I see no reason why that shouldn't work. Most other tailpieces would work too. What kind of sound/tone change are you hoping for?  Or is it asthetics?  I agree RK's insistence on presto style tailpieces on these old time style open backs is a bit odd.

I was having a pretty open-ended discussion with this banjo player about banjo set up and all the different possibilities. I don't care about aesthetics. He said a no-knot tail piece could "open up" the tone. It's something I haven't messed with in the past, and it's a pretty low cost and easy (and reversible) way to modify my banjo and see/hear if I like it or not.

Be careful. The alignment of the TP and the mounting bracket may not be compatible.

Before changing the tailpiece. Try raising the Presto that is original to the banjo.

You can raise the presto by simply loosening the nut and allowing the tailpiece to rise - straight up- parallel to the head. 

Presto tailpieces are NOT adjustsble as to the the angle of the string guide.  But they are height adjustable

In my experience, rasining the presto and actually result in even less down pressure on the bridge that a no-knot and will definitely yield an  "open" sound.

I use presto tailpieces on several of my open back banjos.  

Best wishes. 

quote:

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Originally posted by jbalch

Before changing the tailpiece. Try raising the Presto that is original to the banjo.

You can raise the presto by simply loosening the nut and allowing the tailpiece to rise - straight up- parallel to the head. 

Presto tailpieces are NOT adjustsble as to the the angle of the string guide.  But they are height adjustable

In my experience, rasining the presto and actually result in even less down pressure on the bridge that a no-knot and will definitely yield an  "open" sound.

I use presto tailpieces on several of my open back banjos.  

Best wishes. 

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Wow, that's a great simple idea had never thought of. Banjos truly are the hotrods of instruments.

quote:

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Originally posted by banjonz

Be careful. The alignment of the TP and the mounting bracket may not be compatible.

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Thanks for the caution, I've sent out emails to Recording King and Rickard to double check about compatibility.

I’ve swapped for a standard no knot on the OT25 and there were no compatibility issues. You sometimes have to use the original bolt that holds the tailpiece on when switching to no knot (can’t remember if that’s the case on OT25) but it’s an easy swap.

I'll recommend a Golden Gate brand No-Knot tailpiece. I sell them for $12 and mailing cost. I have used them since they were introduced around 1978. Out of the 5,000 or so that have come through my shop, I have had only two that were defective and never made it to the customer.

I am confident that the Golden Gate brand No-Knot tailpiece will fit your banjo.

I don't think that Saint Louis Music (current Recording King brand license holder) and Rickard banjos keep tabs on the compatibility of each other's products. Having worked on many Recording King openback banjos, I have first hand knowledge of construction details and a good sense of what modifications can work easilly.

After experimenting with the No-Knot style tailpiece, you may find out that you like the sound of the Presto better. Ultimately a low cost tone experiment.

Bob Smakula
smakulafrettedinstruments.com

quote:

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Originally posted by Bob Smakula

I'll recommend a Golden Gate brand No-Knot tailpiece. I sell them for $12 and mailing cost. I have used them since they were introduced around 1978. Out of the 5,000 or so that have come through my shop, I have had only two that were defective and never made it to the customer.

I am confident that the Golden Gate brand No-Knot tailpiece will fit your banjo.

I don't think that Saint Louis Music (current Recording King brand license holder) and Rickard banjos keep tabs on the compatibility of each other's products. Having worked on many Recording King openback banjos, I have first hand knowledge of construction details and a good sense of what modifications can work easilly.

After experimenting with the No-Knot style tailpiece, you may find out that you like the sound of the Presto better. Ultimately a low cost tone experiment.

Bob Smakula
smakulafrettedinstruments.com

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Thanks so much for the info Bob. a few years ago I bought an inexpensive old Harmony tenor from you that I'm very happy with (I still like it more than a much more expensive tenor I have). I'll check out the tailpiece you recommended.

That Rickard tailpiece looks pretty retro funky. I replaced the tailpiece on an old vintage kit banjo that someone gave me with the Golden Gate no knot tailpiece. I had to shim the shoe out a little with a couple washers and it mounted fine. I strung it up with lights and the high G kept breaking at the loop. I don't know if it is the tailpiece, the banjo, or me, but I replaced the whole set with a set of mediums and no problem so far.

I also replaced the friction tuners with Golden Gate planetary tuners. I just didn't want to tie a whole lot of money into it and it turned out a pretty fun banjo to play.