The neck is heavier than the body, and I get fatigued easily. Is this typical of all banjos? How do you balance it?
1536752
Earlier comments are all correct. My only suggestion is, like the others, is an adjustable strap that will put more of the weight on you shoulder rather than trying to lift the neck with you hand.
1536753
the neck is a bit heavier than a typical 4 or 5 string banjo due to the number and tension of the strings. however using a strap even while sitting may help your fatigue problem.
1536754
bonnie - I am having the same problem. most banjo pots are heavier. all banjos need to be fit to your style of play. your 2nd purchase should have been a strap. string or button connectors. a must. you don't want to attach the strap to the neck. need to find spot on the pot. does not have to go where they mounted the loop holes. I check my mail about every 3 weeks, sorry. I've made more changes. nice piece
1536755
Not sure of your positioning. I don't position like a guitar with the neck straight to the side. I sit the banjo between my legs, or on one of my legs, and play it with the neck angled up pretty high, which balances it better. I've noticed banjo players doing this, even with a strap - most angle the banjo up pretty high. If you google search "how to hold a banjo" you'll see lots of banjo players holding it this way because it balances the instrument.
1536756
The whole instrument is heavy because of the resonator mounted behind the banjo "drum" head. I suggest a shoulder strap.
1536757
The neck is much thicker and heavier than a standard banjo,using a strap that is not slippery so it will grip your clothing will hep.Playing while seated "is" frustrating.
2134350
I have no direct experience with tuning Banjo heads, however this tool works by measuring tension. If you banjo is tuned with mechanical tuners I am sure you would be able to repurpose this tool to your use.
915518
yes no problem. arms are narrow enough. you can set your guitar down at different depths in the arms too. they are soft coated and hold well. back/neck of guitar rest on soft pad at top of tripod. in short it can handle most any type of guitar or banjo.
1927244
That's normal. Mine buzzes quite a bit, especially with lighter strings. Try a heavier gauge string and I bet the buzz stops.
2041648
To be honest, I have no idea how it would work for a banjo as I have only used them on classical and acoustic guitars.
1692425
I am 70 yrs old. I have been ill.. so maybe I am just weak. However, its still pretty heavy.
1718595
You need to blow so that your air stream is split above and below the opposite side of the opening. Make a kissing face on the opening and roll it under you bottom lip, the blow across the opening. My fife was poorly constructed, so it was difficult even though I knew the concept, it is possible yours is like that as well. I'd recommend the Yamaha fife, it has findings like a recorder, but is very easy to get a good tune from. Only like 8$
1690471
get a crown royal bag, fill it with nuts, bolts, washers, sand or rocks. tie the bag to the bottom of the guitar at the strap. that should counter weight for the neck heavy issue. p.s. use a zip lock baggy inside the royal crown bag
305563
I actually have both types of Levi banjo straps - one for a lighter banjo and the cradle strap model for a much heavier banjo. They are both beautiful, and you might be able to get a conversion piece for the machine screw strap, but I would recommend returning it and buying the cradle strap. It really works well, and I could envision some scenarios where the machine screws might scratch the banjo if used in a conversion kit...
1928675
I found mine at Musician's Friend for $59 - it's quite study, has more than enough room and if anything deserves a pricier banjo! Quite happy with it (and the banjo, btw). do a search for "Musician's Gear Durafoam Shaped Banjo Case"
1639489
There is no way to gauge the number of pounds on the one I use. I guess some people feel more of that kind of specific need. I just leave mine in the same place most of the time, so it stays at the same level of traction. When I do need to move it, I can easily adjust it to the same feeling. I have found that it is very important not to strain one's neck. That appears to be counterproductive.
1134232
the bridge should slide upright under the strings about or close to the center of the banjo head.to get a good intonation.Measure the distance from the top string nut to the 12th fret.then measure the same distance to the bridge the distance should be equal.then you can make slight adjustments to get the right sound up and down the neck
987298
Just fine! Mine is resting on a carpet right now. You just have to be cautious when you extend the neck all the way out. The base is made out of a serious slab if solid marble and is pretty heavy!
116176
It will probably work fine. I found that larger diameter strings tended not to get hooked on the openings for the pads of your fingers. Consequently, I liked these better playing the Dobro than Banjo.
1392439
My husband has several guitars a banjo & a uke. None has been damaged by the frame. However his is basically retired & does mostly 1 hour gigs a few times a month. So I son't know if constannt use would make a difference.
1555198
Yep. Most resonator banjos will have a way of detaching the resonator plate from the back as well.
150770
Yes, it's a great banjo to start out on. I have one and I play it everyday.