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cldavis26 - Posted - 03/29/2026: 17:52:13
I am wondering what the estimated price to fix this crack may be?
Also, does the neck still have structural integrity and can I play prior to getting it fixed? The crack is between the two truss rods.
The crack is deep and connects to the end of the heel/pot on the top side of the neck but doesn’t connect on the bottom side. You can see in one of the pictures. I am worried if a play it the crack with go through entirely.
Edited by - cldavis26 on 03/29/2026 17:53:43
The Old Timer - Posted - 03/29/2026: 17:56:37
Well, it's certainly not going to heal.
That is eminently fixable, right now, before it gets any worse.
String tension is eventually going to make the crack grow. Even laying the banjo in its case is going to make the crack grow. Take the strings off and store the banjo where there is NO pressure on the neck at all.
What part of the country are you in? I'm sure folks here will steer toward a competent repairman. Airlines pay for this repair all the time from neck heels cracking due to rough handling by baggage loaders. For instance, if you're you're in the mid-Atlantic states contact Chris Warner in Red Lion PA (near Hanover).
Edited by - The Old Timer on 03/29/2026 17:59:01
cldavis26 - Posted - 03/29/2026: 18:24:39
I live I Avon Co. Denver has a couple places I am considering to get it fixed. I need new frets as well. Might it be worth it to buy a new neck since I would like a radiuses fret board? If cost to repair crack and to re-fret banjo is close to a new neck I may consider.
BobbyE - Posted - 03/30/2026: 05:34:55
>>If cost to repair crack and to re-fret banjo is close to a new neck I may consider.<<
It won't be. A competent repair person can get the crack done reasonably inexpensively compared to a new neck. Also, does the whole neck need frets replaced, or just the first five or so, and do they need replacing or recrowning? Even a full re-fret and crack repair should be considerably less than a new neck, especially one with inlays, and radiused.
Bobby
