Banjo repairs and banjo parts

Set-ups

Banjos, being made of lots of different parts, have an inherent tendency to move around with the vibrations created by playing them.  Threads come loose, parts stretch, nuts, bridges & frets wear down and all manner of small bits & pieces need adjustment.  This can be compared to the normal processes of wear and tear on a motor vehicle - you need to have your banjo (as well your car!) serviced from time to time.  Even the most beautifully and carefully made instruments will need a periodic "set-up" to keep them playing at their best.  One way to do this is to bring your instrument down to the shop and I'll look over it and see what needs to be done.  In most cases, it will be a matter of a few adjustments, a general "tightening-up" and the replacement of a couple of inexpensive but vital parts.  This can usually be done on a "while-you-wait" basis and normally costs between £20 and £50, depending on the type of banjo and what needs to be done.

If you can't get to the shop, you can send the banjo to me by post or carrier (a well packed banjo is very robust).  I'll check it over, contact you with an estimate and then carry out the work and return the banjo to you by Securicor Omega.  This is a very reliable service which costs only £10 on the UK mainland and which will deliver your banjo back to you in peak playing order!

Repairs  

If your banjo has had a knock or is playing very badly, it may need rather more than just a "set-up" job.  The system is much the same as for "set-ups" except that it is less likely (though not impossible) that the job can be done on a "while-you-wait" basis.  It all depends on what needs to be done. Most jobs can be turned round fairly quickly and a replacement instrument on temporary hire can often be provided for those who cannot bear (or afford!) to be without a banjo!  Costs vary according to the work necessary but will always be fully estimated and agreed before the work is carried out.

Restorations

Banjos which have deteriorated to the point where they are barely playable (or even unplayable) will probably need a complete rebuild and restoration.  This is often a good deal less expensive than you might think. It is usually cost effective on most classic instruments unless they are very badly battered indeed.  Again, the system is much as for "set-ups" & "repairs" except that restorations always take a while.  An approximate delivery date is always provided with the estimate for the costs.

Other servicing  

In addition to "set-ups", "repairs" & "restorations", I also carry out conversions (tenor banjos fitted with 5-string necks etc) and modifications (tone rings fitted, resonators added etc).  Whatever sort of job you want done, contact me for an estimate!

It's worth bearing in mind that I have a huge number of bits of old banjos in stock - as well as the very wide range of modern parts on my "Spare Parts" list.  I can't list these vintage parts on the site as there are simply too many of them.  I can often restore a vintage banjo using genuine period parts which are identical to lost originals.  This is a good deal more economical than having to make brand new reproduction parts from scratch - though I can do that too, if need be!

I've lost track of the exact number of banjos that I've rebuilt, refurbished or restored over the years. I know (from my own stock records) that I've done over 1400 "stock" items but this leaves out the jobs I've done on customer's instruments.  These probably add about half as many again.  By now, there are very few types of banjo that I haven't had through my workshop.  Every job that comes in gets the benefit of this level of experience and expertise which I believe few people in the UK can match.

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