@@JimPankey Mr Pankey, do you think the recording king quality is no different if I get banjo thru GUITAR CENTER and not MUSIC LINK ?? What do you think..
Just got my Recording King in the mail haven't played in 30 years and have forgotten almost everything thanks for showing this I am going to start over.
Got my Recording King RKH-05 today based on this recommendation, the tone is beautiful as well as the build. I was playing on a used Ibanez B50 and now it feels like I wasn’t even playing banjo compared to my new Recording King! I didn’t even know this brand existed, thank you for suggesting it!
Hey Jim, I'm a new viewer and had been watching your videos in preparation of receiving the first banjo I've ever touched. Its for my younger brother, but thanks to you, I knew exactly what to do and how to set it up for playing. We like your style-- You have my thanks; Wishing you health and happiness always
Been watching your videos in preparation of getting into Banjo for the first time! Your passion is infectious and absolutely love your videos. Thanks from the cold northern reaches of Canada!
My brothers and kin get together on weekends to play mountain music after a week of work in the sawmills. My brothers seem to be busy with other things to teach me how to play the banjo!..but thanks to jim im learning the banjo...dont take me wrong I love playing the guitar but sense ive picked up the banjo its been a blessing thanks to jim, but I still have a long road ahead of me several more lessons to go....from the Appalachian mountains of ky, thank you mr. Jim for everything my friend...
Hey Mr Pankey, I know you will be happy, I just received my new Recording King 0T25 banjo today, hard case comes next wed, they say.. Will take it slow on setup, cause this is my first one. On this one, the bridge is standing up already.. Going to buy a few new wrenches tomorrow, that will help with adjustments... Focusing on claw hammer style.. be watching your videos over & over many times.. Thankyou for all you do , to help folks with there instruments and the beginning steps...😊😊😊 Will keep you informed as I learn & make small adjustments when needed..
Hello hello hello, it sure is an awesome opportunity to find you doing this great videos on banjos. I just received my very first banjo and started out with your lessons as well. Iv asked about the bridge setting on BanjoHangout and received a few different reply’s than this video. But now I Know. But something very particular happened to me as I removed the resonator from my GT CC 100+-- I like the way it sounds when I tried claw hammer strumming. Oh Yeah, that’s just beautiful right there. And to add to that- my social finger and pinky are bent in due to separate accidents, can’t straighten them out. Which leads to trouble placing one or two fingers on the head for picking. I’m glad I caught this video- all kidding aside- I like your approach and teaching of the banjo and had to hear this one too. Thx- Hooties playing banjo
Hey there Jim! I’ve been watching your videos since late last night anticipating the delivering of my beginner banjo tomorrow! I will admit that setting the bridge scared me until I watched this video. Thank you so much for the information. I can not wait to start the beginner courses tomorrow! I was an 8th grade US History Teacher for 14 years and I have to tell you that I LOVE your teaching style! Wish me luck!
Well!!! My Vango Banjo was delivered yesterday around 3:00 “Texas” time. I successfully set the bridge and tuned her up, thanks to your video! I had already watched your beginner videos all the way through several times. I stayed up until 2:00 this morning and have been very successful through video 4! I have the high and low parts of Cripple Creek down AND they sound very good. Now, that being said, they are slow but accurate. I’ll keep you posted!! You are an amazing resource and an awesome teacher. Thank you sir! I’ve been trying to play the guitar for two years. I can not strum to save my life. I already sound better and have picked the banjo up faster in one day than in two years with the guitar! 😆 I’ll keep you posted!
Great video Jim. I used this video along with your video for changing strings when I pulled out an old banjo that had been stored for several years. Sounds like a new instrument now. Thanks!
Just got a new banjo, this video was perfect. Helped to set it he baby up right. Mine came set up ok, but the bridge needed adjusting (everything went # on the 12th). Thank you immensely for showing how to do that. Be well Jim! Best, -gregory
Hey Jim! I was getting ready to ask for a "maintenance" video from you. I recently replaced strings, snugged the head, adjusted the tail piece and adjusted the truss rod. I sure would have appreciated a Jim Pankey video explaining all of this to me before I started. Luckily I did not kill my banjo in the process. Great video! Thanks!
@@JimPankey I was NOT throwing rocks. :-) My banjo playing has improved a lot, thanks to you. Just completed the 10th beginning lessons and having fun as well. Thank you again!
Getting my first banjo today, thanks for helping me transition some of my guitar luthier skills to the things I had no idea about with a banjo! ;) Love your channel!
Very helpful video! I got my banjo at Guitar Center and this video helped position the bridge properly and tighten the head. It’s much more playable now!
Great video Jimbo, I've a couple of deering goodtimes, one open back and the other not. The resonater one I've had for 3 years and has lost a bit of its punch. I change the strings regularly and have been changing brands to see if lifts it a bit. I'll definitely be adjusting the head. Many thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge, Davy.
I changed my bridge on my banjo with a compensation bridge. It helps my banjo make make the notes more accurate. I also use a drum dial tuner on the head to get more even pressure on the head to produce the best tone possible.
Nice case! I "upgraded" a Fender bottlecap with a DAM Bridge and a Presto Tailpiece, adjusted the action (sounds a lot better than stock now) and just now starting lesson 2 after 10 years of cheap banjo 'ownership'. Broke my left elbow and wrist and it's hard to supinate my wrist so I have to fret with the neck almost vertical, but your method seems easy enough to accomplish! Maybe if I can get better I'll buy an RK! :D THANKS for the lesson videos! I Love your style of teaching sir...
Thank you so much for posting and explaining the setup. I started learning about a year ago from your you tube videos. (Yep I have purchased items from your store) I have a entry ADM banjo and have been learning without knowing things in this video. After following the setup, and a crap ton of truss rod adjustment, it is a night and difference in the playability and overall sound. Not quite as nice as a banjo in one of the local pawn shops, but not far off.
I remember unboxing my Deering Sierra few yrs back. Man what thrill openin that case for the 1st time and just seein it after a 3 month wait.. Nothin like it!! Little tunin and she was rdy to go..
The paper on the neck/ strings is a special paper that keeps moisture and humidity away . Same kind of paper is on a lot of machined metal parts I used to receive when I worked at a Caterpillar dealership . Great video as always sir !
That was fascinating.. I didn't think there was so much to do when setting up a new banjo but its also handy to know when buying a second hand one... Im going to dig mine out from behind the couch and have a look at everything you just did in your video.. Thanks so much..
Hey Jim, thanks for all of the great advice on this video, you're a star! I have found it at just the right time as I am waiting for my new banjo to arrive in a few days time, it's only a cheap one but you have to start somewhere don't you. Looks like I will be going through this video again to set the Banjo up when it arrives to see how good I can get it to sound thanks to your help and advice.
I remember when I ordered a banjo thru amazon and when I took it out of the box the neck was broke at the headstock. They made it good though. Had to wait a few more weeks. The box it came in looked like it was either thrown in the shipping truck or crushed somewhere in route...
Good morning Jim. Just wanted to tell you how relieved I am. I've watched a number of your videos and all this time I've wondered if you could walk. I think this is the first time I've ever seen you standing in one of your videos. I was shocked when I started watching this one. Seriously, this is one of the most informative and complete instructionals on instrument setup I've ever seen. Keep up the good work, my friend.
@@MrMusic32150 I guess I just didn't understand why you thought I couldn't walk. With that logic, pretty much all banjo teachers online could be in the same boat....
@@JimPankey Sadly, everyone doesn't get my warped sense of humor....sometimes I wonder if there's any sense to it! (It was funny when I thought it...oh well). Anyway, I would like to applaud the fact that you read ALL of your comments, most of which actually make sense. 🙂 BTW, I ordered some of the picks you suggested. Thanks.
thank you. you're new banjo looks good I executed as you suggested and found tape in places I had not thought to look. "what else do you need?" maybe a neck strap if you intend to stand up? I appreciate sowing how to change the tension on your bongo to make it a banjo
@@JimPankey hey Jim when you're waiting on a guitar to come in in the last year even till now today this year how long does it take him to get a guitar in for you
Hey man i have a old ibanez 70s ish and ive rebuilt it but i.e head tension hoop tailpeice bridge etc... but had no clue how to set it up in the slightest but this helped alot and its nearly there
GREAT! -just what I was looking for: bridge, tailpiece, head, truss rod (relief), and coordinator rod (action). I’m left wondering how to manage dual coordinator rods, but hey this is the first vid I found and includes 90% of what I need to know. Much appreciated, Jim.
Takes me back to when I got my new banjo over the summer. Even after I got it set up to the best of my abilities, it still sounded kind of dead for a few days. Maybe because it had spent a while not being played regularly.
I would have liked to watch this one first, as I have been chasing my picks all over the tune up(or they are chasing me). it doesn't want to stay in tune I took the resonator off and some the the lugs were not even finger tight. those I turned to resistance, the other that had tension I turned 1/2 turn!!
I just received my first banjo yesterday - a Deering Good Time II. I've only just tried to pick according to your Beginner Bluegrass Lesson 1 for a couple of minutes so far. This weekend I'll sit down with it and check all the fitment and tuning as you describe here. I'm wearing my finger picks just trying to get used to them on my fingers. I feel like the blade of my thumb pick (Dunlop) is too long. Do they come in shorter lengths? Or do I just need to get used to it? Thank you for producing these videos!
You can shorten the thumb pick, but I’m betting you can get used to it. There are other pick options... Fred Kelly makes a short thumb pick that a lot of folks like. Keep me posted on your progress.
@@JimPankey - And now I need to work on my picking hand positioning. I'm not yet getting a good 'pinch' on the #1 string. It all takes time to develop the muscle memory I suppose.
well shoot, there you are. I got the least expensive banjo I could find on amazon, to replace my dropped banjo. I got the kmise open back, which reminds me of my first cheap banjo, a trinity river, It was really light, and easy for someone to walk off with. My new cheap banjo, came with a broken bridge. I was wondering, what you think of replacement banjo bridges, and about two footed and three footed bridges, compensated bridges? and what do you think about plastic nuts, and bone nuts? do you know those open tuners aren't cheap, unless they are cheap? I had no idea those things can cost more than a cheap banjo. thanks for the video.
Thanks, just what the doctor ordered! I just got another banjo after selling one for bills and missing it. Also: I keep wanting to know what kind of shoes those are (the person shoes you have on your feet, hehe). I keep seeing them and don't know what they are. The unlikely dad-superhero even wears them in the movie "Secret Headquarters" (when he's not in his extraterrestrial costume).
@@JimPankey Interesting! I was leaning toward the Gold Tone but since I am a novice I think I will take your expert advice. Thank you very much, Mr Pankey!
@@JimPankey Yeah, I came across one of your beginning banjo lessons, and they were so helpful, that I finally have picked it up, surprisingly well. I got a long way to go, but your videos and over all enthusiasm gave me so much encouragement. Now, this ole banjo that has been laying around for years, has been played everyday since I stumbled across your videos. Thx again man
Hello Jim, hope your having a great day! I recently got this banjo and I’m having an issue adjusting the action. I tried what you said in this video but it didn’t seem to work, do you have any idea what could be happening, Many thanks
That’s a little high…. As in the video, be sure the truss rod is adjusted properly. Then you can adjust the coordinator rod … I do talk about that too…. but, in short, working on the opposite side of the rim from the neck - loosen the inside nut and tighten the outside nut of the coordinator rod. I’m sure there are other videos that cover this specific adjustment.
Hey Mr Pankey, so I purchased a very very inexpensive 5 string mini banjo to see if I liked it and would stick w it before I invested more money on a decent one. My question for you is, do u have any recommendations for a decent beginner banjo that doesn't break the bank? Or is that like looking for a unicorn? I like the mini for its ease of picking it up and trying to practice when I have a few spare minutes between looking after my little ones. But if there's no such thing as a decent, affordable mini, I'd take recommendations on a full size starter. I love your style of teaching by the way. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us :)
Hey Jim! Well I’m getting a bit better at this, but I wonder if you can tell us how to tell if the action on our banjos is two high. Seems to me I get dead notes a lot around the 5th fret and watching other play on RUclips, they don’t push all that hard on with their pinky and still get clear notes.
I’ll check that in the morning. I’ve got good callouses now, and I’m getting clear notes above 5, and as long as I’m pressing fairly hard with my first index, social and ring fingers, but it seems to hard to get a clear note with the pinky.
Jim, do you anything differently with the setup for playing clawhammer? The only thing I'm thinking might be a little different is the string height and maybe a tiny bit less tension on the head to get a mellower tone.
Hi Jim .. That was a great video on a banjo set up, I have been doing lots of your lessons and am still just a beginner and learning from you, you are a great teacher and you have been recommended from other banjo players whom I met up here in Canada. I have decided to upgrade from my beginner Banjo (Fender) and am getting a new Recording King RK76 Elite next week from Mhyers Music in Edmonton Alberta Canada, I have been waiting months for it. I am hoping it will be set up professionally when I get it however your video has advised me what to check for but am very afraid to try and set it up myself, if required I will have it done by a professional. Just one question with the RK76 having a longer neck than a standard banjo should the bridge still be measured to the 12th fret of the neck. Any other advice you can offer on the RK76 would be appreciated.
@@JimPankey Great. Thanks very much! An RK Dirty 30's it is, then. Banjo has to have the most pleasing sound of any instrument, especially when it's in the company of a mandolin and a fiddle.
I am watching with interest and enjoying very much your extremely useful practical explanations from a very distant place (Slovakia - central Europe). Back in 1971, I became Slovakia's first 5-string banjo player. Needless to say, I was very proud of being a banjo pioneer in what at that time had been a communist country. My banjo (FRAMUS) had to be smuggled in from Western Germany. Its quality was rather poor, however. I am now in two minds as to what 5-string banjo to order from banjo dealers in my part of the world, to be my companion for the rest of my life. Eiher an RK-35 banjo or an ORTEGA OBJ750-MA. Both are made in China. Have you had any experiences with Ortega banjos?
This Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting depressing lockdowns have redirected people's attention and interests towards such old and almost forgotten hobbies of one's youth as learning to play a musical instrument or improving the skills that one used to have 30 years ago as a musician. Growing old with the musical instrument that one used to love as a young man is only natural. Old love never dies.
Jim if you get a new banjo shipped to you with bad tuners . How would you handle the issue ? Also where would you start ? Would you just go ahead and change the tuners yourself ?
I guess it depends on what we’re calling bad. If they’re not functional then taken it up with the person you bought it from. If they’re just not you favorite or you don’t like them maybe replace them with something you like, or return the banjo and buy a banjo with tuners you like….
Hey Jim, I'm wanting to build myself a banjolin. The price of rim, head, rings is dreadfully expensive. I mean over 500 bucks. Hell, I could almost buy a bjlin for that price and save myself the work. Also, what sort of compensation rod(s) do I need ? As an aside, the neck blank I have made up is a 5 piece laminate that is gonna be so stiff a truck could drive on it. Cheers, my friend. Bob in Montana
What’s the best type/brand of banjo for a very beginner who just wants to learn to play. But a durable banjo that you can bring on the road and can last.
"it's not rocket surgery" - the voice of a man with experience right there 8)) One thing that caught my eye, it didn't look like the bridge was completely perpendicular to the head - can you speak to the importance of that?
Hi Jim! Thanks for all your vids! I know you mostlky do bluegrass stuff on here, but you ever feel like teaching some Irish tunes? I know strictly, it's not usually done an a 5 string, but maybe there is room for some 5 string players to join the party.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
What a brilliant video. Thank you for showing this. As someone coming to banjo as a beginner this is excellent.
Glad I could help!
Thanks
@@JimPankey Mr Pankey, do you think the recording king quality is no different if I get banjo thru GUITAR CENTER and not MUSIC LINK ??
What do you think..
Thanks great video!
Just got my Recording King in the mail haven't played in 30 years and have forgotten almost everything thanks for showing this I am going to start over.
Glad I could help 😊
How's it going one year on?
Got my Recording King RKH-05 today based on this recommendation, the tone is beautiful as well as the build. I was playing on a used Ibanez B50 and now it feels like I wasn’t even playing banjo compared to my new Recording King! I didn’t even know this brand existed, thank you for suggesting it!
So glad I could help!!
Hey Jim, I'm a new viewer and had been watching your videos in preparation of receiving the first banjo I've ever touched. Its for my younger brother, but thanks to you, I knew exactly what to do and how to set it up for playing. We like your style-- You have my thanks; Wishing you health and happiness always
I'm glad I could help!
Been watching your videos in preparation of getting into Banjo for the first time! Your passion is infectious and absolutely love your videos.
Thanks from the cold northern reaches of Canada!
Thanks ☺️
My brothers and kin get together on weekends to play mountain music after a week of work in the sawmills. My brothers seem to be busy with other things to teach me how to play the banjo!..but thanks to jim im learning the banjo...dont take me wrong I love playing the guitar but sense ive picked up the banjo its been a blessing thanks to jim, but I still have a long road ahead of me several more lessons to go....from the Appalachian mountains of ky, thank you mr. Jim for everything my friend...
Thanks for letting me teach you!
Brilliant stuff. I am on the brink of buying a banjo. I think you may have saved me a lot of time and tears. Thank you and God bless. UK Steve
Glad I could help 😀
Hey Mr Pankey,
I know you will be happy,
I just received my new
Recording King 0T25 banjo today, hard case comes next wed, they say..
Will take it slow on setup, cause this is my first one.
On this one, the bridge is standing up already..
Going to buy a few new wrenches tomorrow, that will help with adjustments...
Focusing on claw hammer style.. be watching your videos over & over many times.. Thankyou for all you do , to help folks with there instruments and the beginning steps...😊😊😊
Will keep you informed as I learn & make small adjustments when needed..
Awesome!
at 13:06 that's some very helpful information. tuning your D string at the 12th fret. to see if it's in tune. never knew that!
Glad I could help 😀
Hello hello hello, it sure is an awesome opportunity to find you doing this great videos on banjos. I just received my very first banjo and started out with your lessons as well. Iv asked about the bridge setting on BanjoHangout and received a few different reply’s than this video. But now I Know. But something very particular happened to me as I removed the resonator from my GT CC 100+-- I like the way it sounds when I tried claw hammer strumming. Oh Yeah, that’s just beautiful right there. And to add to that- my social finger and pinky are bent in due to separate accidents, can’t straighten them out. Which leads to trouble placing one or two fingers on the head for picking. I’m glad I caught this video- all kidding aside- I like your approach and teaching of the banjo and had to hear this one too. Thx- Hooties playing banjo
Thanks for watching ☺️
Hey there Jim! I’ve been watching your videos since late last night anticipating the delivering of my beginner banjo tomorrow! I will admit that setting the bridge scared me until I watched this video. Thank you so much for the information. I can not wait to start the beginner courses tomorrow! I was an 8th grade US History Teacher for 14 years and I have to tell you that I LOVE your teaching style! Wish me luck!
You've totally got this! Keep me posted on your progress.
Well!!! My Vango Banjo was delivered yesterday around 3:00 “Texas” time. I successfully set the bridge and tuned her up, thanks to your video! I had already watched your beginner videos all the way through several times. I stayed up until 2:00 this morning and have been very successful through video 4! I have the high and low parts of Cripple Creek down AND they sound very good. Now, that being said, they are slow but accurate. I’ll keep you posted!! You are an amazing resource and an awesome teacher. Thank you sir! I’ve been trying to play the guitar for two years. I can not strum to save my life. I already sound better and have picked the banjo up faster in one day than in two years with the guitar! 😆 I’ll keep you posted!
Thanks Jim, got a new one coming Friday. Really helps to know what to expect.
New banjo day!!! 😊
Great video Jim. I used this video along with your video for changing strings when I pulled out an old banjo that had been stored for several years. Sounds like a new instrument now. Thanks!
Glad I could help!
I'm just about to buy my first Banjo & you have answered all of my questions in one video.
Thanks!
Thanks. Glad I could help.
Just got a new banjo, this video was perfect. Helped to set it he baby up right. Mine came set up ok, but the bridge needed adjusting (everything went # on the 12th). Thank you immensely for showing how to do that. Be well Jim! Best, -gregory
Glad it helped!
Got this banjo!!! Just for Christmas! I am so excited because the other was a loaner.
Awesome!
Hey Jim! I was getting ready to ask for a "maintenance" video from you. I recently replaced strings, snugged the head, adjusted the tail piece and adjusted the truss rod. I sure would have appreciated a Jim Pankey video explaining all of this to me before I started. Luckily I did not kill my banjo in the process. Great video! Thanks!
I've been meaning to do this for a long time. Sorry I took so long.
@@JimPankey I was NOT throwing rocks. :-) My banjo playing has improved a lot, thanks to you. Just completed the 10th beginning lessons and having fun as well. Thank you again!
Hello I started your beginer banjo 2 days ago and it's the best I have found to help me
Thanks for letting me teach you ☺️
Getting my first banjo today, thanks for helping me transition some of my guitar luthier skills to the things I had no idea about with a banjo! ;) Love your channel!
Glad I could help. Have fun!
Thank you for the lessons and all the great information,love watching your videos,,Ian learning so much,thank you again.
Thanks for watching 😊
Very helpful video! I got my banjo at Guitar Center and this video helped position the bridge properly and tighten the head. It’s much more playable now!
Glad it helped!
Hi Jim excellent video, easy to follow with your dialogue
Thanks
Great video Jimbo, I've a couple of deering goodtimes, one open back and the other not. The resonater one I've had for 3 years and has lost a bit of its punch. I change the strings regularly and have been changing brands to see if lifts it a bit. I'll definitely be adjusting the head.
Many thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge, Davy.
I’m betting that head adjustment will work!
Love your work Mr. Pankey, just got my first banjo via freight and this vid is packed full of top advice. Darwin, Australia.
Glad I could help 😀
I changed my bridge on my banjo with a compensation bridge. It helps my banjo make make the notes more accurate. I also use a drum dial tuner on the head to get more even pressure on the head to produce the best tone possible.
Just tightened up my drum and was playing much better! Thanks!
Glad it helped!
Nice case! I "upgraded" a Fender bottlecap with a DAM Bridge and a Presto Tailpiece, adjusted the action (sounds a lot better than stock now) and just now starting lesson 2 after 10 years of cheap banjo 'ownership'. Broke my left elbow and wrist and it's hard to supinate my wrist so I have to fret with the neck almost vertical, but your method seems easy enough to accomplish! Maybe if I can get better I'll buy an RK! :D THANKS for the lesson videos! I Love your style of teaching sir...
Thanks for watching!
Your a superstar!!!! Thankyou so much for this video!!!!...got my first banjo yesterday..I play guitar so now I'm on the Sunnyside hahaha
Glad I could help 😊
Thank you so much for posting and explaining the setup. I started learning about a year ago from your you tube videos. (Yep I have purchased items from your store) I have a entry ADM banjo and have been learning without knowing things in this video. After following the setup, and a crap ton of truss rod adjustment, it is a night and difference in the playability and overall sound. Not quite as nice as a banjo in one of the local pawn shops, but not far off.
Glad I could help!
I remember unboxing my Deering Sierra few yrs back. Man what thrill openin that case for the 1st time and just seein it after a 3 month wait.. Nothin like it!! Little tunin and she was rdy to go..
New Banjo Day, is always a good day!
The paper on the neck/ strings is a special paper that keeps moisture and humidity away . Same kind of paper is on a lot of machined metal parts I used to receive when I worked at a Caterpillar dealership . Great video as always sir !
Thanks 😊
Hey again, Jim! Just got my RK Dirty 30s today 😁 this video was instrumental (literally) in my choice. Thanks again, sir, and a Happy New year!
Glad I could help! 😊
That was fascinating.. I didn't think there was so much to do when setting up a new banjo but its also handy to know when buying a second hand one... Im going to dig mine out from behind the couch and have a look at everything you just did in your video.. Thanks so much..
Glad it was helpful!
Hey Jim, thanks for all of the great advice on this video, you're a star! I have found it at just the right time as I am waiting for my new banjo to arrive in a few days time, it's only a cheap one but you have to start somewhere don't you. Looks like I will be going through this video again to set the Banjo up when it arrives to see how good I can get it to sound thanks to your help and advice.
Glad I can help 😊
Santa brought me that banjo today! I’m off to the Pankey lessons!!
New banjo day is the best day ever! Keep me posted on your progress.
This is super helpful. I’m waiting on my banjo to be delivered!
Have fun!
I think I'll be having a look at my bridge setup again, thanks for posting
It’s good to check. 😊
I remember when I ordered a banjo thru amazon and when I took it out of the box the neck was broke at the headstock. They made it good though. Had to wait a few more weeks. The box it came in looked like it was either thrown in the shipping truck or crushed somewhere in route...
I’ve had similar problems over the years.
I just got my first banjo: Recording King Songster. Thanks for the guide
The Songster is a great banjo to start with!
Another great learning session video . Thank you Jim !
Glad you enjoyed it
Hi Jim, I’m here following your advice😀🌷
Thanks for watching ☺️
mine just came., after 20 years of open bcks, I am going on the dark side thankful to have jim here for my "unboxing.?"
Keep me posted on your progress. 😊
Good morning Jim. Just wanted to tell you how relieved I am. I've watched a number of your videos and all this time I've wondered if you could walk. I think this is the first time I've ever seen you standing in one of your videos. I was shocked when I started watching this one. Seriously, this is one of the most informative and complete instructionals on instrument setup I've ever seen. Keep up the good work, my friend.
Glad you’re relieved, but most folks teach sitting down. Glad you’re enjoying the lessons.
@@JimPankey Sitting down yes, but on the floor, not to much. 🙂
@@MrMusic32150 I guess I just didn't understand why you thought I couldn't walk. With that logic, pretty much all banjo teachers online could be in the same boat....
@@JimPankey Sadly, everyone doesn't get my warped sense of humor....sometimes I wonder if there's any sense to it! (It was funny when I thought it...oh well). Anyway, I would like to applaud the fact that you read ALL of your comments, most of which actually make sense. 🙂 BTW, I ordered some of the picks you suggested. Thanks.
thank you. you're new banjo looks good I executed as you suggested and found tape in places I had not thought to look. "what else do you need?" maybe a neck strap if you intend to stand up?
I appreciate sowing how to change the tension on your bongo to make it a banjo
Yup, you'll need a strap.
Beautiful banjo
Hey Jim, tightened the head, really popping again, thanks, Davy
Awesome!!
@@JimPankey hey Jim when you're waiting on a guitar to come in in the last year even till now today this year how long does it take him to get a guitar in for you
@@JimPankey well I'm sorry waiting on a banjo to come in
Harv…. Kinda depends on where it’s coming from, but usually no more than a week.
@@JimPankey Okay thank you Jim have a good evening
hi jim and thanks for the info
You’re welcome!
This solved every problem I had. Thank you, sir.
Glad it helped
Great help! Thanks Jim!
You’re welcome 😊
Marvellous, very informative, well done Jim. Still can't get my head around frailing, sounds a load of rubbish when I do it.
It takes a while to finally get it to sound right. You can do it!
Good info Jim. Thanks for the great demo.
Glad it was helpful!
It looks like my RK-R20 around the resonater . Sounds good. My bridge isn't straight either. That's fine. As long as it rings like a bell.
The brown paper is probably impregnated with an anti-corrosive compound (or light grease / oil) that prevents the strings from rusting.
I think you may be right.
Mr + Mrs Sheridan
Thanks for the video
Mine is from Binghamton.- New York
Mrs. S
You're welcome!
Great unboxing video! Real-world!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you I got way too much space in between I don't even know how you say it I'm just still figuring this out but the neck and the strings
You’re welcome 😊
Hey man i have a old ibanez 70s ish and ive rebuilt it but i.e head tension hoop tailpeice bridge etc... but had no clue how to set it up in the slightest but this helped alot and its nearly there
So glad I could help!
I have a Washburn B8k banjo, and It look like that, except the white trim is black and my resonator holes aren't honeycomb!
There are a few other differences, but your banjo should serve you well! Thanks for watching.
Very educational. New player. This is very helpful! 😊 thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Your videos are great!! Keep them coming! 😊
Thanks 😊
GREAT! -just what I was looking for: bridge, tailpiece, head, truss rod (relief), and coordinator rod (action). I’m left wondering how to manage dual coordinator rods, but hey this is the first vid I found and includes 90% of what I need to know. Much appreciated, Jim.
On the dual system, you only adjust the rod that I talk about in this video (the one closest to you).
@@JimPankey Well thanks man that truly was the last thing. I said 90? Meant to say 100.
Your banjo videos are awsome
Thanks 😊
I happened to get the same banjo but without the resonator just yesterday so it worked out that I'd find this video
Great!!
The paper around the strings will be anti corrosive, the inside has rust/corrosion inhibitors added to the paper
Thanks!!
Jim your the best!
Thanks ☺️
the best i,ve seen so far .thank you
Thanks for watching 😊
Ordered mine today🙂
Congrats!
@@JimPankey thank you
Takes me back to when I got my new banjo over the summer. Even after I got it set up to the best of my abilities, it still sounded kind of dead for a few days. Maybe because it had spent a while not being played regularly.
They certainly need to be played. :)
@@JimPankey I forgot to ask, how do you judge the position of your bridge left to right? Do you just eyeball it?
Yup, I just eyeball it.
The brown paper keeps the strings from rubbing the fretboard during transit.
Thanks
I would have liked to watch this one first, as I have been chasing my picks all over the tune up(or they are chasing me). it doesn't want to stay in tune
I took the resonator off and some the the lugs were not even finger tight. those I turned to resistance, the other that had tension I turned 1/2 turn!!
Glad I could help.
@@JimPankey I don't know where to go from here,
@@JimPankey I am having trouble with the finger roll, say on the 4,3,1 roll which finger on the 4, on the 3 and I assume the middle finger on One??
Merry Christmas!
Same to you!
I just received my first banjo yesterday - a Deering Good Time II. I've only just tried to pick according to your Beginner Bluegrass Lesson 1 for a couple of minutes so far. This weekend I'll sit down with it and check all the fitment and tuning as you describe here. I'm wearing my finger picks just trying to get used to them on my fingers. I feel like the blade of my thumb pick (Dunlop) is too long. Do they come in shorter lengths? Or do I just need to get used to it? Thank you for producing these videos!
You can shorten the thumb pick, but I’m betting you can get used to it.
There are other pick options... Fred Kelly makes a short thumb pick that a lot of folks like.
Keep me posted on your progress.
@@JimPankey - And now I need to work on my picking hand positioning. I'm not yet getting a good 'pinch' on the #1 string. It all takes time to develop the muscle memory I suppose.
Brilliant video!
Thanks
well shoot, there you are. I got the least expensive banjo I could find on amazon, to replace my dropped banjo. I got the kmise open back, which reminds me of my first cheap banjo, a trinity river, It was really light, and easy for someone to walk off with. My new cheap banjo, came with a broken bridge. I was wondering, what you think of replacement banjo bridges, and about two footed and three footed bridges, compensated bridges? and what do you think about plastic nuts, and bone nuts? do you know those open tuners aren't cheap, unless they are cheap? I had no idea those things can cost more than a cheap banjo. thanks for the video.
Hopefully it’ll serve you until you’re ready to upgrade again.
Thanks, just what the doctor ordered! I just got another banjo after selling one for bills and missing it. Also: I keep wanting to know what kind of shoes those are (the person shoes you have on your feet, hehe). I keep seeing them and don't know what they are. The unlikely dad-superhero even wears them in the movie "Secret Headquarters" (when he's not in his extraterrestrial costume).
They’re Clark’s amzn.to/3OAyuXM
The paper around the strings acts, to a degree, as a humidity barrier during transport probably.
Thanks. Yeah, I’ve since learned it’s a corrosion barrier.
This was so helpful thank you!
Glad it was helpful 😊
Wow. That’s nice case.
I liked it. I hope whoever wound up with it did too. :)
thank you this was so so helpful
Glad I could help 😊
Greetings from the UK! What would you go for between the RK Dirty Thirties open-back Vs Gold Tone AC-1 open-back?
Definitely the RK
@@JimPankey Interesting! I was leaning toward the Gold Tone but since I am a novice I think I will take your expert advice. Thank you very much, Mr Pankey!
@@Ivy21683 I just have a hard time recommending a composite rim banjo (plastic). With the RK you get a good wooden rim.
So informative Jim, thx man
Glad it was helpful!
@@JimPankey Yeah, I came across one of your beginning banjo lessons, and they were so helpful, that I finally have picked it up, surprisingly well. I got a long way to go, but your videos and over all enthusiasm gave me so much encouragement. Now, this ole banjo that has been laying around for years, has been played everyday since I stumbled across your videos. Thx again man
I got a banjo for my birthday
Congratulations! Keep me posted on your progress. 😊
Hello Jim, hope your having a great day! I recently got this banjo and I’m having an issue adjusting the action. I tried what you said in this video but it didn’t seem to work, do you have any idea what could be happening,
Many thanks
What height is the action now? Do you want to lower it, or raise it?
Right now it is 6mm at the 12th fret and I would like to Lower it. But if you think that’s a good hight then that’s fine. Thank you
(I’m fairly new to banjo so I don’t know how the action should be sorry)
That’s a little high….
As in the video, be sure the truss rod is adjusted properly.
Then you can adjust the coordinator rod … I do talk about that too….
but, in short, working on the opposite side of the rim from the neck - loosen the inside nut and tighten the outside nut of the coordinator rod.
I’m sure there are other videos that cover this specific adjustment.
Thank you very much, I’ll have another go at it and see how it goes thanks.
Great music
Thanks
Legendary! Thanks man you are awesome
Glad I could help 😊
I always look forward to your videos , im curious about your tuner, what brand is it
amzn.to/414oaNc
Strongly considering the recording king dirty thirties banjo. Where is a good source to buy. Not sure if I want to use amazon or ebay
Look at places that specialize in banjos. Banjoteacher.com, banjoben, etc…
@@JimPankey thank you sir
Hey Mr Pankey, so I purchased a very very inexpensive 5 string mini banjo to see if I liked it and would stick w it before I invested more money on a decent one. My question for you is, do u have any recommendations for a decent beginner banjo that doesn't break the bank? Or is that like looking for a unicorn? I like the mini for its ease of picking it up and trying to practice when I have a few spare minutes between looking after my little ones. But if there's no such thing as a decent, affordable mini, I'd take recommendations on a full size starter. I love your style of teaching by the way. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us :)
I really like the Recording King Dirty 30s
@@JimPankey should've finished listening to your video before asking 🤦. Thank you for your response non the less :)
Hey Jim! Well I’m getting a bit better at this, but I wonder if you can tell us how to tell if the action on our banjos is two high. Seems to me I get dead notes a lot around the 5th fret and watching other play on RUclips, they don’t push all that hard on with their pinky and still get clear notes.
I generally like my action to be 1/8” above the 12th fret.
I’ll check that in the morning. I’ve got good callouses now, and I’m getting clear notes above 5, and as long as I’m pressing fairly hard with my first index, social and ring fingers, but it seems to hard to get a clear note with the pinky.
Jim, do you anything differently with the setup for playing clawhammer? The only thing I'm thinking might be a little different is the string height and maybe a tiny bit less tension on the head to get a mellower tone.
I use the same string height but a little heavier string. Head tension varies depending on the particular banjo.
Hi Jim .. That was a great video on a banjo set up, I have been doing lots of your lessons and am still just a beginner and learning from you, you are a great teacher and you have been recommended from other banjo players whom I met up here in Canada. I have decided to upgrade from my beginner Banjo (Fender) and am getting a new Recording King RK76 Elite next week from Mhyers Music in Edmonton Alberta Canada, I have been waiting months for it. I am hoping it will be set up professionally when I get it however your video has advised me what to check for but am very afraid to try and set it up myself, if required I will have it done by a professional. Just one question with the RK76 having a longer neck than a standard banjo should the bridge still be measured to the 12th fret of the neck. Any other advice you can offer on the RK76 would be appreciated.
Congrats on the 76. Yes, the bridge placement is still the same.
Nice. Very helpful, sir. Would this be a good beginners Banjo?
Yup! It’s what I always recommend.
@@JimPankey Great. Thanks very much! An RK Dirty 30's it is, then. Banjo has to have the most pleasing sound of any instrument, especially when it's in the company of a mandolin and a fiddle.
I am watching with interest and enjoying very much your extremely useful practical explanations from a very distant place (Slovakia - central Europe). Back in 1971, I became Slovakia's first 5-string banjo player. Needless to say, I was very proud of being a banjo pioneer in what at that time had been a communist country. My banjo (FRAMUS) had to be smuggled in from Western Germany. Its quality was rather poor, however. I am now in two minds as to what 5-string banjo to order from banjo dealers in my part of the world, to be my companion for the rest of my life. Eiher an RK-35 banjo or an ORTEGA OBJ750-MA. Both are made in China. Have you had any experiences with Ortega banjos?
Get the RK. The Ortega isn’t anywhere near the quality of the RK35.
@@JimPankey Many thanks for your reply to my comment and question
This Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting depressing lockdowns have redirected people's attention and interests towards such old and almost forgotten hobbies of one's youth as learning to play a musical instrument or improving the skills that one used to have 30 years ago as a musician. Growing old with the musical instrument that one used to love as a young man is only natural. Old love never dies.
Jim if you get a new banjo shipped to you with bad tuners . How would you handle the issue ? Also where would you start ? Would you just go ahead and change the tuners yourself ?
I guess it depends on what we’re calling bad.
If they’re not functional then taken it up with the person you bought it from.
If they’re just not you favorite or you don’t like them maybe replace them with something you like, or return the banjo and buy a banjo with tuners you like….
Hey Jim, I'm wanting to build myself a banjolin. The price of rim, head, rings is dreadfully expensive. I mean over 500 bucks. Hell, I could almost buy a bjlin for that price and save myself the work. Also, what sort of compensation rod(s) do I need ? As an aside, the neck blank I have made up is a 5 piece laminate that is gonna be so stiff a truck could drive on it. Cheers, my friend. Bob in Montana
I’m not the right person to ask about building…. Never done it.
thank you for this video!!!
You're so welcome!
What’s the best type/brand of banjo for a very beginner who just wants to learn to play. But a durable banjo that you can bring on the road and can last.
Check out the Dirty 30s line from Recording King
"it's not rocket surgery" - the voice of a man with experience right there 8)) One thing that caught my eye, it didn't look like the bridge was completely perpendicular to the head - can you speak to the importance of that?
Some bridges are made where they lean back a little toward the tailpiece.
Deering banjos has the spikes for $5.00 for 12 spikes. Probably have a video on installing as well.
Hi Jim!
Thanks for all your vids!
I know you mostlky do bluegrass stuff on here, but you ever feel like teaching some Irish tunes?
I know strictly, it's not usually done an a 5 string, but maybe there is room for some 5 string players to join the party.
I don’t really play any Irish tunes.
Love This
Thanks 😊