I purchased a just barely used newer model 11" Enoch Tradesman about two weeks ago. I am aware that the Tradesman models (even the newer ones such as this one with the adjustable truss rod) have a slightly higher-than-average action than other-brand open back banjos. However, even with two adjustments I've made myself -- switching to a 1/2" bridge, and also lessening the head tension hoping that the bridge would be a bit lower and thus lower the action -- the action at frets 1-4 is still too high for my liking and makes it hard to play.
As I look at the neck, I believe a slight relief / truss rod adjustment may be what's needed. However, on the newer Tradesman banjos with the adjustable truss rod, this needs to be done at the heel with the pot removed. I don't feel comfortable trying this myself and want someone with the right skills to tackle the job.
The banjo technician that used to work on my banjos at an exceptionally reputable store in Rochester NY has retired, and they now don't really have a banjo technician per se with experience working on such Tradesman truss rod adjustments at the heel with the pot removed.
I thought of trying Zach Hoyt -- Hoyt Banjos -- who is now based nearTupper Lake NY, quite a distance for me. Anyone know of someone in or around Syracuse / Buffalo / Ithaca New York who could do this work to slightly lower the action on an Enoch Tradesman?
Thanks in advance.
Edited by - hayesdt on 03/31/2023 11:29:44
Pretty sure you have a graphite rod non-adjustable
Kevin Enoch changed the graphite rod in the Tradesman to a 2 way adjustable truss rod in 2014 or 2015 and added a Richlite fingerboard increasing the weight by 3 or 4 oz.
If you're ever in Port Dover, Ontario, I could do it while you go for a Perch lunch.
Dan,
As an ex resident of Central New York I would first refer you to Bernunzio’s in Rochester, but you may be dealing with them already by the sounds of it. I would wait till Thursday-Saturday and talk directly to John Bernunzio and he can likely refer you to another local technician. John lives in Penn Yann so he is more local to you in Canandagua.
As a backup I would contact Ithaca Guitar Works in downtown Ithaca. They carry a number of well known banjos, but cannot personally speak for their banjo mechanic.
guitarworks.com/banjos
and their luthier is:
facebook.com/people/Vidovich-L...96692445/
The Finger Lakes region has a sizable old time music following so you are likely to chase down somebody if you shake a few bushes.
quote:
Originally posted by DogfeathersDan,
As an ex resident of Central New York I would first refer you to Bernunzio’s in Rochester, but you may be dealing with them already by the sounds of it. I would wait till Thursday-Saturday and talk directly to John Bernunzio and he can likely refer you to another local technician. John lives in Penn Yann so he is more local to you in Canandagua.
As a backup I would contact Ithaca Guitar Works in downtown Ithaca. They carry a number of well known banjos, but cannot personally speak for their banjo mechanic.
guitarworks.com/banjos
and their luthier is:
facebook.com/people/Vidovich-L...96692445/
The Finger Lakes region has a sizable old time music following so you are likely to chase down somebody if you shake a few bushes.----------------
Thanks. Both Bernunzio's and Guitar Works are excellent suggestions. I'll give John a call later this week; when I spoke with his technician that was working there last week, he didn't seem very familiar with Enoch Tradesman banjos, but perhaps John has a suggestion. And I'll also speak with the Ithaca store where I've also had good luck i the past. I've spent quite a bit in the past 15 years so from both of these stores on banjos and service. Both places are excellent. And if that doesn't work I'll try Zach Hoyt when we travel to the Adirondacks this summer.
