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Tysariego92 - Posted - 10/10/2023: 11:08:17
I just got my Recording king OT26. had it for 2 weeks. Iv been practicing everyday from 2-4 hours a day, I cant get enough of it, but i never took it to someone to get it set up. Iv been advised to find a banjo "pro" to help me set it up properly. But I cant find anyone located around central cal visalia/hanford/fresno area. The only instrument store i have around me is a guitar center but i dont wanna take it there. So this is me reaching out, hopefully I find someone here that can teach/show me how to set up my new banjo. Thanks!
BobbyE - Posted - 10/10/2023: 12:09:48
Open 'YouTube' on your computer and do a search on 'setup,' of Recording King Banjos. I believe Jim Pankey has several, possibly one on the model you mention that you have. There are others as well. They offer pretty detailed instruction on what to do to get you set up. This is stuff you will want to know anyway so go ahead and dive in. Just don't do anything radical. Easy and slow.
Bobby
thisoldman - Posted - 10/10/2023: 13:02:30
If your even the least bit handy, some of the setup is pretty easy to do with the help of youtube videos and other online resources. Setting your bridge in the right place, tuning the banjo, making sure the metal bits are snug, and adjusting head tension are pretty easy to do. One method of checking head tension is the "Steve Davis" or "ruler-and-coin" method. You can do a search here on the HO for that information. Adjusting the truss rod (to adjust the "bow" or "curvature" of the neck) takes a bit of background knowledge, and adjusting the coordinator rod(s) (to adjust string height) even more. There are youtube videos for that as well. As Bobby says, tinkering with your banjo (and going easy and slow) is stuff you will want to know at some point and part of the banjo owning experience.
The Old Timer - Posted - 10/10/2023: 19:03:15
Read up a bit (see BHO archives) and you can set your bridge in the proper spot (it might be OK anyway). After that IF the head needs tightening you can do that, in small careful increments.
If nothing is rattling or buzzing, you don't need to do any other tightening.
Mostly KEEP PICKING!
GrahamHawker - Posted - 10/10/2023: 23:07:26
quote:
Originally posted by Tysariego92
Iv been advised to find a banjo "pro" to help me set it up properly.
The most important thing when you are a banjo owner is to learn the basic stuff yourself - head tension, bridge position, checking the action and avoiding messing with co-ordinator rods. If things are really horrible then a pro might be needed. I think I've learned almost everything I know reading the forums at Banjo Hangout, following links from here and Youtube videos.
