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happytune - Posted - 08/26/2024: 17:48:27
Hello, Im new and I’m a beginner at banjo, and while tuning my banjo the tailpiece just suddenly popped off. What is the correct way to put it back on? I put it back but am I supposed to turn that screw thats on it? Then how do I prevent this from happening again.
I thought a string had snapped at first; it was scary I really don’t want that to occur and then I have to retune all over again…
Owen - Posted - 08/26/2024: 18:06:26
".... how do I prevent this from happening again?"
So far as I know, duct tape is the preferred method.
Others will probably want to know make, model, ask for pictures, etc., so I'll defer to their skill/judgement..
"I'm a man, but I can change, if I have to, I guess." -R.G.
KCJones - Posted - 08/26/2024: 18:43:25
Welcome to Banjo Hangout!
We have fun here. Don't take anyone too seriously.
Like Owen says... Post some photos. Also the model of banjo but mostly, we need photos. There's a few different types of tailpiece and attachment methods, so we need to know the situation before we can help.
Edited by - KCJones on 08/26/2024 18:44:07
Old Hickory - Posted - 08/26/2024: 18:52:35
Reason for what they said is that different types of tailpieces install in different ways and so there will be different reasons for them to fall off. Since you're new at banjo, you may lack the experience and vocabulary to accurately describe what happened. This is not a criticism. We all start somewhere.
So upload some photos to the Media section of your Profile page. If you can't figure out how to attach them to a Forum post, no problem. Just tell us they're there.
It's possible you have a "floating" type of tailpiece such as a Presto, which is held in place only by the strings pulling forward and the anchor bolt and nut pulling back and down. I suppose if the nut on the anchor bolt were not screwed on far enough (or, rather, just barely screwed on) it could fall off and then the tailpiece would fall off. But this may not at all describe what happened to you.
BobbyE - Posted - 08/27/2024: 05:51:18
Most tailpieces have a threaded screw that is affixed to the tailpiece and the banjo's flange will be made in such a way that some type of bolt attachment will screw on effectively holding the tailpiece in place on the banjo. As others have pointed out, due to the various styles and types, there could be some adjustments that need to be made in order for the banjo to sound its best as the tailpiece effects the tension of the strings as they pass over the bridge. Don't despair. All this is just part of learning to play the banjo and making the proper adjustment to it for it to play and sound its best. Good folks here on the HO will guide you through it all. Good luck.
Bobby
Wobba - Posted - 08/27/2024: 06:36:42
So I had a banjo where the tailpiece fell off 3 times. Each time it was while I was playing. When the tailpiece falls off all that tension on the strings is released at the same time. This is like an explosion with the tailpiece and strings shooting forward and the bridge being project about 9 feet ahead. It was a loud bang sound too. After the third time I bought a new, better quality tailpiece. Never happened again. I think the nut on the bolt was the problem, it seemed to slowly unwind as I played until it would fall off, releasing the tailpiece. Might look into just replacing the nut with a new one.
happytune - Posted - 08/27/2024: 07:26:37
I’m putting the photos so you can see what it looks like
Dan Gellert - Posted - 08/27/2024: 07:31:17
I can't quite tell from that photo, but it kind of looks like the hole on the tailpiece which holds the head of the attachment bolt might be damaged.
Whether or not that's the case, you can get a much better tailpiece than that one very cheaply.
One of these, and a new set of GHS brand PF150 strings will be a nice upgrade.
amazon.com/Yibuy-Silver-String...732VDSVP/
Edited by - Dan Gellert on 08/27/2024 07:47:26
The Old Timer - Posted - 08/27/2024: 08:03:54
The main problem here is that thick bolt that hangs downward from the tailpiece is butting up against that bigger threaded end of the coordinator rod that is poking out through the side or the rim. This prevents you from tightening down the tailpiece enough to keep it in place perched on top of the tension hoop.
I suspect looking inside the rim it may be possible (I hope) to turn that large coordinator rod and draw that exposed end closer to the outside surface of the rim, give enough room for the bolt tightening the tailpiece to reach down further.
A photo of the inside of the rim would be helpful to see if you can do this.
Alternatively, buy a shorter bolt to pull downward on the tailpiece. Or take a hacksaw and cut off the too-long bottom end of that bolt so it won't fetch up on the end of the coord. rod.
Good luck.
RB3 - Posted - 08/27/2024: 08:14:12
The screw attached to the "u-shaped" bracket should have a nut attached to it. You need get a replacement for that missing nut and thread it onto the screw, so that the nut bears against the bottom of the "L-bracket" that is attached to the back of the banjo rim. The nut should be tightened enough to pull the u-bracket down so that the hooks on the ends of the u-bracket bear against the top of the tension hoop. The nut should look similar to the nuts that are threaded onto the tension hooks.
If you bought the banjo new, it appears that the person who assembled the banjo forgot to add the nut to the u-bracket screw.
If you can't find a replacement nut, it's probably best that you follow the advice already given here, and just purchase a complete replacement tailpiece.
Edited by - RB3 on 08/27/2024 08:15:44
Tom Napper - Posted - 08/27/2024: 08:30:45
As Wayne says above, there should be a nut on the bolt that is attached to the tailpiece which, by bearing against the bottom of the "L-bracket" holds everything together. Whilst this nut, by convention, is similar in shape to those on the tension hooks, in reality any nut and bolt of appropriate size should do the job. The whole assembly can be a bit loose until the strings are up to tension.
Owen - Posted - 08/27/2024: 08:40:32
IF a pic is worth ___X___ words, though it's not the same tailpiece as yours, the one nut that's shown in this pic is the one you're missing, IMNSHumbleO. Replacement can be a plain ol' nut .... so long as the threads match.
Edit: Like Tom says ^^ ... looks like I'm a particularly s-l-o-w typist. 
Edited by - Owen on 08/27/2024 08:42:33
happytune - Posted - 08/27/2024: 08:46:59
Alright thanks for your help guys! I’m ordering the new one
'Good Wednesday Morning' 2 hrs
'Rasputin' 6 hrs
