Which Tailpiece is the Best? - The Big Three - Clamshell vs Presto vs Kershner

[@jeffhensley501]

Love the Kershner, I switched to those for the stability when going for 15º string break angle over the bridge, they don't flex like thinner tailpieces do. I never realized how much difference it made in the sound, since I didn't record myself beforehand (been nearly 20 years ago). Being able to hear them side by side, I really like the sound of the kershner the best.

[@JimPankey]

Yup! It's a solid choice.

[@dougstamler1754]

Loved the clamshell sound.

[@JimPankey]

It's very lively

[@jackdublanica]

The Stelling tailpiece is modeled after the Kershner but held in plac by 2 screws set in the tension hoop. One improvement that is has over the Kershner or the Presto is that you don't have to thread any of the strings through holes in the tailpiece, there is a cut slot for each string.

[@chrisktcpt1252]

Kershner for me 😊

[@pauldrummond225]

I used a Kershner all through my professional career spanning over forty years and I swear by them. I hate the clamshell, the presto is good but you need to know how to set it up on your banjo, the Kershner is solid and reliable. Good video Jim.

[@JimPankey]

Glad you liked the video. I agree with you - they're great.

[@TimSoden-p6w]

@@JimPankey Hey Jim you could make willow stick attached to a shoe box sound great, thanks for the video. Kind regards Tim

[@adamwillets1846]

For me the clamshell sounded the best. I use kershner and like that too.

[@TickityBoo70]

Hello Jim, thank you so much for your invaluable banjo lessons and joyful personality. My husband (who sadly died last week) improved his banjo playing immeasurably under your guidance and videos. You certainly put the ‘fun’ (with a capital F) back into playing a banjo. Sending all my love and respect from across the pond 🇬🇧

[@JimPankey]

I’m so very sorry for your loss. I’m glad you and your husband enjoyed my videos. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@mikeprice7321]

Id like to hear a banjo head comparison lol

[@JimPankey]

Me too! Be sure to tag me when you do it. 😂

[@mikeprice7321]

@@JimPankey 😆 🙃

[@luminawarren8132]

I think they are all good tailpieces I think the key is the quality of brass they are made of. High quality brass is always better than steel my opinion.

[@JimPankey]

Yes, material makes a difference.

[@TimSoden-p6w]

I have tried clamshell and they are a bit tricky and seems a tad elaborate. I like the standard tailpieces on my Deering banjos, they neat and tidy, strings are lined up and give consistent tension and sound. Kind regards Tim

[@frankpuryear3844]

I heard tje kershner also . Was it a bit thicker ??? Punchier ?

[@erniewilliams2790]

I am an 82 year old frailer who watches you just for fun. Talk about blasts from the past: I remember when my spring was stout. Those were the days, huh, Jim?

[@JimPankey]

🤣

[@Romans--bo7br]

Hi Jim (we share the same first name :)..... I just came across my Very First video of yours, yesterday (and Liked, Subscribed & rang the "Y'all" bell) when I was trying to find comparison videos for the "Best" Open Back banjos - Under $550. I am a Total Newbie on the Banjo.... Have NOT even played a Single Note on one... yet. I have become a "Jim Pankey Video Addict" since yesterday.... have listened/watched, 18 of your videos... so far. I am 75 years "young"... just got back on the electric Bass at 72+ years, after having Not played since I turned 18 (1967) and went into the Army (RA.= Volunteered at 17 years old). Since I've reacquainted myself with the Bass (now have 9, plus 2 Ukelele Basses), I've also ventured into Mandolin & Mandocaster (have 3), Acoustic/electric Bass (1), Lap Steel (4), and electric guitar (1 Tele 50's Vibe & 1 Strat) which all adds up to a "Jack of all trades"..... and an Absolute Master..."of None"... though, the Bass & Mandolin are coming along nicely, so far. Back to Banjos.... Have Always Loved, Bluegrass and the sound of a Banjo... hence, my quest for an Open Back Banjo. I did purchase my Very First Banjo, just 2 weeks ago (from zZounds dot com in NJ.).... it arrived in perfect condition (New).... except for.. the Bridge... the middle "leg" was broken off, about half way down. I immediately called zZounds... they wanted me to return the whole thing, and would send me out an new Ibanez banjo..... just for a Bridge(!??!)... I kept it. I searched around on line, and researched different woods and wound up ordering 2, "aged - straight grained" Walnut (9/16ths & 5/8ths - Std. spacing) Bridges ($30. each!!) from banjo bridge maker & luthier.. Richie Dotson, which are due to arrive here, tomorrow (Monday, Oct.21st, 2024) and will finally get to set it up and hear it.... oh, the banjo is an Ibanez B-200 (closed back)... not sure what you think of them (if anything), but it's what I could afford and after listening to quite a few "comparisons", plus zZounds "Play as you Pay" (already paid it off though.. a few days ago), it was an easy choice, also bought a New - "Gator" hard case along with the banjo. Anyway... for some reason, I've got this idea to also add an Open Back banjo, to go with the Closed Back and with that said...... I HIGHLY VALUE YOUR THOUGHTS AND EXPERTISE..... FIRST - Do I REALLY "NEED" an Open Back? I want to learn "ClawHammer" style, And.. "Two Finger & Three Finger" styles... which is why I'm considering the "need" (errr, "Want"?) for an Open Back as well..... YOUR THOUGHTS, Please??? Unfortunately, zZounds dot com, does NOT (at this point) stock, ANY of the RK banjos. They currently have (in Open Back & in My Price range), an Epiphone MB100 (New $249).... Fender Paramount Series PB-180E Acoustic Electric Banjo (New, with Gig Bag - $449.99).... and a Deering Goodtime (New $559 & one "Blemished" for $474.95). I can go for the Deering (New at $559) IF... you think they're really worth it, being "Made in the USA". Many reviews I read say that you can get Much More "banjo" from "Asian" manufacturers in the same price range as the Deering GoodTime. Your Thoughts ?? Would you Please, recommend any of the RK Open Back models, (NEW or USED), within my price range ($500.+/-) that are considered "playable", decent quality and that I can "grow into" and would "hopefully" be a "keeper" (Re; no Really Cheap "Asian" banjos) and be worthy of any possible "upgrades" (tailpiece, bridge, tuners,etc)? I have looked at Guitar Centers "USED" Recording King Banjos.... there is a few of them, A few of the Open Back models are... RKO-3s, RK-OH 6... also, Gold Tone AC-4IT, and a Deering "Good Time". HELLLLP ?!!? What are your Honest thoughts on any of these... if at all, or... ANY Other suggestions?? Some manufacturers, rave about how "LIGHT" their Open Backs are, and while "light" is nice.... wouldn't Heavier, be a sign of greater Longevity and tone, with the use of heavier woods (Hard woods?) and possibly a "tone ring" (brass is better??), etc?? IF, YOU... were an Absolute Beginner just Starting Out... BUT - Knowing what you Know, now.... what would be Your choice for an Open Back that would be "capable" of becoming a "keeper"??.....NEW or USED. Sorry Jim, for what has turned out to be kind of a "book".... but, if you've stuck with me and read this far.... THANK YOU so much for doing so.... and for ANY possible advice /help / direction you can send my way... It Will be Greatly Appreciated.

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for the letter. 😆 Not sure about the $500 price range for open backs, I'd encourage you to save up a little more and look at the RK-OT25.

[@Romans--bo7br]

@@JimPankey .... Hello, Jim... thank you for your quick reply, I appreciate it. You didn't answer most of my questions...... Oh Well. The OT-25 appears to be set up primarily for Old Time (hence, the OT25)... I'm more wanting an Open Back for Blue Grass, and Country..... which is why I asked if, in your opinion.... "Do I Really Need" (-vs- Want) an Open back?? What are your thoughts on that, considering that I now have the Ibanez B-200 resonator for BG & Country genre's?? If yes, are there other RK Open Backs, that you would consider suitable for those two genre's?? I eagerly await your reply. Thanks again & keep on pickin..... Have a wonderful day.

[@TimBurns88]

Thank you, Jim. This is great!

[@JimPankey]

You're very welcome!

[@KuHwkFan]

I was surprised at the difference in sound between all of the tailpieces. I especially liked the clamshell tailpiece. Now I need to go buy one.

[@JimPankey]

Awesome!

[@ozarkbanjerman5329]

This was great. Been hoping for a video like this for a long time!

[@JimPankey]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@sillywwabbit]

Very helpful video - Thank you for taking the time and expense. I do enjoy these types of videos.

[@JimPankey]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@ryantrahan4942]

Awesome video Jim.

[@JimPankey]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nathanlester5054]

Kershner is no. 1 then the Prucha Presto.

[@Romans--bo7br]

Hello, Jim.... (No "Book" this time lol). Personally, I liked the Kershner the best.... it was a little "mellower" than the other two, cleaner / less overtones, good sustain, etc, etc. I am going to get back on line and order one or two. By the way... if you remember my "book" from 4 days ago.... I just ordered a Deering "GoodTime" Open back, yesterday (24th)... a "Blemished" one, came up on zZounds for $474.05 - $84.+ OFF the regular "New" price, so I grabbed it. Should be here by next Thursday (31st). Thanks for all the effort you put into your videos.... Greatly Appreciated!! Have a Great weekend.

[@JimPankey]

Good deal on the Goodtime.

[@jeffevans4663]

I thought the Kershner was brighter but I preferred the deeper of the clamshell

[@davidcudlip6587]

Always switched to a Kershner for the simple reason that it was easier to change strings. Tonewise, couldn't really tell.

[@JimPankey]

Having the audio here I wasn’t really surprised at the difference in tone, but it was more than I would have guessed.

[@AllenParker-q5r]

You’re awesome thanks for putting with us wannabe banjo pickers Ben trying for years but some how life gets in the way still watch your videos there great 😅 1:14

[@JimPankey]

Thanks for letting me be a part of your banjo journey.

[@Xyppe2]

Great video and very interesting. Gabe Hirshfeld, and a few other players remove the Presto flip lid altogether which removes and chances of rattle. I do as well, but not wonder if, in doing so, the reduced weight makes any difference. Thank you Jim for your thorough shootout.

[@JimPankey]

Might be fun to do a video comparison with the cover on and cover off.

[@MrJackGrave]

Well I am tenor banjo player (amateur) and I like Oettinger/Tensionator style tailpieces. Pros: Weight, easy to restring Ability to use ball end strings Ability to fine tune intonation Cons: price, small parts (screws)

[@JimPankey]

I have a couple of those too, and considered adding them to the video, but they’re not really as easy to come by as these three.

[@rickrozhon656]

Great video. I’m looking for a new tailpiece. I don’t play but i have recently built an open back and I’m currently repairing my 1970’s Bradley. So what is the tune you were playing?

[@JimPankey]

Cumberland Gap

[@AllenParker-q5r]

How do you set up the tailpeice on your banjo and what bridge do you use

[@JimPankey]

Brian Hooper bridges. I usually have the tailpiece about 3/8” above the head.

[@jackdublanica]

You banjo souns best with the original presto tailpiece.

[@jimlynch-d1w]

Indeed it did. It had a clearer definition from note to note. The clamshell and kerscher tended to blend the notes together. Too much extended ringing. I was truly amazed how the tailpiece could change the tone. Excellent demo, Jim. Thanks!

[@briarroot]

Clamshell seemed to have the most twang. I replaced the tailpiece on my baritone banjolele, and clamshell was all that was available locally. WAY too large for the instrument. I'll be ordering a Kershner; thanks for the video.

[@JimPankey]

Glad it helped you make a decision!

[@sethlandry9122]

I have the same banjo and i switched to a kershner style. The presto confused me. I like the tone and stability of the kershner better.

[@JimPankey]

I think you made a good choice.

[@timgratsinger]

Clamshell sounded best to me

[@JimPankey]

If it wasn’t so fiddly to change strings I’d probably use it. 😅

[@davidtharp5533]

Hey Jim, I found a used, but in almost new shape, Recording King RK Elite 85 Maple Bluegrass Banjo for about $1500. Do you think that I should try to get it?

[@JimPankey]

That’s a great deal!

[@senorsenior9546]

"No Knot." 😂😂😂

[@yeagermyster3]

Kershner