I just bought this banjo brand new. Iv seen mentioned of GT banjo built with poor parts.
Is the banjo supposed to go out of tune just after four (4) lessons?
Or is it because I’m new to banjo ( any stringed Instrument) that I’m to hard on it?
Either or- perhaps some guidance in the right direction could most certainly help me so I can focus on the right things. Thank you.
Hooties playing banjo
Hey Hootie.
Get a small Phillips screwdriver and carefully tighten all 5 tuner knobs just a little. Not too much. I've used a set of entry level Gold Tone tuners for ten years.
Also look at learning how to lock your strings on the posts so they don't slip. I don't have pictures, check the archives.
Hope this helps.
Edited by - Helix on 02/23/2021 05:30:29
It doesn't take a lot for a banjo to go out of tune. Between lessons different temperatures will have an effect, also it will take a little while sometimes for the strings to 'settle'.
Also check your bridge position. And only a light touch is needed when fretting or you will send strings sharp.
Expect to retune a banjo each day on picking it up. If you have a clip on tuner for the headstock it doesn't take long at all.
If it won't 'hold' tune on an attempted tune up then it's time to tighten tuner screws as Helix has said. That's more likely to happen on a single tuner.
quote:
Originally posted by Hootie
Is the banjo supposed to go out of tune just after four (4) lessons?
Some banjos are more stable than others but what sort of time interval does this four lessons cover. And how out of tune? It wouldn't be unusual for stringed instruments that are played daily to be tuned daily but they mighy only be a little bit out of tune.
Thank you all for jumping with your knowledge and expertise. Iv played three (3) days for an hour each. Took four (4) days off then just picking the third lesson with Jim Planky ( forgive me if spelled wrongly) and no cords the strings sound twangy. Like buzzing if I could. I have two tuners but useing one of course. And I should state the fact that Iv only tuned it in on the first time starting to play.
Hooties playing banjo
Edited by - Hootie on 02/23/2021 06:49:08
I am a Gold Tone fan, and I think that the parts used are adequate at the price point that they are offered. I have a CC-OT with guitar tuners that can stay in tune for several days. I tend to relative tune my banjos every time I play them. I don't have much of an ear, but I can hear the G on the 3rd string, so if it is off to my ear I will grab my tuner and tune all all the strings (they tend to go a little flat for me). If the weather is pretty stable, things stay in tune for a number of days. I don't bang on the strings too hard, and practice about an hour at a time. If we get a change in big temperature or humidity, then I can count on needing to tune the banjo. It's part of the banjo experience. Relative tune the banjo every time you pick it up, takes only a few seconds, and if it sounds a bit "off", drag out the tuner.
A stringed instrument needs to be tuned whenever you pick it up to play it.
My understanding is that all GT banjos are setup by their own technicians before despatch so, why would there be any need for "string locking" and "Phillips screwdrivers" ? sounds more like new banjo = new strings and that they will stretch and settle after a few hours play.
I practice every day and it gets tuned every day.
Because of the banjo’s open tuning, any sort of intonation issues are going to be noticed pretty quickly.
Learning to tune your instrument is an important part of learning how to play, and it takes practice and attention just as much as any other part does.
Every time you pick that banjo up to play, tune it! Tune it whether you think it needs it or doesn't. If you put it further out of tune, that's GOOD!-- it means you get to learn how to get it back in tune. Just like when you're playing, you need to listen for the difference between what you are hearing and what you want to hear, and figure out how to turn the former into the latter. Remember that the first step is knowing what you want to hear, and that means learning to LISTEN.
A corny line I’ve sometimes said when tuning between songs at a jam or gig:
“I don’t understand. It was in tune when I bought it.”
quote:
Originally posted by G Edward PorgieA stringed instrument needs to be tuned whenever you pick it up to play it.
And often while you are playing, and when the environment changes and when everybody else is in tune and you're not.
I had a student one time who believed that it could only be in tune when all the tuner knobs lined up.
If your banjo has not been set-up by a knowledgeable banjo mechanic, it would behoove you to have it done. Sometimes parts are loose and otherwise need adjustment. If the components move around, tuning will be inconsistent.
Edited by - beegee on 02/23/2021 12:34:35
Gold Tone does set up their banjos.
I don't know any factory setup that locks their strings.
A new owner has free trade and sailor's rights, that means they are allowed to own a Phillips and a string cutter.
I question certain rigid attitudes.
Sometimes I pick up and play without tuning. The tuning police stopped by but we duct taped them and pushed their car down the street.
Edited by - Helix on 02/25/2021 03:35:56
I guess since Phillips screwdrivers and string locking were mentioned that your post was aimed at me ! simple question; why should any brand new banjo professionaly set up in house require the new owner to make adjustments with their tools before it is playable ?
Hey Nick, nice to see you, Nope not responding to you.
