I am hearing a metallic pinging noise when I play the fifth string open. I do not hear a noise if I fret the fifth string above the open G. My suspicion is that the slot in the pip is a little too shallow and the string is vibrating against the fifth fret. How likely is this and is it something a non luthier can repair himself without making a “dog’s breakfast” out of the whole thing?
Your suspicion sounds like it is on the money. It is a job you can do with a tiny file or a Wypo torch tip cleaner. Tape the fret to keep from gouging it and go slow.
Will the pip pull out of the hole it's in? Some will. If it'll come out, you can file the bottom of the pip.
Thanks Mark and Bill! I will first see if I can get the pip out of the bore. That would make the repair much simpler and safer. If it won’t come out I’ll try what Mark said.
quote:
Originally posted by leeharI am hearing a metallic pinging noise when I play the fifth string open. I do not hear a noise if I fret the fifth string above the open G. My suspicion is that the slot in the pip is a little too shallow and the string is vibrating against the fifth fret. How likely is this and is it something a non luthier can repair himself without making a “dog’s breakfast” out of the whole thing?
I'd say it's a little too deep, rather than too shallow-- Traditionally, at least, the thumb string isn't supposed to be sitting on the 5th fret. (But then traditionally, one doesn't fret the thumb string.) Depending on the relative positions of the peg, fingerboard edge, pip, and 5th fret, you may or may not be able to get the string resting firmly enough on the fret to sound clearly.
If you want the string on the fret, you might want to consider replacing the pip with a spike (as Deering does on the Goodtime). Otherwise, I'd recommend RAISING the string just far enough to clear the fret without buzzing, either by replacing the pip, or filling the slot in the current pip with sodium bicarbonate and a drop of superglue, then cutting a new, shallower slot. The pip is close enough to the fret that you should still get tolerably good fretted intonation on the 5th string.
We all have our preferences and opinions. My banjos all have pips and the string rests on the 5th fret. The only buzzes or rattles have happened when the pip was too tall and the string was not firmly seating on the fret. This sounds like your issue as well.
quote:
Originally posted by Dan Gellertquote:
Originally posted by leeharI am hearing a metallic pinging noise when I play the fifth string open. I do not hear a noise if I fret the fifth string above the open G. My suspicion is that the slot in the pip is a little too shallow and the string is vibrating against the fifth fret. How likely is this and is it something a non luthier can repair himself without making a “dog’s breakfast” out of the whole thing?
I'd say it's a little too deep, rather than too shallow-- Traditionally, at least, the thumb string isn't supposed to be sitting on the 5th fret. (But then traditionally, one doesn't fret the thumb string.) Depending on the relative positions of the peg, fingerboard edge, pip, and 5th fret, you may or may not be able to get the string resting firmly enough on the fret to sound clearly.
If you want the string on the fret, you might want to consider replacing the pip with a spike (as Deering does on the Goodtime). Otherwise, I'd recommend RAISING the string just far enough to clear the fret without buzzing, either by replacing the pip, or filling the slot in the current pip with sodium bicarbonate and a drop of superglue, then cutting a new, shallower slot. The pip is close enough to the fret that you should still get tolerably good fretted intonation on the 5th string.
Actually, Deering uses a spike on all their models clear up through the $16,000 Jens Kruger model. It is an excellent method.
Screw tradition. Do what works, but do it carefully.
