Ybanjo - Posted - 03/23/2026:  12:32:39

I have a 1977 Stelling Starflower that has too much bow in the neck. I tightened the truss rod as far as I feel comfortable and it's still not flat enough. I was told this banjo had sat in a basement for many years and the owner just gave it to a kid who wants to learn to play. That's how I ended up with it for set-up.

I can clamp down to make it straight, easily. But the truss rod is as tight as I feel comfortable with it. I guess my question is would it be advisable to crank it even more or just call it a bad neck. I'm not sure it the truss rod is capable of going any tighter, or does it just run out of threads. I do a lot of set-up work but I don't do banjo repairs unless pretty simple. Certainly not truss rod replacement, if it breaks.

Any advice of where to go from here???

Bob Smakula - Posted - 03/23/2026:  13:55:12

If the fretboard Is ebony, heat pressing the neck will likely do the job. But if the fretboard is from the "Ebanol" era, a new fretboard is my recommended option. I have not had any luck with straightening necks with Ebanol fretboards.



Bob Smakula

smakulafrettedinstruments.com

Vega Regent On Neck Press

 

Ybanjo - Posted - 03/23/2026:  14:04:16

quote:

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Originally posted by Bob Smakula

If the fretboard Is ebony, heat pressing the neck will likely do the job. But if the fretboard is from the "Ebanol" era, a new fretboard is my recommended option. I have not had any luck with straightening necks with Ebanol fretboards.



Bob Smakula

smakulafrettedinstruments.com

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When you put the neck under pressure, how long do you leave it, and what kind of heat do you use??

If it actually straightened out using this method, will it stay.  The truss rod is already at it's limit.  I'm not sure if it's just running out of threads or just getting too tight, but it just doesn't turn any further.  I put the neck under clamps, just about like you did, when I adjusted the truss rod, so there shouldn't have been any pressure on the rod from the neck.  It still hit bottom.   Do truss rods typically have just a limited amount of threads??

Bob Smakula - Posted - 03/23/2026:  14:21:33

The neck press has a heating element. I put it on a timer for about 20 minutes.

If you think you have hit the bottom of the threads, remove the nut and add a spacer.

Bob Smakula

Ybanjo - Posted - 03/23/2026:  14:25:43

quote:

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Originally posted by Bob Smakula

The neck press has a heating element. I put it on a timer for about 20 minutes.



If you think you have hit the bottom of the threads, remove the nut and add a spacer.



Bob Smakula

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That's a good idea!  I don't know why I didn't think of that!  That would at least answer the question of whether or not it running out of threads.  Thanks!!