How to Replace the Banjo Tone Rings in Asian Banjos
- 1). Loosen all the strings. Use a string-winder for speed. You needn't completely remove the strings unless you intend to replace them any way, but they need to be loose as you'll be removing the tailpiece. Removing the tailpiece with fully tensioned strings can cause them to snap.
- 2). Loosen the thumbscrew on the tailpiece clamp. Unfasten the clamp and remove the tailpiece from the head.
- 3). Unfasten all the lugs around the perimeter of the head with a ratchet wrench. This releases the tension of the tension hoop.
- 4). Unfasten each of the tension hooks holding the tension hoop on top of the tone ring. Asian banjos typically have fewer tension hooks than premium American instruments, so this process is actually quicker. The hooks slot through a hole in the tension hoop, applying downward pressure to the tone ring.
- 5). Lift the tension hoop away from the banjo head, this exposes the tone ring.
- 6). Lift off the banjo head and set it to one side.
- 7). Lift the tone ring away from the head. The tone ring sits around the rim of the banjo body, resting on the ledge part of the banjo pan.
- 8). Slot the new tone ring in place around the rim of the banjo body.
- 9). Put the head back onto the body of the banjo and place the tension hoop on top.
- 10
Reattach the hooks to the tone ring. - 11
Fasten each of the lugs you loosened to remove the tension hoop. - 12
Pull the tailpiece down to its original position and slot it into the clamp on the bottom of the banjo body. Tighten the thumbscrew so the clamp grips onto the tailpiece. - 13
Retune all the strings.
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