reubenstump - Posted - 09/09/2024: 15:47:15
I got the new head today. Pretty much followed the Deering video to take the whole thing apart and put it back together. No big issues, just self-imposed stress. I even ordered the right head!
New head, strings, and bridge. Changing the head is what makes it a project rather than a simple task.
I removed the neck, adjusted the brackets, corod, and tailpiece, lined up the neck, checked the action, etc. Gave it a long overdue cleaning, both wood and metal.
The logo came off with several gentle doses and light rubs of Goof Off. If I remember next time I'll just buy a logo-less head from Smakula, which I didn't know about when I ordered from Deering.
I've read that the brackets can be tightened until the head breaks, so I'm being gentle. Plenty of pops, but no soul crushing bangs. The brackets are fairly even all around. No drum dial.
It sounds OK, so I guess I didn't do too bad. Fingers crossed.
I've already tuned it about four times, and I'm waiting for it to settle in some more - mostly the strings. Intonation, etc.
Maybe someday I'll do the same for my LeVan, but it's fine for now.
deeringbanjos.com/pages/banjo-tech-videos
Edited by - reubenstump on 09/09/2024 15:47:45
