Yesterday I picked up a pristine Fender FB 55 and and equally pristine TKL hard case for little more than the proverbial song. I mainly bought it for the case. Nice beach/campfire banjo when I get it set up.
Only issue is 2 missing bracket hooks and nuts. The hooks look like common round ones, but the nuts are odd - smaller than I've ever seen, and metric 6 mm. So thread might be metric too.
Didn't get a pic before I took it apart, but I think they're small because there's not much clearance between them and the rim.
Anybody know where I might find replacement hooks and nuts this size or for this Fender model? If any of you fixer uppers have a couple you'd sell I'd buy them.
The hook and nut sold by Gold Tone looks similar. I'm on my phone so not easy to look at both at the same time.
You might also try eBay or Amazon. They’re both sources for Asian-made banjo parts. But maybe only full sets of hooks and nuts, not singles.
Final thought. On a banjo such as an FB55 -- or higher level instruments as well -- a couple of mis-matched hooks and nuts is no big deal. It's certainly not going to affect the value or performance of your banjo. The Gold Tone parts are most likely metric. You can ask them to confirm. If they turn out not to be exact, they'll be close enough. From the front no one will ever see a difference unless the plating doesn't match.
The Gold Tone hook and nut. Available in chrome and nickel. Close, but not exact.
Edited by - Old Hickory on 04/20/2025 13:27:45
Try Aliexpress. I think they have something similar or identical. You may have to buy a set.
Thanks for the Gold Tone suggestions! I didn't realize they sell small parts like hooks and they have one that looks like it will work. All my spare hooks are flat ones and have 1/4 inch nuts that are too fat to clear the space between the hook and the rim on this critter.
quote:
Originally posted by MrNatch3LThanks for the Gold Tone suggestions! I didn't realize they sell small parts like hooks and they have one that looks like it will work. All my spare hooks are flat ones and have 1/4 inch nuts that are too fat to clear the space between the hook and the rim on this critter.
Then ones on Aliexpress and your Fender is metric thread. I am not sure if the Goldtone ones are. best check with them first.
Just to finish up thus thread. Got Gold Tone hooks. They're a little shorter than the originals but work fine. Setup is under way. Thanks again for all suggestions.
