Goldstar Banjos- Do they need Tweaking?

Here I use the term “machine cut” to explain how the frets are on the Goldstars. That term my be erroneous, as I believe that they may be filled down
by a human hand using a straight file. However, if this is the fact, the fret ends are not what one would consider to be professionally dressed and, in my opinion, require dressing to help eliminate the hard edges left by the file, machined or otherwise.
The string nut as it comes to the customer, is serviceable, but not optimum. It needs to be rounded to remove sharp edges.

[@RKClements]

Hey Don! So waaaaay back in about 1976 or so I was a student of yours. After several lessons, you basically told me I just needed to play with other people, and I attended the Friday night jam sessions at your shop - what an amazing experience. The old pot-metal Kay got me started, but I fell in love with the Gold Star you had in your shop. Had to move away, but about 1978 I finally got my Gold Star, Flying Eagle archtop from when they were still made in Japan. Been picking that banjo for 45 years. Last year I had John Boulding in Mounty Airy, NC give it a thorough cleaning, fixing, and setup and it is just wonderful. Great to find you on RUclips! Thanks for all you taught me!

[@RusnakBanjo]

Very glad to hear from you. Yes, those Gold Stars were, and are great banjos. The early ones made in Japan, seem to be the sought after examples. I still have one myself and it has held its own through countless lessons ( i calculated I’ve taught over 3 thousand- one on one, students and still counting) One long time friend said to me once- “ you’re not the best player out there but you sure can teach”
I like that. Got lots of folks on the right path then our the door on there own. Their love and passion for the banjo will take them to anywhere they want to go after my foundational teaching techniques. Thanks for the note. Keep in touch.
Don Rusnak
703 303 0539
CABOMA founder 1978- present

[@RusnakBanjo]

PS: Gold Stars often need the frets dressed on the ends. IT MAKES A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE - at least for me. The addition of a fret in front of the nut was an improvement on mine. Research Zero Glide from Goldtone.

[@Gonefishing185]

It’s worth mentioning that humidity has a lot to do with how much dressing the frets actually need. Over here in Chicago, we have very dry winters, and it can actually cause frets on a otherwise well adjusted instrument to stick out! Often time instrument owners are told to humidify their instrument before addressing this type of issue. Sometimes just humidifying the instrument properly will solve the issue!

[@bennymcdowell3659]

Did we ever find out what model/year this Goldstar is ?

[@brooklynbanjoboy]

Nice to see you, banjo in hand.

[@lovethatbluegrassmusic9899]

I'm a long time owner of a (1977 or 1978) maple Goldstar banjo with an arched top tone ring. It is in very nice shape and sounds nice. It has Keith tuners, and a Shubb 5th-string capo (installed in Dan Erlewine's shop in about 1980). In about 2018 this banjo was setup by banjo luthier, "Stretch", at Elderly Insruments. I instructed him do whatever he wanted to do with it. He installed a new head, reset the action, replaced one or two frets, tuned the head, polished/waxed the metal, and replaced the strings with Yates brand strings. I put a new Earl Scruggs style strap on it from Jim Mills shop, placed it in a new Superior brand case and has been sitting since that time. I am sick and should sell it. M. Coon. Big Rapids, Michigan.

[@bladerunner9646]

Sorry to hear about your sickness.

[@muttandjeff5213]

Love it Don!

[@williamgrochowalski5151]

Great vidio thanks for doing it

[@bladerunner9646]

Thank you for the review.

[@johnboyette4710]

Did you sale the gold star banjo

[@bernhardnizynski4403]

Nice playing!

[@wyatt1153]

Too long winded. Get to the point.