I'm interested in buying a tailpiece for an open back, Bacon ring, walnut banjo.
Caveat ... I want a tailpiece where I can use ball end strings.
I have arthritis in my hands (getting worse all the time) and a tremor in both hands. Loop end strings
are getting harder and harder for me to use.
Preferably bronze, brass, gold, gold colored, but will buy silver, nickel, chrome.
Thanks.........
forgot...5 string
The only commonly-available one I know of that's made to take ball-ends is the clamshell. I think they'll work on an Oettinger, too.
One could slot, notch, and/or drill some standard tailpieces to suit ball ends.
If you don't want a pressure tailpiece, there are lots of simple DIY possibilities.
Edited by - Dan Gellert on 04/05/2025 18:44:08
thanks Dan
I bought an inexpensive one from Amazon recently. If you go to the Amazon site, and seek “banjo tailpieces” it should immediately come up. There are several of the same type, with holes for ball end strings, at various price points. Mine did not come with a hanger bolt or nut. Good luck!
Edited by - srrobertsiii on 04/06/2025 13:41:12
thanks....
Bill Rickard makes high quality tailpieces. The 6 string no-knot may do the trick, if the spacing between the posts will hold the ball.
note: The Rickard tailpieces enjoy a more relaxed string spacing between the posts than more common tailpieces. This is a good thing.
rickardbanjos.com/products/6-s...amp;_ss=r
Edited by - pinenut on 04/07/2025 13:34:00
Thanks Kam...I actually have a 6 string no-knot from Rickard, It looks like this might work ! Great idea.
I have a Kerschner style that I bought several years ago which has slots in the five pins which will accommodate either ball end strings or loop end strings, but not all manufacturers make with the slots. I believe the one with the slots is made by the Czech banjo maker the name of which escapes my ancient brain at the moment.
edit: the light bulb just went off in my brain...the Prucha comes with the slots, at least it did when I bought mine several years ago.
Edited by - mainejohn on 04/08/2025 07:07:55
thanks John
after further investigation and replies from youall..........
Clamshell can handle ball end
Some Kershner can handle ball end
In a pinch a no-knot will work but you still have to bend strings and could be an issue....
I'm thinking my Hawk tail may be able to handle the situation. Patrick from Balsam said he wasn't sure but after looking I think it might work. I'm going to try replacing my 1st string and see if it works.
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