Dean T - Posted - 08/07/2025:  15:09:24

Having come from guitar, I dove into banjo using full bar chords and lots of thumb overs. And, playing mostly outside of the bluegrass genre, I’ve managed to play without spikes for over 20 years. 6 months ago, I bought a used banjo with spikes, and have gotten spoiled by them. They seem to be installed well, and work great. So I’m finding myself using them constantly.

My question is simple. Does the constant use of spikes wear the 5th sting out faster? Has anyone ever had a string break at a spike? Has anyone ever had string vibrations wear out a spike until the end flys off and hits you in the eye? I just don’t want any suprises…

Owen - Posted - 08/07/2025:  15:28:46

"It's all fun and games until somebody gets the end of a spike in the eye."

I can't answer your question as my spikes are r-a-r-e-l-y used.  Back before "let's be realistic" set in I optimistically installed them on one of my banjos and ..... thar they be.   

Jon Borcherding - Posted - 08/07/2025:  15:38:44

I had one that was installed too loosely by a builder who shall remain unnamed. Fortunately nobody was killed. LOL
That little bugger was hard to find though. I reinstalled it with some super glue and it's still there. Use it all the time.

Bart Veerman - Posted - 08/07/2025:  15:45:07

Never had a steel string brake at the spike. Them spikes are hardy, never noticed wear-out or damage either. My average string changes are probably once a year.
Never used nylon strings, I'm guessing there it may be a different scoop.

rvrose - Posted - 08/07/2025:  21:44:05

I use them frequent and have never had a problem.

Rick

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 08/07/2025:  22:25:49

My only problem is spiking the string with picks on.

chuckv97 - Posted - 08/07/2025:  22:55:04

I spike with my ring finger.  I've never had a string break at a spike. 

Edited by - chuckv97 on 08/07/2025 22:57:00

HSmith - Posted - 08/07/2025:  23:57:37

When I first started out around 1970, I used a sliding capo on the 5th string. I knew spikes existed (I'm in the UK) and had seen them on other players' banjos, but I didn't know anyone competent to fit them. Not until I bought a Stelling Sunflower (which had factory installed spikes) did I ever use them. Since then (so for about 25 years) all my banjos have spikes. In all that time, I've never noticed undue wear on the 5th string, and never broken one. Interesting to note Laurence Diehl's comment on his difficulty spiking the string while wearing finger picks. From the outset of my use of spikes, I've used my left hand to slip the string under the spike and release it later. It just seemed the natural thing to do.

RB-1 - Posted - 08/08/2025:  00:53:39

A sliver of sandpaper, grit 600, under the spike takes off those sharp edges that could otherwise cut into the string.

Do this, while -in the process of putting in the spikes- the masking tape is still on the fretboard.

Of course this can be done later as well, but you'll have to put on some new layers of masking tape, before bringing out the sandpaper....

Edited by - RB-1 on 08/08/2025 00:54:02

The Old Timer - Posted - 08/08/2025:  09:25:56

I've never had any problems like you're worried about with properly installed spikes
.
The two most common problems I'm aware of are about amateur installation. First, improper location of the spike in the fretboard, such that you have to pull it out and move it around hunting for the right spot. That leaves holes in the fingerboard you probably want to deal with.

Second is using an old "heavy" Black & Decker 110 volt hand drill to drill the hole for the spike. That fretboard and neck being MUCH softer than you think, your drill bit will zip ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE NECK and leave you a nice hole in the backside of the neck to deal with.

Finally I had a problem once trying to pull out a spike (I can't remember why I wanted to pull it out, probably installed in the improper spot, so I cut the top off. And for the rest of time I had that ugly little steel plug showing in the fingerboard.

But I abandoned the Vega Pittman sliding 5th string capo way back in the 1970s and have used spikes ever since.

Over the years as I've acquired more banjos I'm puzzled by the lack of consensus in experienced spike installers as to which way the flat top of the spike is faced. Push the 5th string "in" to hook it? Or push the 5th string "out" to hook it? I have banjos that were set up in either way. Irritating.

Owen - Posted - 08/08/2025:  09:39:58

Geez Dick, now you've got me worried. 

I just checked and mine are installed push "in"  .... and ya never know  ...  I could fall off the turnip truck, hit my noggin and wake up being able to use them.   

Dean T - Posted - 08/08/2025:  12:07:56

Thanks for a good thread, I can can rest easy, and keep spiking, without thinking I need safety glasses. For the record, my spikes are installed hook towards the floor when wearing the banjo, and there is some fretwear from the previous owner using them, so they’ve been there and working well for a long time.

steve davis - Posted - 08/08/2025:  15:23:05

I put in my first spikes with the openings toward the binding.
One time I released the string and pushed a piece of binding off the neck.
I've pointed the opening inboard ever since.

chuckv97 - Posted - 08/08/2025:  16:09:41

If using a Bic pen cap where you are bereft of said spike, the string also will not render itself asunder….. just sayin’

Dean T - Posted - 09/21/2025:  15:27:01

I thought I’d update this thread.



I got so spoiled by the spikes on one banjo, that I got them installed on my main gig banjo, and have been using the piss out of them. I’ve also practiced speed of spiking and retuning, and even in songs with a key change, I can get er done in a measure. So today was my first spiked gig, everything went very well, and I’ll prolly never play spikeless again. One song had a key change, and I nailed it. But then forgot… and played the next song (key of A) spiked at B and somehow it worked

cottontop - Posted - 09/21/2025:  15:39:45

I don't have any problems with spikes as I don't ever use them. I only use a Shubb 5th string sliding capo.
Joe

BG Banjo - Posted - 09/22/2025:  08:56:45

I've only been playing a few years, but I play in a band and spike a lot. Even If I'm not using a capo I often times spike the fifth string for the key. I've not notice any undue wear on the string, never had a string break while I was playing, and not had a spike break or pop out. Just my brief experience. I play Gold Tones that I bought through Ross Nickerson and he had them install the spikes there. If that makes a difference, I don't know.

steve davis - Posted - 09/22/2025:  10:40:15

I can see where a spike installed too close to the fret could cause undo stress on the string.
Halfway between the frets is the easiest on the string.