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Nov 1, 2024 - 4:42:42 AM

PhillipF

Canada

6 posts since 10/16/2024

I have a fret for the 4 strings, but my 5th string remains untuned.

I am unable to have someone install railway spikes as no one around me does and I'm deathly afraid of messing up my banjo if I try to install it myself. However, I have also heard that 5th string capos are awkward and blocks a lot of movement.

What should I do?

Nov 1, 2024 - 5:10:36 AM

16366 posts since 12/2/2005

A quick google search showed a number of music stores with repair departments in your area that should be able to handle spike installation. They included Tom Lee Music, Long and McQuade, Tapestry Music and Rufus Guitar Shop. Have you looked into any of them?

Nov 1, 2024 - 5:34:18 AM

Gar

USA

67 posts since 7/13/2020

Nov 1, 2024 - 7:05:07 AM

PhillipF

Canada

6 posts since 10/16/2024

quote:
Originally posted by eagleisland

A quick google search showed a number of music stores with repair departments in your area that should be able to handle spike installation. They included Tom Lee Music, Long and McQuade, Tapestry Music and Rufus Guitar Shop. Have you looked into any of them?


I did, but it seems like they will have some issues with the spikes.

Nov 1, 2024 - 7:18:10 AM
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16366 posts since 12/2/2005

quote:
Originally posted by PhillipF
quote:
Originally posted by eagleisland

A quick google search showed a number of music stores with repair departments in your area that should be able to handle spike installation. They included Tom Lee Music, Long and McQuade, Tapestry Music and Rufus Guitar Shop. Have you looked into any of them?


I did, but it seems like they will have some issues with the spikes.


What sorts of issues?

Nov 1, 2024 - 7:43:11 AM

Owen

Canada

16462 posts since 6/5/2011
Online Now

Phillip, IMNSHumbleO, unless your banjo is a priceless collectible, you're unlikely to "mess it up."  Having said that I've only spiked the lower priced of my two quite modestly priced banjos ... but it's fine [however I never use them, so ....?].   Heck, many posts on here have said that plugging spike holes is a relatively simple procedure .... if worse comes to worst, you'll get two for the price of one??    wink

Edited by - Owen on 11/01/2024 07:46:08

Nov 1, 2024 - 8:08:10 AM
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16094 posts since 6/2/2008

Excellent instruction on how to install capo spikes. Two-part video.

 

 

Nov 1, 2024 - 8:15:41 AM
Players Union Member

Texasbanjo (Moderator)

USA

31212 posts since 8/3/2003

If you don't want to chance some store putting spikes on your banjo, you might look at the 5th string capos at Elderly. A little pricey but they work pretty good and you only have to drill 2 holes on the side of the neck. Any luthier in the area should be able to do that. Go here: elderly.com/pages/search-resul...191956032

I had one of those long 5th string capos on an inexpensive banjo and the worked okay. I didn't find they got in the way of my playing at all.

Nov 1, 2024 - 9:31:02 AM
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6163 posts since 5/29/2011

The Banjo Highway capo looks like it would work well. The Strum Hollow capo does a decent job, but it's easy to lose, especially in an outdoor nighttime jam session. Don't ask me how I know that.
The Shubb sliding capo is a good alternative to spikes. It's handy to use but the main drawback I had with it was that it covered the position markers on the binding. Still, you're in good company if you use one. Peter Wernick, Doug Dillard, Gary Waldrep, Allen Shelton, John Hartford, and Eddie Adcock are known to use sliders instead of spikes.

Edited by - Culloden on 11/01/2024 09:41:17

Nov 1, 2024 - 11:26:26 AM
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banjoT1

Canada

199 posts since 7/18/2019

so Phillip.......I see you're in Van. 

I totally understand your apprehension but if you get east of Van for some reason I would be happy to do the spike thing for you. (nc.)

BTW.....there does happen to be a couple of 3 qualified folks in your area  though. 

Edited by - banjoT1 on 11/01/2024 11:33:52

Nov 3, 2024 - 4:52:26 AM
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Grant

Canada

31 posts since 11/18/2008

I make brass slip in capos for the 5th string on banjos. Two sizes that slip over the appropriate fret and usually improve the clarity of the string when played due to the mass of the .25" or further up the neck .375" diameter capos. I live on Salt Spring Island. My website is wicklandinstruments.com
cheers Grant


Nov 3, 2024 - 7:25:34 AM

16094 posts since 6/2/2008

Low cost version of a slip-in fifth string capo.

DIY fifth string capo made from a pen cap.

 

 

You can also make a version of the pen cap capo out of a guitar bridge pin. Cut it short, slot it for the string, and you're done. The groove on the underside sits on the fret.

Main drawback as said above is any small removable single-string capo is going to be easy to lose.

Edited by - Old Hickory on 11/03/2024 07:27:43

Nov 4, 2024 - 3:56:34 PM
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Fathand

Canada

12477 posts since 2/7/2008

I understand shipping could be expensive but if yoùre ever in Port Dover Ontario, I can do spikes. For reference I recently redid some spikes for Denis Lepage, He had no complaints.

Funny story, I once gave some spikes to a friend who " had a luthier that could ìnstall them" . She soon brought me her banjo as the "luthier" didn't know how to install them without destroying her neck.

Edited by - Fathand on 11/04/2024 15:59:08

Jan 5, 2025 - 12:20:52 PM
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PhillipF

Canada

6 posts since 10/16/2024

Little late, but thanks for all the help and information! :D Ended up installing my own spike. Harder than it looks, but it works.

Jan 6, 2025 - 8:54:53 AM
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Paul R

Canada

17109 posts since 1/28/2010

You can try using a guitar bridge pin. Here are some pics I took of mine. Make a string slot, cut the pin short. Make extras in case you lose it.

It's a decent interim measure. I also have an elastic 5th string capo. But now I use spikes on my main banjo, and two types of sliders on the next two.


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