i'm just starting in Banjo playing after 30 years of guitar....that tip for the 5th string is probably a common trick for banjo players, but for me it was solid gold!! Great tip...
Thank you for the bridge tip. Watched another video where the bridge was removed then the guy just started tuning it by ear, moving the bridge around and then listening to it with a tuning fork. As a beginner, I had no idea what he was doing.
As someone who has played the banjo for about 22 years, your estimate of that you "had no idea of what he was doing" is accurate, because the guy didnt know what he was doing. Perhaps he had perfect pitch and good dears, but most humans cannot do that. Most folks would not know where to get a tuning fork or how they work.
this tutorial was exactly what i needed as i tend to play and neglect maintenance, even things as simple as changing strings. i refer back to your videos often, they are invaluable!
Man, I am glad I watched your video. The first video to pop up on the search was horrible and I am sure I would have failed at my first attempt. Thank you, Deering!
Yes, thank you for posting this. I have a Grand Ole Opry Goodtime, that I just love. I try to keep it pristine. Deering made it, so I trust Deering to show me the best way to change strings, adjust the head, and take care of my banjo. When I have questions about doing something to it, I always check your site first. I check TH-cam for videos from Deering. I also appreciate the Carolina Bridges e-mails that I receive. They're interesting, and encouraging. I'm so glad that I bought a Deering!
Thanks for the great video! Very informative for a beginner! I’ve been playing violin for 27 years and you just gave me the answer to why everyone checks their harmonics after they tune...because of bridge placement! Thanks!
+John E We are good...but we are human. We sometimes forget. :-) These string winders are pretty good. We like them. www.deeringbanjos.com/products/shubb-banjo-string-winder
Great job! Really liked the same tuning trick from 12th fret to find where the bridge should be. I just ordered a Good Time 2, and can't wait to get started.
A big thank you to Deering and Chad for this video. I bought my first Deering banjo, a Goodtime Americana from Eagle music in Huddersfield last week. I'd only had it a couple of hours when I snapped a string! I've only been playing banjo a few months so this video helped me a lot when replacing the string.
Neat video. Not played my 1963 Vegas Tubaphone banjo for ~10 years. Previous strings double-looped through posts. Removal horrible! 4 of 5 stings had pipe-cleaner wraps at tail end. String 1 did not. Banjo Bob replaced one broken string. This is string 1 with no pipe cleaner wrap? Double looped through post too. Octogenarian experienced difficulty threading stings though holes. But finally succeeded. Bought winder. Not useful for vertical gear Vega. Used ghs PF140 [Elderly Instruments] stings. Preparing for Bill Evans New Mexico online Banjo Camp April 24/25 2021.
Been a guitarist for 20 years, just bought my first Banjo and I'm having a hell of a time trying to get these strings changed, they've broken at the bottom, the loop wont hook around tightly/is too stiff to be bent into place, nightmare stuff, gonna have to stock up on strings to get this right.
Hi there...sorry to hear that. What kind of banjo is it? There could be a number of reasons here, but call us at +1 619 464 8252 and we will be able to assist.
Thanks for the information in this video. Do you know what to do if I'm always hearing a scratch while playing the fifth string? The scratchy noise vanishes as soon as I hold down a finger onto any fret.
+Kfreeks Hi and thanks for watching. As much as we wold love to offer a quick solution, there may be a few things at play here, so I would advise the following. Call 1(800) 845 7791 and ask to speak to the wonderful Carolina Bridges in Customer Service. She will be able to ask you a few questions to see if she can diagnose the issue that you are having. I think you will enjoy speaking with her! Thank you.
Deering Banjo Company Thanks for answering so quickly. :) However, I cannot call your Customer Service, as it would be an intercontinental call (not sure on the costs on that). But thanks for trying to reach out to me, your effort is much appreciated.
+Kfreeks No problem. We definitely want to help you so I would advise emailing Carolina at info@deeringbanjos.com. She will be able to ask the questions that way and we could even arrange a time to call you, depending on the time difference. I hope this helps.
Deering Banjo Company Thank you for being so forthcoming. I know now that my problem has something to do with the fifth string's bridge. Also, I've found someone locally that will help me out with fixing this particular issue. One could call him repair man for instruments, though I don't know whether that is the correct title. Have a nice weekend. :)
I tried making an x with the first new string I put on and it snapped on the first rotation it crossed over. Did I do something wrong or just a bad string?
Yep that just happened to me too. I started off wrong, by forgetting to leave some room to wind. So I started again with a bit more string, just as in the video, but now there was a kind of sharp bend in it just before the peg. I suppose that is where it gave way. With a loud bang. Damn!
I wish I had a tail piece like that. I need to hook it in place AND feed it through a hole. Such a pain. I never know igf I feed it through the hole and then hook it in place or vice versa.
I always get confused about which way to turn the loose end of the string so it gets tucked under the winding securely. Also, my strings often get tight with just about one wrap around the peghead, instead of a couple of wraps like you get, which seems to make the loose end less secure. Any tips on this?
You just have to start off with more slack in the string so that you can wind more revolutions around the tuning peg... If I understand you correctly. I personally found that I had to start off with much more slack than initially thought! Because of what you're referring to but I personally like to have at least 3 to 4 full wraps and maybe even 4 to 5 as I feel like its much more secure....
www.deeringbanjos.com/collections/banjo-strings/products/deering-5-string-banjo-strings-light-gauge This lists the gauges and string positions. Hope it helps
I have heard the odd case of a guitar string or banjo string catching an eye. But breaking strings during playing is largely unavoidable. You can minimize the risk by changing the strings more often (once a month is a fairly good rule of thumb) and in situations where you are changing the strings, unwind them before you snip. You don't have to, but it will relieve the tension and make them less likely to ping.
I just restrung my banjo for the first time in years. I got frustrated over the loops, it really is easy but such a pain. It took me about an hour just to get the 3rd string(G)loop in the tailpiece. So by the time I got to winding I said to myself "ugh I don't want to be bothered with locking techniques." So many exist, the one in this video seems to be the most simple. But I just strung the way I would a guitar. Each wind under the next. None above the loose end of the string. I'm still afraid to over tighten too, the last thing I want is one wind, then still needing to put the bridge in place AND lower the tailpiece. So I tend to underwind, resulting in me tuning up for a while, like so much I get an extra wind in, Even more on the 5th string(g). I do need a new bridge. Any suggestions? I don't have an expensive banjo. So I don't need the best, just something better.
+MaynardOwns Thank you for the feedback. I would definitely advise talking to Carolina Bridges in our Customer Service department by calling (800) 8457791. She will be back on Wednesday 23rd. As for the bridge, I would take a look at the Goodtime Banjo Bridge here: www.deeringbanjos.com/products/5-8-goodtime-banjo-bridge. Have a great weekend!
Thanks! When I can play more than the beginning of "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and have a better understanding of the banjos fretboard in terms of scale patterns and all that good stuff I intend to get a better banjo. When that day comes I will certainly keep Deering in mind!
That is a string winder. We offer one from a company called Nomad which is far better than the one in the video. The same winder is also available in a number of our Care Packages. Take a look: www.deeringbanjos.com/pages/search-results-page?q=string+winder
hola sres de deering banjo company , les escribo desde argentina, les pido si pueden ayudarme toco el banjo soy aficionado me gano la vida tocando en los trenes un banjo que mande ha hacer por unos centavos pero no es lo mismo tocar eso que un banjo bueno como los que ustedes fabrican, por lo que les pido si ustedes pueden ayudarme es imposible para mi poder comprar uno pero si me mandaran uno para ayudarme podria hablar bien de su empreza a cambio de uno les haria la publicidad en los trenes hablando de la historia del banjo cuando subo a tocar , . por eso les pido si me pueden regalar un banjo porque soy tan pobre que no puedo tener uno para practicar y asi ganarme la vida desde ya muchas gracias es un instrumento bellicimo y los de su companya mucho mas. gracias .
Snapped the first string I tried to install using this video. The technique isn't detailed enough. How much slack do I have to leave? Where am I placing my hands exactly? How do I avoid completely destroying the string or over-tightening? There are so many intricacies involved in changing strings that this video does not explain for absolute beginners. $9 down the drain. Just gonna pay someone to install them for me.
i'm just starting in Banjo playing after 30 years of guitar....that tip for the 5th string is probably a common trick for banjo players, but for me it was solid gold!! Great tip...
Thank you for the bridge tip. Watched another video where the bridge was removed then the guy just started tuning it by ear, moving the bridge around and then listening to it with a tuning fork. As a beginner, I had no idea what he was doing.
As someone who has played the banjo for about 22 years, your estimate of that you "had no idea of what he was doing" is accurate, because the guy didnt know what he was doing. Perhaps he had perfect pitch and good dears, but most humans cannot do that. Most folks would not know where to get a tuning fork or how they work.
this tutorial was exactly what i needed as i tend to play and neglect maintenance, even things as simple as changing strings. i refer back to your videos often, they are invaluable!
Man, I am glad I watched your video. The first video to pop up on the search was horrible and I am sure I would have failed at my first attempt. Thank you, Deering!
+gls042 We aim to please! Thank you for watching.
Yes, thank you for posting this. I have a Grand Ole Opry Goodtime, that I just love. I try to keep it pristine. Deering made it, so I trust Deering to show me the best way to change strings, adjust the head, and take care of my banjo. When I have questions about doing something to it, I always check your site first. I check TH-cam for videos from Deering. I also appreciate the Carolina Bridges e-mails that I receive. They're interesting, and encouraging. I'm so glad that I bought a Deering!
We love stories like this! Thank you for sharing and keep that Opry clean!
Thanks for the great video! Very informative for a beginner! I’ve been playing violin for 27 years and you just gave me the answer to why everyone checks their harmonics after they tune...because of bridge placement! Thanks!
Happy to help!
I popped every single string following this video, thanks.
Holy shit, really?
Glad to see that you occasionally turn the pegs the wrong way too. ;) Must get one of those winders.
+John E We are good...but we are human. We sometimes forget. :-) These string winders are pretty good. We like them.
www.deeringbanjos.com/products/shubb-banjo-string-winder
Great job! Really liked the same tuning trick from 12th fret to find where the bridge should be. I just ordered a Good Time 2, and can't wait to get started.
I've owned my banjo for over 30 years. I just recently change the strings. Doh!!
A big thank you to Deering and Chad for this video. I bought my first Deering banjo, a Goodtime Americana from Eagle music in Huddersfield last week. I'd only had it a couple of hours when I snapped a string! I've only been playing banjo a few months so this video helped me a lot when replacing the string.
Can't thank you enough Chad. Have a great very merry Christmas.
Good vid, very informative....especially the 5th string tip for not poking ya....thanks'
It would help to note the actual tuning pitch for each string from the beginning.
Neat video. Not played my 1963 Vegas Tubaphone banjo for ~10 years. Previous strings double-looped through posts. Removal horrible! 4 of 5 stings had pipe-cleaner wraps at tail end. String 1 did not. Banjo Bob replaced one broken string. This is string 1 with no pipe cleaner wrap? Double looped through post too. Octogenarian experienced difficulty threading stings though holes. But finally succeeded. Bought winder. Not useful for vertical gear Vega. Used ghs PF140 [Elderly Instruments] stings. Preparing for Bill Evans New Mexico online Banjo Camp April 24/25 2021.
What an outstanding video! Thank you so much for this information.
Thanks for the video from ....the actual banjo people!! Yes
Great video! What make and model of tuner are you using? Cheers
Really useful tips. Thank you Deering.
+maxwellfan55 You are most welcome!
Thank you for this informative lesson!
I appreciate the heck out of it. :) Thanks, Chad.
Question: On the box of strings, there's a decimal. .010, .012.... What do I make of these?
Wandering Soul its the string gauge (size).
Thanks for the video Deering! Loving my Good Time 2...but ready to move up the ladder already! Hmm...off to the Deering website. :)
Great, helpful video lesson. Typical Deeringbanjos service.
Thanks Donald! We try. :-)
Been a guitarist for 20 years, just bought my first Banjo and I'm having a hell of a time trying to get these strings changed, they've broken at the bottom, the loop wont hook around tightly/is too stiff to be bent into place, nightmare stuff, gonna have to stock up on strings to get this right.
Hi there...sorry to hear that. What kind of banjo is it? There could be a number of reasons here, but call us at +1 619 464 8252 and we will be able to assist.
Thanks for the information in this video. Do you know what to do if I'm always hearing a scratch while playing the fifth string? The scratchy noise vanishes as soon as I hold down a finger onto any fret.
+Kfreeks Hi and thanks for watching. As much as we wold love to offer a quick solution, there may be a few things at play here, so I would advise the following.
Call 1(800) 845 7791 and ask to speak to the wonderful Carolina Bridges in Customer Service. She will be able to ask you a few questions to see if she can diagnose the issue that you are having. I think you will enjoy speaking with her!
Thank you.
Deering Banjo Company Thanks for answering so quickly. :) However, I cannot call your Customer Service, as it would be an intercontinental call (not sure on the costs on that). But thanks for trying to reach out to me, your effort is much appreciated.
+Kfreeks No problem. We definitely want to help you so I would advise emailing Carolina at info@deeringbanjos.com. She will be able to ask the questions that way and we could even arrange a time to call you, depending on the time difference. I hope this helps.
Deering Banjo Company Thank you for being so forthcoming. I know now that my problem has something to do with the fifth string's bridge. Also, I've found someone locally that will help me out with fixing this particular issue. One could call him repair man for instruments, though I don't know whether that is the correct title. Have a nice weekend. :)
I heard the bridge is equidistant from the 12th fret and the nut
I tried making an x with the first new string I put on and it snapped on the first rotation it crossed over. Did I do something wrong or just a bad string?
Of course i popped my new banjo strings trying to do this
Yep that just happened to me too. I started off wrong, by forgetting to leave some room to wind. So I started again with a bit more string, just as in the video, but now there was a kind of sharp bend in it just before the peg. I suppose that is where it gave way. With a loud bang. Damn!
me too :(
Did you just overwind it?
My deering banjo neck is getting a terrible bow in the neck. Can it be straightened back to even close to make it better playable?
Best thing to do is call us at 619 464 8252 and speak to David or Andrew. That way we can get all the information that we need. Thanks!
Whoops. Messed up big time. Took all the strings off at once, now I can't keep the tailpiece from falling off.
Same
Nice Job and explanation!
How to check intubations
Thank you very much sir...you were a help
Happy to help!
Thanks for posting this.
You are so very welcome! Glad we could help!
I wish I had a tail piece like that. I need to hook it in place AND feed it through a hole. Such a pain. I never know igf I feed it through the hole and then hook it in place or vice versa.
I always get confused about which way to turn the loose end of the string so it gets tucked under the winding securely. Also, my strings often get tight with just about one wrap around the peghead, instead of a couple of wraps like you get, which seems to make the loose end less secure. Any tips on this?
You just have to start off with more slack in the string so that you can wind more revolutions around the tuning peg... If I understand you correctly. I personally found that I had to start off with much more slack than initially thought! Because of what you're referring to but I personally like to have at least 3 to 4 full wraps and maybe even 4 to 5 as I feel like its much more secure....
do you have the notes for these songs?
Nice job! Thank you!
I love this guy
What gauge is each string, if using light strings?
www.deeringbanjos.com/collections/banjo-strings/products/deering-5-string-banjo-strings-light-gauge
This lists the gauges and string positions. Hope it helps
If a string breaks on the banjo, does it cause a harsh injury?
I have heard the odd case of a guitar string or banjo string catching an eye. But breaking strings during playing is largely unavoidable. You can minimize the risk by changing the strings more often (once a month is a fairly good rule of thumb) and in situations where you are changing the strings, unwind them before you snip. You don't have to, but it will relieve the tension and make them less likely to ping.
Thank God bruv, 🙏🆘💯🇬🇧 CHEERS FELLA 😉
thanks
I just restrung my banjo for the first time in years. I got frustrated over the loops, it really is easy but such a pain. It took me about an hour just to get the 3rd string(G)loop in the tailpiece. So by the time I got to winding I said to myself "ugh I don't want to be bothered with locking techniques." So many exist, the one in this video seems to be the most simple. But I just strung the way I would a guitar. Each wind under the next. None above the loose end of the string. I'm still afraid to over tighten too, the last thing I want is one wind, then still needing to put the bridge in place AND lower the tailpiece. So I tend to underwind, resulting in me tuning up for a while, like so much I get an extra wind in, Even more on the 5th string(g).
I do need a new bridge.
Any suggestions? I don't have an expensive banjo. So I don't need the best, just something better.
+MaynardOwns Thank you for the feedback. I would definitely advise talking to Carolina Bridges in our Customer Service department by calling (800) 8457791. She will be back on Wednesday 23rd. As for the bridge, I would take a look at the Goodtime Banjo Bridge here: www.deeringbanjos.com/products/5-8-goodtime-banjo-bridge.
Have a great weekend!
Thanks! When I can play more than the beginning of "Foggy Mountain Breakdown" and have a better understanding of the banjos fretboard in terms of scale patterns and all that good stuff I intend to get a better banjo. When that day comes I will certainly keep Deering in mind!
bro. just tell me which string goes where. i got a brand new one with news strings. just don't know where to put them
mayanmaster92 which brand of strings did you get? Most have the strings individually bagged and the case will tell you which string goes where.
Keith Clark you mean the neck and the pot are separating? What are the guitar strings made of?
Thank you!
Hello, what is the name of the orange tool that turns the plug?
That is a string winder. We offer one from a company called Nomad which is far better than the one in the video. The same winder is also available in a number of our Care Packages. Take a look: www.deeringbanjos.com/pages/search-results-page?q=string+winder
You should have ALL close ups of what you are doing.
This video was a bit unclear to me. Maybe zoom in on the parts you're referring to
hola sres de deering banjo company , les escribo desde argentina, les pido si pueden ayudarme toco el banjo soy aficionado me gano la vida tocando en los trenes un banjo que mande ha hacer por unos centavos pero no es lo mismo tocar eso que un banjo bueno como los que ustedes fabrican, por lo que les pido si ustedes pueden ayudarme es imposible para mi poder comprar uno pero si me mandaran uno para ayudarme podria hablar bien de su empreza a cambio de uno les haria la publicidad en los trenes hablando de la historia del banjo cuando subo a tocar , . por eso les pido si me pueden regalar un banjo porque soy tan pobre que no puedo tener uno para practicar y asi ganarme la vida desde ya muchas gracias es un instrumento bellicimo y los de su companya mucho mas. gracias .
Snapped the first string I tried to install using this video. The technique isn't detailed enough. How much slack do I have to leave? Where am I placing my hands exactly? How do I avoid completely destroying the string or over-tightening? There are so many intricacies involved in changing strings that this video does not explain for absolute beginners. $9 down the drain. Just gonna pay someone to install them for me.
Thank you!
You're welcome!