Can’t find any info on adjusting my tailpiece on my OT25. YouTube hasn’t been my friend on this. When I received it, it was “semi loose” and off center.
Do I tighten it down? Or not? Any other adjustments?
If anyone out there has any info it would be greatly appreciated.
Joe
You need to show a photo of it. Looking at image of the RK OT25 they show different ones. Presto, No knot, etc.
I’ll grab a picture tomorrow, thanks
Generally, banjo tailpieces are "loose" and held in place by string tension. They're connected with the small rod to the banjo rim, and then the string tension holds them in place.
If you slightly loose you strings you can move it around a bit for some minor adjustment and to get proper placement, but by and large they are not adjustable.
I am no where a banjo “tuner” and have actually just started a bit back playing.
But, I played around with my tail piece tightness, No other adjustments on my tail piece, and made sure it was just a weeee bit snug, it was tight so I loosened it a bit and it changed the sound, for the better!!! I’m a happy banjo freak.
Edited by - Joe03 on 03/18/2025 07:50:23
Here's a nice video about this kind of tailpiece (Presto) and its setup:
youtube.com/watch?v=LTkVeL795WI
quote:
Originally posted by Joe03I am no where a banjo “tuner” and have actually just started a bit back playing.
But, I played around with my tail piece tightness, No other adjustments on my tail piece, and made sure it was just a weeee bit snug, it was tight so I loosened it a bit and it changed the sound, for the better!!! I’m a happy banjo freak.
You're only adjustment is for height by turning the nut at the end of the hanger bolt. DO NOT ADJUST WITH STRINGS UNDER TENSION. This invites metal fatigue and broken tailpieces. Loosen the strings first.
The tiny screw. if present, can help level the tailpiece slightly but most of us throw it away. It cannot apply downward force—the geometry is all wrong.
There are tailpiece designs that are fully adjustable—a couple even look like Prestos—but this is not one of them. Neither were the original Grovers.
I sell this one developed by SAGA for the Gold Star banjos. PM me if interested and I'll give a price.
Edited by - mikehalloran on 03/18/2025 12:51:09
