Maybe I should post this in setup & repair but. I recently changed out the no knot tailpiece on my Reiter Regent to a Kershner. I like the sound but now am having issues with what I guess one would describe as over tones or string buzz? The amount of overtones is directly related to how hard I play. It is really annoying when fretting the first string on the fifth fret and thumbing the fifth string. I am using J61 addarios and 5/8 stew mac bridge that are stock for this banjo. I have tried adjusting the down pressure and do get some relief when I apply less tension or raise the tail piece adjustment. The head tension is around 88 on my drum dial.
15 Comments |
 | usmc2msu says:
3/26/2015 6:49:23 AM
Have you tried stuffing the pot a bit?
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 | alubin says:
3/26/2015 7:45:48 AM
I recently did the same thing, switch out the no-knot for a Kershner, and I've been noticing some buzz too, especially when I'm fretting the 2nd fret. I think part of my problem was that the Kershner didn't line up the same way the no-knot did so I had to unscrew the eye-bolt half a turn and put a washer in the gap to get everything (sort-of) lined up. I think fixing this problem is beyond my skill level, so I'm going to take it in for a professional setup soon. Stuffing the head helps a little bit, but the buzz is still noticeable.
As far as the sound of the Kershner so far, I like the brightness, but I feel like I've lost some bass. Hopefully a good setup can take care of all the issues.
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| alubin says:
3/26/2015 7:46:14 AM
It's a Bacophone +, BTW
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 | dhinds4100 says:
3/26/2015 8:39:09 AM
Thanks for the stuffing suggestion but for me I would go back to the no knot if stuffing is the only solution to get rid of the buzzing. I also had issues setting up the Kershner. The tailpiece itself is lined up fine, but the eye bolt not so good but it is secure. I have notice since posting my comment that if I back off the down pressure on the tailpiece the buzzing/overtones are greatly diminshed if not gone. I thought one of the purposes of the Kershner was to be able to influence the sound my changing the the down pressure. So does this mean there is something wrong with my setup if increased down pressure introduces overtones etc? thanks again
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 | BDCA says:
3/26/2015 9:28:19 AM
Remember that downward pressure from the No Knot is totally based on the height of the tension ring. How high off or below the head will determine the pressure on the bridge, etc. Again, crank up the tension , 88 is WAY too low IMHO. The increased down pressure will produce a fuller sound and tend to reduce sustain and overtones. I have recently converted all my No Knots to adjustables and will NEVER go back.
I also discovered for the optimum sound, a Balch head is the business...
Cya!
Bob
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| dhinds4100 says:
3/26/2015 9:30:51 AM
Thanks for the stuffing suggestion but for me I would go back to the no knot if stuffing is the only solution to get rid of the buzzing. I also had issues setting up the Kershner. The tailpiece itself is lined up fine, but the eye bolt not so good but it is secure. I have notice since posting my comment that if I back off the down pressure on the tailpiece the buzzing/overtones are greatly diminshed if not gone. I thought one of the purposes of the Kershner was to be able to influence the sound my changing the the down pressure. So does this mean there is something wrong with my setup if increased down pressure introduces overtones etc? thanks again
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| dhinds4100 says:
3/26/2015 9:32:56 AM
If 88 is to low what is appropiate?
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| dhinds4100 says:
3/26/2015 10:44:50 AM
If 88 is to low what is appropiate?
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| dhinds4100 says:
3/29/2015 7:34:43 AM
Just a follow up on my post. Got my banjo sorted out by backing off on the tailpiece tension. No more over tones/buzzing. It just does not like the tailpeice cranked down. I would say that the string angle now matches what it would have with a no knot. Anyways thanks for the replys
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| usmc2msu says:
3/29/2015 7:58:04 AM
Glad you got is figured out!
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| BDCA says:
3/29/2015 8:02:52 AM
Sorry..I use 92-94 on a Reconnaissance head with a lot of down pressure on the TP almost touching the head.
The banjo is so loud I lightly stuff with a plastic grocery bag for small jams.
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 | Ohio Senator says:
3/29/2015 10:56:12 AM
yeah... with tension that low you were probably really pushing down enough to sink the head itself low enough to cause the buzz. If you are all the way back to the same angle as the no knot, then you may not be getting much out of the kershner now, except probably more sustain from the mass. I'd crank the head up more, and then crank down on the kershner and see what you think. I went with a Fielding tailpiece on my Reiter... if you can find one they add a bit more pressure, but still look as good (if not better) than a no knot.
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| dhinds4100 says:
3/31/2015 4:38:57 PM
Wow, head tension at 91(I know 92-94) cranked down the Kersnher and the Regent sounds better than I good ever hoped for.
Thanks for helping out.
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| dhinds4100 says:
4/1/2015 5:05:47 PM
Could of. Oh well
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 | jbalch says:
4/2/2015 4:42:12 PM
I'm late to this conversation. Sounds like you got it solved - congratulations. I just wanted to comment that one reason I always recommend Bart's banjos is that they respond so to set-up changes and customization.
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