I have one banjo to my name right now, a ‘67 Fender Artist. I do really like it. The problem is it needs work…new frets, a new nut, and the neck has a noticeable bough in it. I’d like to get the heftier frets and as is the strings barely clear the first fret…hence I probably need a new nut. It has the slim profile neck which I like. I also really like the goldtone Bela fleck necks which I see you can buy separately and have fitted to your pot by Goldtone. Do you think I should pay the money to fix up the neck I’ve got or get one of the goldtone necks which I like much better. Obvious pros and cons to both. It’s going to cost a lot for the fret job and new nut. I really like the goldtone neck. I’ve always kept banjos original in the past and this fender has a really cool vintage vibe. The goldtone neck won’t match the resonator at all. Ah! What to do. Or do I scrap the whole project altogether, not put the money back into a banjo that isn’t worth a ton to begin with and try to sell as is? Letting the potential buyer know about the work needed to be done. Thoughts, help, advice would be greatly appreciated.
For me, the first thing to know is whether the bow in the neck can be fixed, adjusted, or whatever term you want to use that will make it playable and worth all the other work/costs involved. Does the truss rod work and correct the back bow or forward bow, whichever it is? "Fixing up the neck," can be minimal if a truss rod adjustment can be made, expensive if more than a truss rod adjustment is needed, and might be cost prohibitive if not. A GT neck would be an alternative and would negate the other costs that you mentioned as well. The drawback as you stated is not matching .
Bobby
Edited by - BobbyE on 03/18/2025 13:36:36
If a forward bow and the truss rod cannot be adjusted to correct it, a "compression" refret can be done to help straighten the neck. Get thee to an experienced repairperson who understands how to to these.
A 1967 Fender Artist is not a thing to look down on. I would try get the original neck back in shape before replacing it. Compared to the cost of a Gold Tone neck, it would probably be a little cheaper to get the work done to restore it. If the warp in the neck can't be fixed, then your only recourse is to replace it but, it is worth restoring if possible.
........I guess this is one way to fix it......
Scott, you looking for a Fender Artist? I got a deal for you
Check the new shipment of banjos at Banjo Bens.
