise or lower the tailpiece angle. Find what sounds/feels good to you.

Good luck.

mikehalloran - Posted - 04/22/2014:  14:28:58

As Steve says, push down on the front of the tailpiece while adjusting the angle. I go a little further: I push down, then take up the slack with the screw.

It is possible to break a Kershner by letting the screw do all the work. You wouldn't think so due to the solidity of its construction but I have seen it happen.

Bufo Bill - Posted - 04/23/2014:  03:14:47

Thanks guys. I have the front edge about 1/8 inch above the head and it sounds much better, but it's good to know I can go a little further if needs be. I was wondering about the other two screws, so thanks again.

All the best from Bill. :D

arnie fleischer - Posted - 04/23/2014:  06:31:56

Almost no one I know with a Kershner uses those two side screws, and many, including me, remove them.

steve davis - Posted - 04/23/2014:  06:41:26

Cox tailpieces have 3 screws.
The outside 2 are to make solid contact with the tone ring.
3 point,solid connection.

Bufo Bill - Posted - 04/23/2014:  07:32:35

So my tailpiece is a Cox? Is that what you mean, Steve?

Thanks for the help from Bill. :D

steve davis - Posted - 04/23/2014:  09:12:29

No.Just that the Cox tp also uses 3 screws.

Bufo Bill - Posted - 04/23/2014:  09:31:09

Aaahhh, I get you now. Thanks mate!
All the best from Bill. :D