I own 2 five string resonator banjos. One is a Washburn A-10 and the other is a Gold Tone ob-250. I only play the Gold Tone now. But, on both banjos, I have always had trouble keeping the third string in tune. it goes out of tune (and not just a little) frequently and is often very difficult to get back into tune compared to the other 4 strings. Is this common, or am I doing something wrong?
Since this does this on two banjos and you say that it goes out of tune, indicating that it does tune correctly and then goes out when playing, I would suggest trying different strings, or gauges, or both if you haven't all ready. There are compensated bridges, and even a straight bridge might resolve the issue. Banjos can do strange things and it is often just a process of eliminating all the possibilities for finding a solution.
Bobby
quote:
Originally posted by BobbyESince this does this on two banjos and you say that it goes out of tune, indicating that it does tune correctly and then goes out when playing, I would suggest trying different strings, or gauges, or both if you haven't all ready. There are compensated bridges, and even a straight bridge might resolve the issue. Banjos can do strange things and it is often just a process of eliminating all the possibilities for finding a solution.
Bobby
It does not go out of tune while playing....at least I do not think it does. I should have made that clear. But I can tune if before I play on Wedsnesday, and then it will be way out of tune on Thursday. And it can take a long time, compared to the other strings to tune. I know that banjos are notorious for this, but this seem a bit extreme. I have changed the strings on both of these banjos and the results a were similar. Currently playing GHS mediums on the Gold Tone.
I also started with a compensated bride on the Gold Tone and switch to a Huber bridge. Still have the issue.
Edited by - pmartin9363 on 06/08/2023 09:29:06
Strings can slip if you don't know how to lock them. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opmg6lK8FkY
First thing I'd check is that the string isn't binding in the nut slot. A newer Gold Tone will have their patent zero-fret nut, which should not have that problem, but you never know. A bit of filing at the back edge of the nut slot and/or a little graphite lube might be worth a try. The peg could be worn, damaged, or have its tension screw too tight or too loose.
Which GHS "medium" set are you using? Their gauging is all over the place! Some of the sets which are very popular with bluegrass pickers have 3rd strings which are (to me, at least!) WAY too light in relation to the rest of the set.
Third string tuner slipping/defective?
I agree, this problem cannot be resolved with a compensated bridge.
"on both banjos, I have always had trouble keeping the third string in tune"
Doesn't go out of tune when he is playing, only when it sits overnight. That pretty much eliminates the nut slot problem.
"But I can tune if before I play on Wednesday, and then it will be way out of tune on Thursday. And it can take a long time, compared to the other strings to tune."
Unlikely that both banjos have the same problem of a defective third string tuner.
So what are the commonalities between the banjos?
-- same player
-- same type/gauge string
-- same person stringing up the instrument
-- same person tuning the strings
Question: What does "takes a long time to tune" mean? What is the tuning method -- electronic tuner?
I cast my vote for strings being poorly installed. I just changed strings yesterday and I know I did not adequately lock the 5th string and so it's continuing to slip and failing to hold G. Fortunately I did not make the mistake of cutting the string too soon, so later I'll unwind it and loosen it so I can lock it around the tuner.
Even if you can't go back and put the existing 3rd string into a luthier's loop or luthier's lock, or whatever it's called, you might have enough string beyond the post hole to loosen the string then bend the excess downward and force the windings around it, trapping the end against the post as you tighten the string. If you have several wraps, you can sacrifice one of those to give yourself more string length to lock against the post as described.
This loopless locking technique has worked for me for years. Also, having the windings go down the post helps with downward angle from the nut to the tuner. Though in general, lots of windings are not good.
If poor string installation isn't the issue then maybe the string is binding in the bridge or nut slot as suggested. My installation always includes grabbing and stretching the strings out of their slots. I think the pre-stretch helps and maybe the lifting out of the slot fights future binding. I don't know.
Edited by - Old Hickory on 06/08/2023 10:47:18
I notice that my stringed instruments change pitch when the weather changes. This is above and beyond the usual tuning adjustments needed from day to day. Atmospheric conditions, weather, A/C and heat settings, humidity changes... all these things can change the pitch.
Other possible causes: new strings take awhile to settle in. Banjo strings are slinky, even mediums, and slinky strings aren't as stable as heftier acoustic guitar strings, for example.
Still, there might be a setup issue. Even if pitch wanders for the above reasons, it shouldn't be difficult to retune. I have a Gold Tone OB250+TP, and it's easy to tune. The graphite lube suggestion might be worth a shot, and/or changing the way you install the strings.
Edited by - dfstd on 06/08/2023 11:17:58
Thanks everyone, I did put the string on myself on both banjos when the original ones needed replacement, and this was the first and second time that I have even put strings on any kind of string instrument. So, it is very possible that poor installation is the culprit, and the temps here have been all over the place…which is typical for New England in the Spring. So, hopefully this will become less of an issue the better I get at installing strings.
Edited by - pmartin9363 on 06/08/2023 12:20:19
