I have got a very nice old Danish Just Poulsen banjo, that terrible needs new hooks and nuts, since the threads do not work properly any more. Problem is that standard hooks are just a little bit too thick. They don´t sink into the notches in the tention hoop, and they just can´t go through the holes in the flange. I have a Kasuga banjo with the hooks that I need, but I can´t miss this banjo, so --- : (
Does anybody know if it is possible to buy L-hooks that are just a little bit thinner than standard anywhere -- and where ? Steen
I don't know.
BUT!! If worse comes to worse, I have taken bicycle wheel spokes, clipped them and bent them, and used them as tension hooks.
Best wishes for a successful outcome.
The imported hooks tend to be thinner. They have multiple grades and styles. I would try the better grade from Saga (Golden Gate P-43).
sagamusic.com/shop/fretted-ins...ed-brass/
https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Gate-P-43-1930s-Bracket/dp/B00721D930
Edited by - pinenut on 02/19/2025 08:46:23
If the Saga hooks don't fit. I am fairly certain that the less expensive no-name steel hooks are even thinner. Beware, these may have more quality control issues.
amazon.com/Bnineteenteam-Durab...GRR&psc=1
Edited by - pinenut on 02/19/2025 09:57:02
Seems like you should be able scavenge hooks & nuts from another Kasuga (or Epiphone or unbranded) banjo from the 70's that has the thinner hooks, seems like they're plentiful and have the thinner qualities you're looking for?
Not wanting to hijack the thread but there was a banjo maker in Christchurch New Zealand who died in 1930. I have come across and owned a few of his (mostly plectrum). They were extremely well made and I suspect he sourced his hardware from Clifford Essex in the UK because the scalloped tension ring is identical to CE one. The one issue I had was trying to obtain J hooks for these. All the measurements I took (and determining the thread gauge) match absolutely nothing that was known in any thread gauge book (specifically UK one). They were a lot thinner. A banjo maker friend of mine was the only one who had some so sold me what I needed. It was downright weird.
Thanks to Mike, Kam, Jeff and Wayne. I am not quite convinced that the shown hooks are thinner than standard (exept Mikes wheel spokes), but thanks so much. I live in Denmark and think i will ask Sture Svarén in Sweeden he has helped me out before.
To Wayne: One of my friends has an English Cl.Ess. XX Special (a fantastic banjo) with scalloped tension hoop but the hooks on that are just as thick as standard hooks.
There is also the possibility, that I can file the hoop notches a little bit wider and bore the holes in the flange a littlle bit bigger. But thanks to you all. Steen
Commander Spock and I agree.
"If smaller bolts are unobtainable in your quadrant of the galaxy, then the logical course of action is to enlarge the area where the bolts are to be activated"
Commandder Spock is a wise man, I can hear. No wonder that he plays the banjo :). I will take his advice. :) :) :) Steen
Edited by - steen on 02/21/2025 03:24:49
