pkcconstrictors - Posted - 03/22/2026:  07:33:42

I have a Johnson-080 that was given to me. It needs a new neck but the design on this one has a screw going through the heel to attach to the coordinating rod. So my question is could I just replace the coordinating rod so that it would attach like most necks or would that cause a problem. I'm a guitar guy, I'm comfortable doing stuff like this but this is new to me.

The Old Timer - Posted - 03/22/2026:  07:55:32

Please post photos for better advice.

pinenut - Posted - 03/22/2026:  10:26:18

reverb.com/item/2252068-johnso...tor-banjo

Old Hickory - Posted - 03/22/2026:  10:59:29

Does this appear to have the same attachment?

banjonz - Posted - 03/22/2026:  13:41:12

quote:

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Originally posted by pkcconstrictors

I have a Johnson-080 that was given to me. It needs a new neck but the design on this one has a screw going through the heel to attach to the coordinating rod. So my question is could I just replace the coordinating rod so that it would attach like most necks or would that cause a problem. I'm a guitar guy, I'm comfortable doing stuff like this but this is new to me.

Yes, a single wood screw goes through a hole in the heel as per photo. Because the string action can be adjusted via the large nut (compresses or expands the rim), the screw through the heel can get bent due to the tension on it. Sometimes it is almost impossible to get it out.

The design of this is very basic and works good. I have utilized this type of attachment in a few old banjos (but without the co-ord rod. I call it a floating dowel. I made up an attachment bolt which I flattened on end and drilled a hole for a metal pin (made from a shortened nail) and attached the pin through a hole I drilled in the bottom of the heel then attached the neck to the rim using a steel washer and nut.

 

Helix - Posted - 03/22/2026:  19:17:07

Hi, welcome to the hangout.



Keep the old coordinator rod and turn buckle.

The photo that Banjonz is showing you MAY be correct. The later Recording Kings used a straight screw as shown.

Earlier Johnson banjos used a left-handed hook bolt which people used to break off trying to unscrew them. Check the Philips head in the heel of the banjo and see if it has been stressed.



Using the old co-rod will require drilling a hole in the heel of a newer neck. Or you have to plug with a suggested Maple dowel and redrill the new rod just to get to the same place. Thus my suggestion to keep the old one and use the turn buckle to adjust the action if necessary. It will use a 14mm end wrench.

Remember to loosen the little back screw on the co-rod before any adjustments so you don't pull the stud loose, then retighten when done.



What happened to the old neck? Do you have pieces? Glue it back together maybe and save yourself money. And spring for some planetary tuning pegs of the cheap variety or some more expensive Gotoh tuners @ 4:1. The 14:1 guitar tuners are just low budget.



You have a lower spec banjo that can be turned into a fine sounding instrument to learn on and about. It'll have a 13" resonator instead of a 14" like a bluegrass heavy machine.



Shipping and tariffs are the thing to research now, wow.  The replacement neck looks good but maybe some reshaping will be required for the heel to attach correctly.

You ar ewelcome to contact me off forum.  Here's a picture of CHANCE THE BANJO taking a nap.

Edited by - Helix on 03/22/2026 19:19:47

AT THE BANJO HANGOUT WITH FRIENDS CAPO, PIX & STRAP

 

pkcconstrictors - Posted - 03/23/2026:  08:33:35

quote:

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Originally posted by Old Hickory

Does this appear to have the same attachment?

 

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Yes

Old Hickory - Posted - 03/23/2026:  10:11:05

quote:

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Originally posted by pkcconstrictors

quote:

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Originally posted by Old Hickory

Does this appear to have the same attachment?

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Yes

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Then you might ask the seller if the necessary hardware is inside the heel. Maybe this neck would be a direct replacement.

Otherwise, you could buy a new or used neck with a heel cut for no flange (11-inch outside diameter rim) or with no cut at all and work on that yourself. You might need a replacement coordinator rod and the matching bolt for the heel.

Gold Tone sells several inexpensive necks.  I think the CC100 and BG150 neck would be most likely to work with your banjo. The BG150 neck heel appears to be pre-radused. I can't tell about the CC100. Both would need a hanger bolt.

Joel Hooks - Posted - 03/23/2026:  10:31:10

Did the banjo fall off of a stand and break the peghead? Why do you need a new neck?

With banjos at this level, replacing the neck will cost more than replacing the entire banjo.

Old Hickory - Posted - 03/23/2026:  13:45:13

Correcting myself:

You have the neck attachment hardware. So the neck on eBay for $89 shipped looks like your best deal. No telling how soon you might a used one for less. And you're are not likely to find a new one of this type at all.