westsideryan - Posted - 05/29/2014:  18:10:03

Howdy,

Could someone kindly fill me in on how the dowel stick on an OME banjo works?  Is there a long bolt that runs through the end of the pot (by the tailpiece), through the dowel stick and into the neck?  Also, it looks like there are washers.  By adding or subtracting these can you somehow change the angle of the neck?  If so, wouldn't this also put the pot out of round?

Thanks much,

Ryan

greenhorn - Posted - 05/29/2014:  18:17:31

I think you mean coordinator rods. Read some of these posts and see if it gets you on the right track: banjohangout.org/pages/search....or%20rods

westsideryan - Posted - 05/29/2014:  18:40:47

Not coordinator rods, they have dowel sticks like a Romero banjo.  Here are some pictures: 

Edited by - westsideryan on 05/29/2014 18:43:22

grm405 - Posted - 05/29/2014:  18:56:12

The OME dowel stick is not coordinator rods.  

Exactly how it works is not been discussed that I am aware of, although the similar Gold Tone system has been.  

banjohangout.org/archive/275140

From the discussion above it seems like a rather complicated way to do it and still uses the rather weak lag in the end grain of the neck to hold everything together.  A hollow dowel with a coordinator rod running thru it into a barrel nut in the heel (AKA Rudy's system) would seem to be a much better system.  I have used it for 3 banjo conversions or repairs and it works extremely well and produces a VERY sturdy and stable neck connection.  I have no idea why companies/luthiers (other than Ken LeVan) have not jumped on it.  I suspect they will eventually.

Gerry

Edited by - grm405 on 05/29/2014 18:57:12

chip arnold - Posted - 05/29/2014:  18:57:02

Contact OME for a definitive answer. They're friendly and helpful folks. omebanjos.com/

westsideryan - Posted - 05/29/2014:  19:09:01

I actually already sent them an email.  

The stick in my banjo is a little loose and although I highly doubt it will cause any major damage, I don't want to risk it.  It seems to tighten a little if turn the dowel clockwise, but I decided not to do anything more until I know how it actually works!

olsneelock - Posted - 05/29/2014:  19:41:30

Don't hesitate to call them. They're really nice.  Beautiful banjo btw.

Edited by - olsneelock on 05/29/2014 19:42:18

westsideryan - Posted - 05/29/2014:  19:58:04

quote:

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Originally posted by olsneelock

Don't hesitate to call them. They're really nice.  Beautiful banjo btw.

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Maybe I'll give them a call tomorrow afternoon if I don't get an email by then.  Neither of the pictures that I posted are of my banjo (I just pulled them off the web), but mine does look like the 1st photo except that is a 12".  

kmwaters - Posted - 05/30/2014:  07:19:55

info@omebanjos.com will most likely be answered by Tanya, daughter of founder Chuck Ogsbury, and she is responsive and knowledgeable.

westsideryan - Posted - 05/30/2014:  10:46:30

Thanks!  I just double checked and that's were I sent my email to.