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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/282344
acousticmadman - Posted - 03/29/2014: 19:42:24
I want to straighten the neck on a B&D 1931 Senorita, It has celluloid on the fingerboard. My local tech guy said he normally heats the necks up and straightens them out. However, he said this method would destory or damage the celluloid on the fingerboard. I am looking for suggestions. Thanks.
Edited by - Texasbanjo on 03/30/2014 05:35:18
brunomathilda - Posted - 03/29/2014: 19:55:54
You probably can remove the celluloid ,each section is glued on the neck.
I have seen plenty coming loose before.
Remove ,save ,straighten up ,re glue and voila
rudykizuty - Posted - 03/30/2014: 05:22:53
What Jean said. Although, to have a professional luthier do that work might amount to more money than the banjo is worth on the market. It depends on your desire to act as a preservationist in saving a wonderful vintage banjo and returning it to playability.
With the latter in mind, I would also add that reinforcing the neck with a carbon fiber rod would be a good idea to save it from a repeat of the same problem down the road.
Good luck and please keep us posted on what you decide.
Edited by - rudykizuty on 03/30/2014 05:27:10
SFI - Posted - 03/30/2014: 06:06:14
As you know, celluloid fretboards are problematic. The celluloid will shrink over time causing the neck to bend. There are 2 neck straightening techniques I have had limited success with, but are worth a try.
Rather than use a regular neck press with electric heat, which is very likely to start a celluloid fire, set the neck on the press, but instead of heating with electricity, put it in a car on a sunny day. The "solar kiln" will slowly heat the neck giving you a chance to bend the neck straight without the higher heat that will cause celluloid damage. I also use the slow cook method on stubborn necks. Not with 100% success, but with enough success that I offer the idea for you to try.
The other method is to refret with wider tang fretwire. Again, that may or may not do the trick, but if you like the banjo, it may let you play it again.
Bob Smakula
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