DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device.
Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher.
Weekly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, banjo news and more.
Just broke out my Goldtone CB100 and plunked about on it for a bit. Realized the tone and volume isn't as nearly as good as I once thought it was. Upon closer inspection I realize that the only points between the pot and the neck which touch are the base of the heel and the bottom of the fretboard leaving a gap between the heel and the fretboard (setting off of the tension hoop). Now, I have a banjo a friend of mine made a neck for which is set on an old 1930's Gibson rim and who knows what kind of hoop with a brass tonering. The neck is fit snug over the whole rim and hoop. I'm not sure but I think I remember someone saying a good tight fit (over the whole surface between the neck and pot) has a lot to do with good overall tone and volume. If this is the case should I see if someone can bridge the gap on the Gold tone to improve the sound or should I just sell the GT and save up for a better banjo. I must say I have been spoiled by the custom neck and old pot have now. Any suggestions or insight?
5 comments on “Banjo tone and volume related to neck joint”
PruchaLegend Says:
Tuesday, January 19, 2010 @10:51:32 PM
I suspect the cost of modifying the Gold Tone would be too high relative to the value of the GT. Better to save up your money for a new banjo. On the other hand, if you want to send me your Gibson I'll send you enough money to modify the Gold Tone. Just contact me through the Hangout. LOL!
poortater Says:
Thursday, January 21, 2010 @12:24:41 PM
HA! Thats rich. I have to say I do not believe I will ever let loose of the gibson. Think I may just use the GT for trade value or sell it for about $150-$200 under retail value just to start me a banjo cash stash. Still, I'm pretty curious what the GT would sound like without the gap. I'm sure it has to be a design flaw on Gold Tones behalf.
PruchaLegend Says:
Thursday, January 21, 2010 @10:02:19 PM
Perhaps you could remove the neck and correct the neck fit yourself. Lots of people build their own banjos so I suspect you could do so yourself. Just don't take off too much wood at once. Also you could call Gold Tone in Florida and ask them how to go about fixing it. Could be they'd fix it for you at a reasonable cost.
BryanWB Says:
Friday, January 22, 2010 @2:28:46 AM
Have you thought about loosening things up, then slipping a veneer shim in there, tighten up again - or am I on the wrong track.
poortater Says:
Friday, January 22, 2010 @9:13:08 AM
I had actually thought about carving a shim to fit the gap. It's above the ring. Almost like the heel/bottom of the neck area on a Enoch. But only the very bottom of the fretboard touches the rim/hoop. The neck is probably tight to the pot but that gap just has me wondering if its affecting the tone and volume. I need to post a photo maybe to get some better ideas from you fine folks.
You must sign into your myHangout account before you can post comments.