Hi guys, I have a little question to submit to you. I have a 1983 Gibson RB250. The question is that it has a space, which seems important to me, between the lower neck and the body. I find it difficult to tune it especially when I use the capo. And the ground rope is also a problem. I solved the problem a little with a compensated bridge. What do you think, is this gap a problem or not? See the photo. Thank you very much for your opinions. Cordially from France
Edited by - Texasbanjo on 07/26/2026 11:02:09
Those ground ropes are usually kept above ground. Cut off part of the ground rope and fill in the space. Merci and adieu.
Need photo to answer.
The only space I am seeing in the photos is the cut out for the flange to go through. That won't affect anything. If the banjo won't stay in tune, check the position of the bridge. Make sure it's exactly the same distance from the twelfth fret as the distance from the twelfth fret to the nut.
Also, check the neck to see if it wobbles. That could be caused by loose rim rods, or a stripped lag bolt. Either situation could cause tuning problems. Fortunately, both are fairly easy to fix.
Remove the resonator. Look at where the lowest part of the neck (bottom portion of the "heel") is supposed to be in contact with the rim. Is it? Then everything is as it should be. I agree with the previous comment that the space around the metal tube (which is part of the two-piece flange) is necessary. It is not a problem or error.
Your translation is a bit off. What are you trying to describe with "ground rope"? We refer to the five metal wires as "strings" (not "ropes"). But I cannot figure out what "ground" is supposed to mean.
The neck should never be loose or wobbly. The neck is tightened to the rim by the two coordinator rods inside the pot. They pull the neck heel into tight contact with the rim to provide a solid connection for stability AND for tone!
Many other things can contribute to tuning problems. Do your tuning problems occur while using, or after using, a capo? That is not a problem with the banjo's structure
And, in general, banjos are always hard to keep in tune! (smile)
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