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 ARCHIVED TOPIC: B&D Special No. 2 Tenor Banjo Setup


Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/399206

wfeisele - Posted - 09/03/2024:  13:17:02


Hi All,

I recently purchased a 1929 B&D Special No. 2 tenor banjo (19 frets) and am wondering what a typical setup looks like for one of these banjos for plectrum playing. I have found a variety of setup numbers for banjos online but assume that they are mainly aimed at bluegrass banjos. It plays well with no obvious issues and appears to have all original parts including the bridge, Presto clamshell tailpiece, and calf skin head. So far, I have measured 0.005” of relief at the 8th fret. The action at the 12th fret at the low C string is about 1/8” and slightly lower at the a string. The bridge height is 1/2”. The break angle of the strings over the bridge is about 7 degrees. The Presto tailpiece sits slightly above the tension hoop, probably around 1/16” of space, and the bottom of the tailpiece is parallel to the head. The head tension measured with a drum dial is in the 87 to 90 range. Are these settings about right for this type of banjo and playing style?

Thanks!

Bill

Culloden - Posted - 09/03/2024:  15:02:11


The specs are pretty good. It should be ready to play with no further adjustment. If you start hearing buzzes or something else then it's time to get it checked out. Otherwise, play it and enjoy it.

wfeisele - Posted - 09/03/2024:  19:28:47


quote:

Originally posted by Culloden

The specs are pretty good. It should be ready to play with no further adjustment. If you start hearing buzzes or something else then it's time to get it checked out. Otherwise, play it and enjoy it.






Thanks for your input, Mark.  I'm not familiar with these kinds of banjos so wasn't sure.  It does seem to play really well with no fret buzzing or other issues.

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