Would anyone know what type of tail piece I could order for my Savannah sb100. My current tailpiece is bent and it does not seem to sit square on the banjo head. The tailpiece barely covers the g-string... I am guessing it is a presto tail piece any information would be appreciated thank you.
I don't know what the tailpiece is but is it something you could take off and
straighten with pliers?
It appears that this is a left handed banjo, which makes no difference with your choice. Something sure is wonky about how the tailpiece, bridge and (I assume) the fretboard line up. Imagine it is hard to keep in tune.
Lots of good choices out there. Just don't get a cheap one of the same design that is like the one you have. A PITA when it comes to changing strings. Expect to spend at least $20 for a half-way decent tailpiece, $30 or so would get you a real nice tailpiece.
Vendors? Smakula Fretted Instruments, Elderly Instruments, BanjoTeacher, Stew Mac, Ebay, even Amazon.
I was looking on Ebay the other day, and there are some new/open box Recording King tailpieces there, at close to $30 with shipping. Any of them would be a big upgrade from what you currently have.
Thank you for the advice and recommendations... I forgot to add in the initial post that i have a left hand savannah... my primary banjo is a left hand electric gold tone ebm5 that is at my actual home in Maine. The Savannah is my travel instrument when I'm away.
You can usually find the old style Waverly tailpiece at the vendors mentioned above for a reasonable price. It usually runs less than $20 and is sturdier than the Chinese Kluson copy that you have now. The Waverly tailpiece is cast, not stamped from sheet metal, so it is less likely to bend.
I just did some checking. It looks like the price has gone up. Bob Smakula has it for $25. That's the cheapest I found unless you try eBay or Amazon.
Edited by - Culloden on 03/26/2023 21:25:07
Thank you so much!
quote:
Originally posted by squirtmb1Would anyone know what type of tail piece I could order for my Savannah sb100. My current tailpiece is bent and it does not seem to sit square on the banjo head. The tailpiece barely covers the g-string... I am guessing it is a presto tail piece any information would be appreciated thank you.
Just a friendly FYI....your Savannah tailpiece is not a Presto tailpiece.
Here's a picture of a Presto tailpiece
Thank you my mistake. From further research I think it's a waverly
quote:
Originally posted by squirtmb1Thank you my mistake. From further research I think it's a waverly
It's an Elton tailpiece or rather a cheap modern interpretation of an Elton tailpiece. Nasty hard to string and weak and always best replaced.
Thank you for the info... Changing strings was difficult
"Sometimes" you can place a cloth around your tailpiece and get the channel locks opened up, grab the tailpiece and straighten it.
I prefer the Waverly.
Take a look At Gold Tone's website and see what they have offered.
Savannah is offered by Music Link which is also Recording King's parent company.
Your tailpiece is the industry standard entry level.
The sound of your banjo can then be upgraded to a little more metal in the tailpiece. You already have been shown an acceptable replacement.
That will give you more sustain. Old time is dry, bluegrass is wet. Those are my opinions.
One time changing strings, the nut slid off, the 5th tuner came out, the bridge fell off and so did the tailpiece, that was in 1963, novice.
Go get 'em.
I ordered a Waverly I appreciate everyone's input
I installed my New Waverly tail piece.. the string change was easy and and the sound and the tailpiece seems to be much more solid now thank you for everyone's help
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