I use a manual jeweler's drill (pin vise) and just spin it in with my fingers to make the hole. It's slower but much harder to make a big mistake and it's cheap to buy one with a set of tiny drill bits if you don't have a dremel.
Great video. Would have loved to see this when I install my first set of spikes. I use a flat razor blade for my gauge. I like the lemon oil to ease the spike in. I learned from Greg Deering to dress the spike top and "L" hook a bit with a file to round it before installing - this preserves the string from wearing and possibly breaking at the spike spot over time (according to Greg).
Really informative video! 👍🏼 How do you determine the depth of the hole as you’re drilling? Is the pilot hole going to be shallower than the length of the spike?
I personally like doing 6 through 10. Some folks do 7 & 9 but that requires they tune their 5th string up or down a half step for some keys. If it's done right (like taught in the video) there is no issue having them in 6-10.
5th strings when spiked notoriously require lots of retuning. What part of your technique & placement is most important to minimize retuning? i.e. placing the spike 30% back from the fret, etc.
Great question. In my opinion it's the spike depth. I've had spikes that were too deep and that requires you to pull the string out of tune more, and also creates more tension (and often problems) when trying to retune. You want the spike just deep enough to hold the string in place when playing, and the recommended depth we show here is the correct depth.
Huh. I thought the spikes were supposed to go with the head of the spike pointed towards the outside of the fretboard instead of the inside. Thanks for the info
Honestly, Somewhat of a mystery solved. I appreciate these videos so much for this reason! Brilliant Job Jake - as always.
I can't imagine ever doing this to my banjo, but thanks for making it look easy!
I use a manual jeweler's drill (pin vise) and just spin it in with my fingers to make the hole. It's slower but much harder to make a big mistake and it's cheap to buy one with a set of tiny drill bits if you don't have a dremel.
You guys are always extremely helpful. Appreciate it
Great video. Would have loved to see this when I install my first set of spikes. I use a flat razor blade for my gauge. I like the lemon oil to ease the spike in. I learned from Greg Deering to dress the spike top and "L" hook a bit with a file to round it before installing - this preserves the string from wearing and possibly breaking at the spike spot over time (according to Greg).
Yeah, that sounds like good advice. I personally do not and haven't had any snap for that reason, that I know of.
I am significantly less terrified to do this myself now. Thanks!
Really informative video! 👍🏼
How do you determine the depth of the hole as you’re drilling? Is the pilot hole going to be shallower than the length of the spike?
Very helpful, thanks 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Best info, thanks a lot!😊
thanks for the info well appreciated!
Sweet video. Thank you!
Glad you liked it!
Excellent video Jake. I’ve been putting this off for months.
Very helpful in putting the spikes in but what frets do you recommend that I spike to cover me for various keys.
I personally like doing 6 through 10. Some folks do 7 & 9 but that requires they tune their 5th string up or down a half step for some keys. If it's done right (like taught in the video) there is no issue having them in 6-10.
5th strings when spiked notoriously require lots of retuning. What part of your technique & placement is most important to minimize retuning? i.e. placing the spike 30% back from the fret, etc.
Great question. In my opinion it's the spike depth. I've had spikes that were too deep and that requires you to pull the string out of tune more, and also creates more tension (and often problems) when trying to retune. You want the spike just deep enough to hold the string in place when playing, and the recommended depth we show here is the correct depth.
Same process on a cello banjo? Thicker feeler gauge though I imagine
Huh. I thought the spikes were supposed to go with the head of the spike pointed towards the outside of the fretboard instead of the inside. Thanks for the info
You're welcome! Yes, seems counterintuitive but it's best.
Jake can we buy a neck support from the General Store ?
We have a small one here: store.banjobenclark.com/collections/instrument-care-maintenance/products/daddario-headstand-string-changing-stand
What is the Spike for ?
To capo the 5th string when using a capo for the top 4 strings ua-cam.com/video/8fQrH68BvaI/v-deo.html
@@BanjoBen Thanks !