tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7699728028213730808.post2571093245876266802..comments2023-07-08T05:36:54.653-06:00Comments on The Bluegrass Shack: String Changing RantChris Talleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07599208807629780810noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7699728028213730808.post-60502605261317385032009-07-29T10:10:21.531-06:002009-07-29T10:10:21.531-06:00Yep, getting stuck with the end of a banjo string ...Yep, getting stuck with the end of a banjo string is a lot like being gored by a catfish barb thingy.(probably how the "flathead" banjo got it's name?) I suggest using your capo as a "helping hand" by slipping the loopend over the "nub", pull it snug , then capo the string at about the 5th. fret or so. The string will stay firmly nubbed leaving both hands free to find the hole and less chance of being gored by your banjo. It's also helpful to remove and replace one string at a time. This helps in retuning when your finished. I don't do that though, I figure if its time for new strings, it bath time too.(for the banjo, that is).If you remove all the strings at once, mark arond the bridge with a sharp pointed pencil so you can put it back in the sweet spot when the new strings go on. I buff the fret board with 4aught steel wool and put 5 or 6 drops of boiled linseed oil on a paper towel and rub that into the fretboard, then with a clean paper towel, rub it again until all excess oil is gone. It will look like new and conditions the wood to prevent cracks from forming due to age and "drying out". I also polish and use Q-tips to clean out all the crevaces like the hooks and rim. Wth that said, I have a sad story to tell. I was coming home on monday night after being at Bellrieve park watching the Chris Talley Trio perform and remembered I had to stop at Walgreens for some catfish gore cream. My Gibson rb-250 was in the back seat. I locked up my car and went in. When I came out, the back window was smashed in and there was another banjo in the back seat with mine!Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00002570709249220535noreply@blogger.com