I freaked out when my first and second string began buzing on frets 2,3 and 4. After following Chad's instructions, my Goodtime is once again sounding great. Thanks so much Chad and Deering!
Thank you for these videos - I live in a place that's up north, and slim-pickings for local people from whom I can learn information about the 5-String Banjo. Mr. Kopotic has helped me take care of what is clearly a carefully crafted instrument that I have had a great time learning on. Can't wait to discover all the other tutorial videos Deering has.
Thank you! I was talking with Greg Cahill and Paul Harrigill about banjo setup and they mentioned they service theirs a few times a year. I have had my GoldTone for 20 years and although I tune the head and change minor parts myself, I have never received formal instruction on the connector rods. Now the banjo sounds better than new! Being a do-it-yourself kind of guy and not having money because I just graduated college, this has been a blessing. I love your channel and hope one day to be able to afford a John Hartford banjo among others, but the list is a long one! And yes, I went to college about 15 years later than most lol
Thank You! Both my Goodtime and Maple Blossoms string height where off. The short rod was very loose as well on my MB. I was going to take them in to the shop, but was able to fix them myself with the help of this video. Thanks again!
Excellent explanation, thank you! Suggestion: Title your videos using outcomes rather than what gets outcome (as you do on your written tips on the site!). I knew the action on my banjo was too high. I did not know the coordinator rod was how to fix it. A more transparent title would be something like: "Deering Tech: Using the coordinator rod to adjust action." That puts the outcome in the title so that the learner understands why they should watch.
I've seen a lot of diverging opinions on this topic. Some people claim that coordinator rod adjustments (for action) will damage the lamination of the wood rim - and that everything should be finger tight - or that it messes up the tone-ring-wood connection. How much adjustment is too much?
i love this guy, he helps me out but also he doesnt sound like some yank who just got into banjo, or picking. i mean, of course if the dudes head of quality control at Deering of all places, then you know he knows his shit. i work in a factory like this, but a slightly different product we fabricate.. for 9 years. i feel like im just talking with the guys at the shop when watching these videos! thanks, i got a steal on a banjo but its literally never been touched since it left the factory - probably this very same factory! it needs some TLC big time, but also needs to be played!
Is it necessary to loosen the strings before co rod adjustments? I need to add some string height on my Deering Deluxe. Other video on UA-cam says to back off the string tension before co rod adjustments, but no mention here. I would think if aimimg to lower string height, as you will fight string tension too, then back off, but adding height, less of a issue? Great video though. Thanks
Great explanations. Thank you. My banjo fell over and now the neck is loose, where it connects to the body, and bends a bit when playing so the string tension varies. Can I adjust the coordinator rod to tighten the neck to the body? Or is there some other way?
Chad, I have a Deering banjo, however I have an older model of another brand that has a single coordinator rod with a bolt in the center with threads on either end. What would you recommend I do with the bolt in the middle connecting the top and bottom rods. My action is way too high. I am having problems lowering the action at the 22nd fret. Thanks
How much distance can be adjusted with the coordinator rods? I tired to put a 11/16 bridge on and had 1/4 height at the 22nd fret. Is it possible to lower the strings that much with adjusting the coordinator rod without over tighting and hurting the rim?
you mentioned an 1/8" gap at the 22 fret, I'm working with a long neck open back banjo. Do you happen to know how much of a gap and what fret i would be gauging from? Thanks
Hi Dean. A small line of super glue (not too much) around the outer edge of the shaft, and a gentle tap in with a mallet is your best approach here. Let us know if we can help further.
I am setting up a old Kay 5 string banjo for my daughter, I believe it is a 1954....but what is the flat metal bar screwed into the top of the neck? Is it a hint on where you don't play the drone note? .....anyone out there, I know this is a old video....happy pickin'
What size is the bolt for the neck screw on a deering resonator model? I recently bought one used and found that it was missing when i opened it. Thank you
I have a weird problem (although it's possible it's just how the banjo is supposed to behave). When I play my banjo, I think I put a little pressure on both the neck and the head. The result is that the whole banjo "bends", which of course makes the strings produce a "wah-wah" kind of sound, depending on how much I am pressing on the instrument. Is it normal that my banjo bends so easily (I wouldn't really notice putting pressure on it if it weren't for the sound)? Is there a way to stiffen the whole thing up a bit?
Aaaaahh, this might explain why it might seem easy to bend. Which by the way is a legitimate technique, but it should be something you have to put a little effort into. It shouldn't happen so easily. Try loosening up a little if you can and when you fret the strings, try consciously fretting with a little less pressure. I hope this helps.
I took off the back of my resonator banjo to tune the head. I checked the coordinator rods and found that the one closest to the head was a little loose. I hand-tightened the rod and the nut against the pot. Is it fine that way or should I get a tool to snug it up a little more? Thanks.
Using Coordinator Rods to adjust action is not recommended and can damage your banjo. It pulls the rim out of round. The neck angle should be correct from the factory.
Harry, my name is Jamie. I am Brit, just like you, so it it always great to meet fellow Englishmen! I noticed that you have commented similar sentiments on a few different videos. Was there a particular model that you were interested in? In our experience, we have not found this to be true. The UK is our largest customer area outside of the US and our largest independent dealer in the world is Eagle Music and they are located in Huddersfield. They are a delightful store owned by Steve Noon and his daughter, Rachel. True Deering ambassadors, and banjo specialists. You should call them to see if they can help you. Can you find cheaper banjos in the world? Yes. Are any of them made in the US? No. Are any of them to the same quality standards? No. The reality is, particularly when you look at the Goodtime line, our banjos are maybe a couple hundred dollars (or maybe pounds) more. But you get way more banjo than that. Give Eagle a call. They will look after you.
I freaked out when my first and second string began buzing on frets 2,3 and 4. After following Chad's instructions, my Goodtime is once again sounding great. Thanks so much Chad and Deering!
Amazing! Glad we could help you out!
I love listening to Chad. I watched the How to change strings a bunch of times.
Wow! fixed the buzz and the action. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
+Mark W. Harvey, APRN That is so great to hear! Really glad we could be of service...
Faultless explanation for adjusting co-ordinator rods, thank you.
You are very welcome! :-)
These Deering adjustment videos are amazing. Thank you. They help my Deering banjo sounding GREAT!
Thank you... this video gave me the confidence needed to work on my goodtime special.
Thank you for these videos - I live in a place that's up north, and slim-pickings for local people from whom I can learn information about the 5-String Banjo. Mr. Kopotic has helped me take care of what is clearly a carefully crafted instrument that I have had a great time learning on. Can't wait to discover all the other tutorial videos Deering has.
Thank you! I was talking with Greg Cahill and Paul Harrigill about banjo setup and they mentioned they service theirs a few times a year. I have had my GoldTone for 20 years and although I tune the head and change minor parts myself, I have never received formal instruction on the connector rods. Now the banjo sounds better than new! Being a do-it-yourself kind of guy and not having money because I just graduated college, this has been a blessing. I love your channel and hope one day to be able to afford a John Hartford banjo among others, but the list is a long one! And yes, I went to college about 15 years later than most lol
Thank you so much for your comments. It is always so great to hear players who find this information helpful!
Great advice, many thanks.
Sounds so good again!!! Thank you Chad!
Hey chad looking good brother. Glad to see you still hanging around Deering. Hope all is well.
Thank You! Both my Goodtime and Maple Blossoms string height where off. The short rod was very loose as well on my MB. I was going to take them in to the shop, but was able to fix them myself with the help of this video. Thanks again!
Awesome videos , thanks for sharing your knowledge . Just a beginner I need all the help I can get. Please keep up the good job.
Thanks
Vance
Thank you! More to come.
Thank you for sharing some of your expertise. Very helpful.
Great video! I wish a neck set was that easy on a guitar!!!
Very helpful, thank you!
Love Chad.
Excellent explanation, thank you!
Suggestion: Title your videos using outcomes rather than what gets outcome (as you do on your written tips on the site!). I knew the action on my banjo was too high. I did not know the coordinator rod was how to fix it. A more transparent title would be something like: "Deering Tech: Using the coordinator rod to adjust action." That puts the outcome in the title so that the learner understands why they should watch.
beta
Very helpful, thank you.
Brilliant vid! Thanks so much.
Glad it helped!
Excellent Instructional video!
Glad it was helpful!
I've seen a lot of diverging opinions on this topic. Some people claim that coordinator rod adjustments (for action) will damage the lamination of the wood rim - and that everything should be finger tight - or that it messes up the tone-ring-wood connection. How much adjustment is too much?
Hi,
How do you adjust Banjo Neck Coordinator Rod on the type that does not have a nut on the outside?
Regards
John
Thank you!
Thank you
hi i have a 4 string should the top-heavy string be higher than the rest thanks for the video
i love this guy, he helps me out but also he doesnt sound like some yank who just got into banjo, or picking. i mean, of course if the dudes head of quality control at Deering of all places, then you know he knows his shit. i work in a factory like this, but a slightly different product we fabricate.. for 9 years. i feel like im just talking with the guys at the shop when watching these videos! thanks, i got a steal on a banjo but its literally never been touched since it left the factory - probably this very same factory! it needs some TLC big time, but also needs to be played!
thanks for the help
No problem!
My Old Tyme Wonder open back has 17 frets then the 'scoop', so do I still use 1/8" and measure at bottom of the scoop? Thanks.
Is it necessary to loosen the strings before co rod adjustments? I need to add some string height on my Deering Deluxe. Other video on UA-cam says to back off the string tension before co rod adjustments, but no mention here. I would think if aimimg to lower string height, as you will fight string tension too, then back off, but adding height, less of a issue? Great video though. Thanks
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
You're welcome!
Great explanations. Thank you. My banjo fell over and now the neck is loose, where it connects to the body, and bends a bit when playing so the string tension varies. Can I adjust the coordinator rod to tighten the neck to the body? Or is there some other way?
Hey Martin! Feel free to call us at (800) 845-7791 - we can help troubleshoot or set you up with a repair!
very helpful. thanks!
Chad, I have a Deering banjo, however I have an older model of another brand that has a single coordinator rod with a bolt in the center with threads on either end. What would you recommend I do with the bolt in the middle connecting the top and bottom rods. My action is way too high. I am having problems lowering the action at the 22nd fret. Thanks
Hey Lawrence, would you mind sending a picture of what you mean to info@deeringbanjos.com?
How much distance can be adjusted with the coordinator rods? I tired to put a 11/16 bridge on and had 1/4 height at the 22nd fret. Is it possible to lower the strings that much with adjusting the coordinator rod without over tighting and hurting the rim?
you mentioned an 1/8" gap at the 22 fret, I'm working with a long neck open back banjo.
Do you happen to know how much of a gap and what fret i would be gauging from?
Thanks
The 5th string tuner is coming out of the neck of my Deering Goodtime.
What's the best way to fix this?
Hi Dean. A small line of super glue (not too much) around the outer edge of the shaft, and a gentle tap in with a mallet is your best approach here. Let us know if we can help further.
I am setting up a old Kay 5 string banjo for my daughter, I believe it is a 1954....but what is the flat metal bar screwed into the top of the neck? Is it a hint on where you don't play the drone note? .....anyone out there, I know this is a old video....happy pickin'
If I understand your description correctly, I believe it is a Shubb sliding capo...
I 'd like try it but I1m afraid, that I will break soimething. How risky to do this adjustment?
What is the model/name of the Deering dual Coordinator rod open back. I don't seem it on your website. A beautiful banjo.
This is the Vega Senator. You can find it here: www.deeringbanjos.com/products/vega-senator-5-string-banjo
What size is the bolt for the neck screw on a deering resonator model? I recently bought one used and found that it was missing when i opened it. Thank you
Hi there. Can you be a little more specific on which screw you are referring to, and specifically which model? We would be happy to help.
Hi thanks for replying. I was referring to the neck bolt behind the rod on the inside but i was able to find the size. Thanks!
So this would be good for me to be able to lower my action a smidge, Yeah?
Yes indeed!! :-)
I have a weird problem (although it's possible it's just how the banjo is supposed to behave). When I play my banjo, I think I put a little pressure on both the neck and the head. The result is that the whole banjo "bends", which of course makes the strings produce a "wah-wah" kind of sound, depending on how much I am pressing on the instrument. Is it normal that my banjo bends so easily (I wouldn't really notice putting pressure on it if it weren't for the sound)? Is there a way to stiffen the whole thing up a bit?
Hi, can you tell us what banjo model you have?
An Epiphone MB200 (Deering banjos are a little too expensive for me just now, but I look forward to upgrading to one in the not too distant future)
Aaaaahh, this might explain why it might seem easy to bend. Which by the way is a legitimate technique, but it should be something you have to put a little effort into. It shouldn't happen so easily.
Try loosening up a little if you can and when you fret the strings, try consciously fretting with a little less pressure. I hope this helps.
Deering Banjo Company I'll give it a try, thanks. Love your channel!
Thanks very much! More coming up soon!
i have a 6 string banjo/banjitar and i'm trying to lower the action but the coordinator rod isn't like either of those
+Jimbo Tucker Thanks for watching. Do you know what brand yours is?
+Deering Banjo Company it's made by aiersi
you never got back to me on that
I took off the back of my resonator banjo to tune the head. I checked the coordinator rods and found that the one closest to the head was a little loose. I hand-tightened the rod and the nut against the pot. Is it fine that way or should I get a tool to snug it up a little more? Thanks.
Yes, this sounds fine. Good work!
Using Coordinator Rods to adjust action is not recommended and can damage your banjo. It pulls the rim out of round. The neck angle should be correct from the factory.
I live in England and dealing as i call them banjos are just that to dear for the average player to buy
Harry, my name is Jamie. I am Brit, just like you, so it it always great to meet fellow Englishmen!
I noticed that you have commented similar sentiments on a few different videos. Was there a particular model that you were interested in?
In our experience, we have not found this to be true. The UK is our largest customer area outside of the US and our largest independent dealer in the world is Eagle Music and they are located in Huddersfield. They are a delightful store owned by Steve Noon and his daughter, Rachel. True Deering ambassadors, and banjo specialists. You should call them to see if they can help you.
Can you find cheaper banjos in the world? Yes. Are any of them made in the US? No. Are any of them to the same quality standards? No. The reality is, particularly when you look at the Goodtime line, our banjos are maybe a couple hundred dollars (or maybe pounds) more. But you get way more banjo than that.
Give Eagle a call. They will look after you.
Thank you!