setup question for Yates RS

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216 Members, Created 1/27/2011 -

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From jtadams on 10/26/2011 6:37:53 PM

Thank you Warren for you comments on banjo setup. One final question that I have, for anybody, involves action. I used a drum dial to set the head to about 90. In doing so, could I have raised the action? It seems that the strings are higher now above the 22nd fret. Is there a rule of thumb for distance the strings should be above the 12th and 22nd fret for a normal action?

I was wondering now that the action is higher, what sequence does one go through to check head, coordinator rods, and truss rod, to ensure a tuned head and the right action? Especially if the head adjustment effects the action.

3 Comments
	banjoboy1935 says: 10/27/2011 3:40:37 AM Yes the head adjustment has to affect the action so that if you slacken the head the bridge will sink into it and lower the action or vice-versa. So it sounds like your head was slack and you tightened it to where it should be.Your drum dial setting is certainly not overtightening the head and should put you near to G# as well as giving you an even tension over the head. My banjo with a Yates ring sounds great at a setting of 91 and the head is G#. Roger Siminoff's book on banjo set up goes into tap tuning and set-up in depth. My view is that if you are getting a great sound at that drum dial setting (90) then it must be good! The question then is whether the action suits you too. Personally I don't like low action and prefer to get a clear sound without any hint of fret buzz. I like light strings and a 5/8 bridge. I also like a reasonable amount of relief on the neck which contributes to a higher action and a clean sound. So action is affected by head tension, string gauge, tailpiece angle, neck relief, bridge height and co-ordinator rod tension and the fit/cut of the neck heel. Rodger's book explains all of this in great detail - however I would say that if you are happy with tone and playability at this drum dial setting then leave it well alone and just play the beast.
	jtadams says: 12/26/2011 8:33:19 AM Thank you banjoboy. How high do you have your 3rd string over the 12th fret? Mine is around 3/16ths and it makes it a little more difficult playing up the neck.
	JohnTheWhite says: 11/1/2013 12:59:10 PM Here is something to check. The base of the bridge needs to be exactly parallel to the plane of the head. If it is the action will be minimum consistent with all of the other settings. Adjusting the tailpiece lower, for example, will tilt the top of the bridge toward the peg head. The bridge position, which should be adjusted after every other change including the string gauge, should not be changed by simply sliding the bridge top along the strings. The base also needs to move the same distance. If the action is lowered by tightening the coordinator rod(s) the scale will be lengthened. This is evidenced by the pitch of the string rising. To compensate the string needs to be loosened and the bridge needs to move toward the peg head.
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