A Banjolin Reassembly

[@wadehampton1534]

Hello, Caleb! Although I'm not a fan of these things, I appreciate your professionalism in treating it like a gem. I've noticed that you do that with every instrument. I'm still using the amazing fret file you kindly made for me a year and a half ago. I watch every episode you produce learning all I can. You were kind to me when I was in a very vulnerable position, and because of that I will never forget you. If you remember, I broke my neck 2 years ago, and I had been quadriplegic for a few months. I'm walking back and forth to the bathroom now (50' feet each way, with a cane) and mostly around the house. I still need a wheelchair when I leave the house but I'm able to play music again so it's all good! How are you doing, Caleb? I think of your kindness often. Thank you for taking care of me for such a reasonable price for the file w/ handgrip. Jerry is a smart guy, and his tool and fret dressing method are becoming legend one budding KZbin learning tech at a time. You are very smart as well. Show and tell you one time, and you've got it. Thank you again for sharing your knowledge with us, Caleb, you are rapidly becoming the man we all hoped you would become. Way to go, Caleb,!!!

[@jeremyrusu9687]

Hey right on, I was just playing my mandolin banjo at a gig yesterday, and what a good timing to see this video. Mine is a gold tone MB 850+, wich required some initial set up work as there were issues with the neck when I got it but a good Winnipeg Lucier solved it in quick order. A fun instrument.

[@brucehines2179]

Slot the hole up slightly. Use larger washer on nut.

[@K7classicrockfan]

I'm wondering if you could inlay small butterfly keys into thefretboard to add extra stability into the fretboard? Great video.

[@ricobass0253]

The first time I restored one of those, I could not get it in tune. The strings seemed to be fighting the vellum and vice versa. I spoke to the banjo shop that sold me the replacement vellum and he said I was using the wrong strings (I was using regular Mandolin strings). He said I should use a set of very light strings, which he supplied, and he was right. It tuned up perfectly and easily with lighter strings.

[@jthonn]

Good work, far as that instrument goes, well to each his own. Worthless to me, but some folks like that kind of stuff.

[@bayloft]

I vote Manjo!

[@galeng73]

Might it have been better to hydrate and oil the fretboard prior to working on it? By that, I mean like spending a week or two doing so, ensuring hydration all the way to the core of the wood.

[@denislepine1046]

I used a magic eraser (Mr Clean) to bring the skin like new...

[@georgeearls3338]

I have a question, and I don't mean it as criticism but as a question, you know more than I do, and you where there and I was watching. It looked to me like the tail piece or whatever you call the piece that goes inside had a bow in it, could that have been cut down, more level, and also solved the problem, yours was probably better, anyway. Just asking to learn.

[@K7classicrockfan]

I noticed that too. Once wood has arched like that, it's nearly impossible to bring it back straight, especially if it very old and dry, like this one was. Steam may or may not help it bend back to shape...I suspect this might have caused some of the neck angle issues. But Caleb's way was the easiest solution to the problem for sure.

[@chickenlickin3820]

Nut string spacing is well off Caleb.