I am making a banjo, one that I really want to play. I have a shop and plan to make more than one. My design has had a few iterations that have created configurable options: Radiused or flat fingerboard, Top-Edge or Air Gap Tone Ring. Less demanding on the geometry is Tuning Peg sourcing.
No intention (at the moment) to design or make Tuning Pegs. So, two questions: What would be a good source for
• Economical Tuning Pegs, and
• Better Tuning Pegs suitable for Maple/Walnut Neck and Hard Maple Block Rim Banjo
Many thanks
Are you looking for pegs for nylon strings, or steel strings? For nylon, plain non-geared pegs like Grover, or even wooden fiddle pegs would work. For steel strings, I would recommend Gotoh tuners. They work as well as any brand I have used, and you don't have to mortgage the house to buy them. Check with Bob Smakula. He's a member here, and a fine fellow to do business with.
Welcome to the hangout, and good luck with your building. I use 3 main sources for hardware - Smakula Fretted Instruments (Bob is a gem), Balsam Banjo Works, and Rickard Banjos. Gotoh tuners are popular and very good quality, Rickard's 10:1 tuners are reportedly great but $$$. Can't really comment on cheaper, someone gave me a set for my first build, and I've used Gotohs since.
Bob Smakula is your man. I call the air gap in my tone rings a sound chamber.
Personally, I like steel over nylon strings. I imagine everyone has a good opinion to stand behind, that’s why I would like to standardize on a couple options.
Thanks for your feedback. Indeed, I will reach out to Bob Smakula.
I have yet to use Rickard's 10:1 tuners on anyone’s banjo. They certainly look nice.
Thanks @Mark Harper and John
Gotoh are excellent tuners. However there is now a new brand called Guyker which look like Gotoh's and are incredibly smooth to use. They are cheaper. Don't touch the really cheap ones that appear on Ebay/AliExpress or Temu. It is a lottery as to the quality.
Thanks for that tip. I’ll see how they compare.
Thanks again.
Gotoh/Smakula
The best value
Rickard is real innovative but 10:1 isn’t for everyone, especially normal brains
Use 4:1’s
the eco's from Gold Tone are entirely adequate. I now spec all Gotoh
the good is in the sound, research plenum.
Edited by - Helix on 06/08/2026 10:59:41
Brilliant. Thanks guys. I am connected with Bob and arranging the first order. Gotoh may just be the standard for the builds.
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