How to Install 5th String Spikes on Banjo by JDMC
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- Опубликовано: 14 сен 2015
- Watch this easy to follow tutorial of how to install fifth string spikes in your banjos fingerboard to make use of a capo quick and easy. 1-800-933-5362 www.jdmc.com Like us on Facebook @ Janet Davis Acoustic Music.
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To address a couple things...
This was a demonstration for the “common man” who may not have a workshop bench and calipers and laser indexing drill presses and neck supports and special tools, etc. If you already have all that stuff and specialize in such things then that’s awesome, but this video is not for you. Keep in mind I’ve done literally thousands of spike jobs (and any other kind of setup related job possible) and also have answered thousands of customer support related emails and calls. These videos were done with the mindset of how I had to talk most folks through it over the phone with what was most commonly available to them. Of course, if you have all the specialized equipment and knowledge then use it. I do. Again, that’s missing the point. But on a final note...this spike job turned out just as perfect using commonly available tools and the banjo case as well as my lap. Nothing was “damaged” or done in an inferior manner...and if you did it this way carefully nothing would be hurt on your banjo either.
instablaster
I usually file the spike's top before installing it and I dress the sides for smoothness. I install the spike closer the fret and face them outward not inward. I have never clipped them off, but pretty much do the rest of the procedure the same way. I use needle nose pliers to hold the spike vertical to get it started.
When I started messing with banjos 55 years ago, there were no internet videos to guide me. I just went to a music store and examined how spikes were installed on their banjos and did my best to copy what I saw. Model railroading was more popular then and it was easy to find someone with spikes to spare. The very first open back banjo I installed a spike on cost me $8.00 at a pawn shop, but the installation went without a hitch.
Now, with these videos, everything is even easier. It's nice to see old time banjo making a comeback. There nothing more entertaining than a good story teller performing with a banjo.
Thank you Jake! Good information for the DIY’r 😎👍
Thank you all comments negative or otherwise, you’re keen eye for minutia details and safety are also appreciated.
Nothing wrong with that!
Spike hook pointing up instead of down kinda makes sense because you mostly pluck down on that string, so less chance of string coming unhooked.
Great tutorial. Just put the spikes on my two banjos(older one first). It was a doddle thanks to your video. Many thanks Jake.
Great instructions I didn't know Ben Roethlisberger worked on banjos
Very interesting, it was very helpful, great video, I enjoyed it..
Thx Jake! I'm gonna try to do this myself. Fingers crossed hehe
That díd make enough sense, thanks! and the video is the third one i watched about this and the first to do so so thanks!
VERY INFORMATIVE!!!
0:46 no pressure or anything, hehehe... at least I've got one cheap, cracked one to practice on (although I'll bet the difference in resistance differs from wood to wood?). I might practice on a few "simulated neck sections", even, since I'm sitting on a bunch of bowyer's/luthier's wood blanks and cutoffs. Thanks (liked/subbed)
so, what do you do should your drill break in the wood? Please explain how deep do you drill the hole. The full length of the spike or just 1/8 to start the spike
what is the drill bit you used?
use a vernier caliper, more accurate than your plastic piece...also gives you a length... also put a depth stop on your bit...also use a brass nail set instead I=of steel...won't damage the spike...
Thank you, which Drexel bit did you use, Product Number ?
One important thing to know is that the spikes have to be installed with the opening toward the first string, if done the other way they will slip out when you play.
Which is counter-intuitive if you think about it because your thumb drives down hard on the fifth string.
Mine doesn't.
Some clawhammer banjo have the spike turned the other direction Iv seen.
I agree with adamaj only because intuitively, you are constantly applying a force towards the 1st string when you strike the 5th.
I have two banjos, one with spikes open toward the first string and the other not. I strongly prefer the latter. In my case the fifth stays in tune better on that banjo while I always have to adjust the other. I also prefer seeing the string slip under the opening. YOMV
Why would you drill into something resting on your thigh?
Why not just use a sliding 5th string capo?
smokeynewton because a lot of people hate them. They’re in the way all the time
Thanks a lot. You were really generous with your explanation. Some of the comments are discouraging, but take heart in knowing that there are others out here that do fussy things and share the knowledge gained. I'm grateful to you. Very useful to know some of the pitfalls. Cheers to you.
I agree with MrStubat: the capos are quite annoying when you are playing high on the neck. Your thumb hits the capo all the time. Annoying. Spikes are definitely the only way to go: out of the way and almost invisible.
Jake seems to know what he is doing but I was somewhat surprised to see him working on the banjo whilst it was it its case. The neck needs supporting right under where the spike is being hammered in, otherwise there is limited resistance and that can adversely affect the accuracy of the work by reducing feedback to the craftsman. Probably doesn't do the neck or the case much good either...
And he drilled the neck whilst the banjo was hanging off his leg …. get a workbench, Jake!!
Very slick with your adds. Didn't work