DbBanjo - Posted - 04/23/2026:  15:09:27

I'm searching for a replacement 5th string tuner knob for a 1993 Stelling banjo. The current / original knob fits a square shaft (on the 5th string tuner). Also, I'm looking for a black, plastic knob.



Would anyone have a lead of where I might find a replacement knob (as described above)?

Edited by - DbBanjo on 04/24/2026 11:26:50

jdeluke137 - Posted - 04/23/2026:  15:33:02

I’d check with Bob Smakula.

smakulafrettedinstruments.com/

 

mikehalloran - Posted - 04/23/2026:  15:44:33

quote:

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Originally posted by DbBanjo

I searching for a replacement 5th string tuner knob for a 1980's Stelling banjo. The current / original knob fits a square shaft (on the 5th string tuner). Also, I'm looking for a black, plastic knob.



Would anyone have a lead of where I might find a replacement knob (as described above)?

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Old buttons often have these. It's possible that you have a StewMac Waverly tuner from back in the day—some did have a square shaft. If so, I might have the correct knob for you. I pulled square-shaft StewMac knobs off a couple banjos and replaced them with vintage knobs.

Please post pictures including the rest of your tuners. Let's see what you have.

DbBanjo - Posted - 04/23/2026:  16:13:22

Howdy: I've just posted a couple of bad cell pic's of: the 5th string tuner shaft and the current tuner knob.

Old Hickory - Posted - 04/23/2026:  17:00:11

quote:

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Originally posted by DbBanjo

Howdy: I've just posted a couple of bad cell pic's of: the 5th string tuner shaft and the current tuner knob.

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Looks like the square hole in old Schaller buttons.

Someone sold a pile of tuner buttons not too long ago and some with square shafts were in there. If you post a Want to Buy ad in the classifieds, perhaps whoever bought all those buttons (or someone else who has one) will see your ad.

Good luck.

Old Hickory - Posted - 04/24/2026:  07:08:11

Also: With small files, it's not too difficult to modify a typical oblong "double-D" hole to fit a Schaller style square shaft. Just takes time and patience.

mikehalloran - Posted - 04/24/2026:  21:45:49

quote:

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Originally posted by DbBanjo

Howdy: I've just posted a couple of bad cell pic's of: the 5th string tuner shaft and the current tuner knob.

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But you didn't post a side view so that I could see if I have the right button for you. There are many square shaft buttons made over the last 140+ years.

DbBanjo - Posted - 04/25/2026:  10:46:20

Howdy,

A replacement button (as I've described originally & in the pic's I supplied) has been obtained.

I appreciate all of the informative responses.

Take Care,

PS: Mike: A side view wasn't needed for obtaining the replacement I've described: but Thanks for your reply!

mikehalloran - Posted - 04/25/2026:  18:36:54

quote:

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Originally posted by DbBanjo

Howdy,



A replacement button (as I've described originally & in the pic's I supplied) has been obtained.



I appreciate all of the informative responses.



Take Care,



PS: Mike: A side view wasn't needed for obtaining the replacement I've described: but Thanks for your reply!

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That only means somebody's guesswork was better than mine.