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____23.
____24.
FIG. 27
FIG. 28
NOTE: If you purchased
NylGut strings for your
banjo, you’ll need to form
a loop at the end of each
string and tie that loop into
an overhand knot. (fig.27)
We include a leather scrap to protect the body of the banjo
from being scratched by the strings as they pass over the bot-
tom edge. Use masking tape to hold the leather in place as you
install the strings.
Hook the looped end of the string #4 onto the 2nd tailpin from
the left and hold it up to the lower left peg on the peghead.
See fig. 28 to see how the strings are numbered.
Before you start winding the string on the peg, pull the string
past the peg and clip it off about 3” beyond peg. That is the
amount of excess that needs to get wrapped around the post
of the tuning peg.
Pull the string back until the clipped end just pokes through
the hole in the peg. Start turning the peg as you hold the
string so it winds around the peg until it becomes taut -- but
not too tight! Be cautious about over-tightening the strings.
You don’t want to break one this quickly....
NOTE: Strings should wind toward the center of the
peghead. (fig. 28)
You will probably need to make some adjustments at the back
of the banjo to get this first string to hang properly above the
fretboard:
Use the 5/32” Allen wrench to loosen the long screw at the
top of the body (in back) by just one turn or so. Then switch
the wrench to the screw below it and tighten that screw as
you watch how the neck moves. The goal is to push the peg-
head downward until this first string hangs about 1/4” over
the frets nearest the body. When you get to that point, switch
back to the upper screw and tighten it back up again. You
can do more fine adjusting after the rest of the strings are
installed.
p
Find the bridge and slide it under the string, positioning the bridge on the skin head 25-3/8”
from the nut. This string should rest in the second groove from the left end of the bridge.
____25.
____26. Install three more strings following the diagram above (fig. 28) hooking their loops over the
proper tailpins as you install them in order.
Leave the left-hand tail pin open for the 5th string.
HINT: If you find the lighter strings slipping on the tuning
pegs, take care to cross at least one of the wraps over
another as you turn the peg. This helps cinch the string to
the outside of the post. (fig. 29)
FIG. 29
p
String #1
D4
String #2
B3
String #3
G3
String #4
D3
