Just got my pride and joy. Set it up with med strings, and notice when I first received the banjo the 3rd string was not center in the neck. after adjusting the bridge it would work its way back off center. This is when I deceided to go with Med strings and removed the lights. The Med really brought the life back. I then adjuster the tail piece and I now have it where it is dead center and stays there after playing. My only question is that the tailpiece is not straight. inline. Is something wrong or is this normal? Also both adjusting screws are in the indents.
16 Comments |
 | tonwil says:
6/27/2015 1:16:59 PM
There are two little slots on the tension hoop for the tailpice.You can adjust it from side to side also, so you may need to adj one way or the other a little. Tailpiece should stick straight out, parallel to the head. Your bridge shouldn't want to scoot.
|
 | dbull says:
6/27/2015 2:09:18 PM
Thank You for your reply, I do have the 2 adjusting allen screws in the slots, the tailpiece is 1/4 inch off of the head, it just sits a little cocked to one side, the string and bridge do stay in place now.
|
| tonwil says:
6/27/2015 2:40:18 PM
Sounds like you just need to turn the tailpiece a little.
|
| dbull says:
6/27/2015 2:44:44 PM
ok, thanks
|
 | banjoman56 says:
6/27/2015 3:23:12 PM
The two outside screws adjust the tailpiece from left to right. if you want it straight, run one in a turn or so and back the other one out. Be advised it will change the tone a little.
|
 | drewbarries says:
6/27/2015 10:16:28 PM
Hey not sure if you've already checked for this but it could also be that your tension hoop is not on correctly. By that I mean that it could be turned slightly to where it's not perfectly aligned with the neck. You may be surprised at how many banjos I have noticed where this is off. To really easily determine if it's correct look closely at the where the neck comes close to the tension hoop and where the recesses area for the strings is. There two edges should be equally positioned to where there is no difference of distance from the left side of the fretboard and tension hoop notch and right side of the fretboard and right side tension hoop notch. Not sure if you have neck binding but on my Vieginian the edges of the tension hoop notch or pretty much inline with the center of the neck / fretboard binding.
|
 | Neil Rennie says:
6/28/2015 1:54:47 AM
I have the same problem with my crusader and it only became apparent once I changed the head. I have not had time to try and re-line the tension hoop. The neck and the tension hoop slot looks correct but the tailpiece is out of line with the banjo. So I am thinking it is a small adjustment might bring it back in line.
|
| dbull says:
6/28/2015 6:01:48 AM
drewbarries and Rennie win. I just looked the hoop is off about 1/16. One side does just go under the neck and the other side has the gap. This is the side that the tailpiece want to align with. It's interesting how such a small amount will cause a problem. It doesn't case a problem as it is but just I know its off. Strings stay in center al long as I keep the tailpiece adjusted a little off center. I put some Deam Markley Med Lt on and made a big difference in tone and sound. I am thinking of trying the Med next. this would jump to 26w on 4th and 18 on 3rd. the Med Lt are 24w and 15. What strings do you guys like on your Stellings? I am very excited how easy this banjo plays. Thanks for all the comments
|
| Neil Rennie says:
6/28/2015 10:32:14 AM
Ej57's I have played for some time and I am very fond of them but as technology is changing i am in the process of trying different sets to see if I like any better
|
| dbull says:
6/28/2015 12:05:01 PM
I agree, I just like the deep growl on the 4th whichI feel the heavy string gives. My opinion. I also start out with light string and keep going heavy. I think its what we like, hear and how hard we play. The banjo is a joy to our ears and needs to be loud
|
 | Geoff Stelling says:
6/29/2015 1:05:01 PM
Good job diagnosing the problem Drew and Rennie. Another cause of the strings being off to one side can be a loose or improperly fitting neck which can be cocked to one side or the other after being loosened for some reason. The fingerboard should be parallel to the head and centered on the tension hoop string cut out. I also like the heavier strings for their tone, therefore all new Stellings are set up with medium heavies.
All the best, Geoff
|
| dbull says:
6/29/2015 3:40:02 PM
Geoff, Thank you so much for your reply. You sure build a great sounding banjo. I plan on putting in a order for med heavies from you and the owner manual when you guys reopen in July. I assume your set up is the same on early Stelling as newer models. I am thankful to own one. PS I just love the sound of your older California built Stellings, will never own another brand.
|
| drewbarries says:
7/7/2015 9:54:55 PM
Glad it all worked out. I forgot to mention and it goes hand in hand with the tension hoop alignment but the same alignment philosophy should be considered with the flange as well. The spaces between the flange and neck heel should be as equal as possible and this is of course where the properly positioned flange will facilitate normally set j hooks from hoop to flange.
|
| drewbarries says:
7/8/2015 7:25:20 AM
Glad it all worked out. I forgot to mention and it goes hand in hand with the tension hoop alignment but the same alignment philosophy should be considered with the flange as well. The spaces between the flange and neck heel should be as equal as possible and this is of course where the properly positioned flange will facilitate normally set j hooks from hoop to flange.
|
| drewbarries says:
7/9/2015 10:45:13 AM
Glad it all worked out. I forgot to mention and it goes hand in hand with the tension hoop alignment but the same alignment philosophy should be considered with the flange as well. The spaces between the flange and neck heel should be as equal as possible and this is of course where the properly positioned flange will facilitate normally set j hooks from hoop to flange.
|
| dbull says:
7/25/2015 3:35:36 PM
Well this week I rechecked my neck. Making sure everything was tight. I realigned the tension hoop and the flange. Reset the head to 91 on drum dial and my Stelling is back. I followed the Stelling Field Service manuel for proper set up order. Thank You all who assisted.
|
Post a Comment
|
You must be logged in and a member of this group to post a comment.
|
