Banjo people?

[Dave Bagwill]

A friend brought over a 6 -string banjo, an inexpensive one, that has a bridge that is dimpling the top; in fact at the bridge the top is at least 1/4" lower than the rim.

I know nothing 'bout banjos - though this one is kind fun - but I'm sure it would perform better if the top was right. Is there an easy adjustment, or is this a major problem?

Thanks

[ken cierp]

You need to tighten and tune the skin --- not difficult but requires using a pattern and torque/tension specs.

[Dave Bagwill]

Thanks.

[Tim Benware]

I tune banjos to the G#3. You should have 1/4 nuts on the hooks and can use a 1/4" drive to tighten the head. There are 24 hooks on that banjo and to tune it go clockwise starting with the hook nearest the neck on the right side and number that "#1." Then you will tighten 1, 13, 2, 14, 3, 15, 4 (get the pattern).
If the head is really loose you may want to start by just going around the head in order until there is a little tension on each of the hooks then start into the pattern turning each nut a quarter to a half turn, this will get progressively less as you close in on the G#3 note. Tune the head with the tension off the strings. I use a piano striker (that has been cut down) to tap the head about a 1/2 to 3/4" in front of each hook until I reach the G#3. The tapped note should sound the same in front of each hook and that tells you the head is tightened evenly. You can a something of similar weight to the piano striker to tap.

[Dave Bagwill]

Okey-dokey, will try that, thanks Tim.
ARe you sure I can't just keep it in the fridge and then let it come to room temperature? Hahahahahahaha...

[Tim Benware]

I've tried everything I can think of to make those things sound better, maybe that would work:)