I'm all about reusing materials and being green. I'm also about being primitive. So, in the process of making my one string I'm wondering what to use for a tuner. I really don't want to use a regular guitar tuner - that's too shiny and new and techy looking.
You guys have any ideas? I was considering whittling something like a banjo peg but I'm worried that I don't know what the heck I'm doing or that it'll break. I've never built an instrument before, let alone played one! Figured I'd start with a one-string and make it all folksy, hence... My peg problem.
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Everything else is usually more work than needed to do the job. Most guitar shops will have some cheap used tuners around .... ebay .... CB Gitty. It's just not worth the effort when you consider how cheap tuners can be had.
Might I suggest an old water valve, like the type used outside for your garden hose. You could whittle your stick down so it fits tight inside the valve. Drill a hole in the stem or just tie off the string around the handle. These valves have a nut where the stem meets the valve body which can be tightened so it doesn't "self-adjust" itself loose. I've used these, they work pretty well n' look cool.
Has anyone ever seen anything like TWO bolts of different diameters. I have been thinking whether this would work like pulleys to give something other than 1:1 tuning. Probably not a lot of room mechanically available and not a lot of effect but it was thought I wanted to share in case anyone with better mechanical skills thinks it would work or absolutely NOT work! Any maybe those nylon-insert nuts to help hold tension.
Well, I just ordered me some regular tuners anyhow. Considering my poor whittlin' skills and the time that might be involved. 'sides, this one string can still look rustic with just one piece of newfangled technology on it. ;)
Another way is to purchase violin tuners and just use them as friction. Banjo have used them for a long time under more tension then the guitars. They will slip more, but it does work.
As for oak,
My best cheap oak comes from Pallets. You can usually find a broken one {the slats} that has been discarded in industrial areas. the 3 remaining large pieces are usually very good oak. Rough mind you, but it is awesome raw material.
Just as a throw in, I would have loved to see this banjo in person, The person that built it was a true craftsman. You might have to look at the detail to see all of the innovations http://www.zeppmusic.com/Homemade/homemade.htm
Another way is to purchase violin tuners and just use them as friction. Banjo have used them for a long time under more tension then the guitars. They will slip more, but it does work.
As for oak,
My best cheap oak comes from Pallets. You can usually find a broken one {the slats} that has been discarded in industrial areas. the 3 remaining large pieces are usually very good oak. Rough mind you, but it is awesome raw material.
Just as a throw in, I would have loved to see this banjo in person, The person that built it was a true craftsman. You might have to look at the detail to see all of the innovations http://www.zeppmusic.com/Homemade/homemade.htm
Being new to this game, I don't even know how to work 'em. All I have is my box and a broom handle so far. Heck I dunno if I should use chicken wire or buy real strings (or, heck, what kind of strings!). I'd hate to lower my own standards (ha!) and use metal guitar tuners. Seems to me that'd look mighty unnatural.
I'm using all hand tools, as well (besides my knife)... Like an old hand crank drill and a dovetail saw.
I'll see if I can get my hands on some oak and find my knife...
Roger Martin said:
Its not all that hard to whittle a peg or 2.I've made old style wooden pegs out of mahogany,and oak. The main thing is to make sure your pegs fits tight enough when pushed in to hold tension. You might consider whittling a couple and test fitting on a piece of scrap.
Lots of people are scared of failing to get it right.
What I did was pull up a picture of a violin peg and then try to copy it.I've built a few banjos with my homemade pegs and never had a problem.
Its tough to sell an instrument with the old style pegs because the public cant understand how they work either lol
Its not all that hard to whittle a peg or 2.I've made old style wooden pegs out of mahogany,and oak.
The main thing is to make sure your pegs fits tight enough when pushed in to hold tension.
You might consider whittling a couple and test fitting on a piece of scrap.
Lots of people are scared of failing to get it right.
What I did was pull up a picture of a violin peg and then try to copy it.I've built a few banjos with my homemade pegs and never had a problem.
Its tough to sell an instrument with the old style pegs because the public cant understand how they work either lol
Replies
Just buy cheap tuners.
Everything else is usually more work than needed to do the job. Most guitar shops will have some cheap used tuners around .... ebay .... CB Gitty. It's just not worth the effort when you consider how cheap tuners can be had.
AFKAM
context=userhttp://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/2592684:Photo:116163?context=user
This one is pretty primitive. Just a dowel, tapered with sandpaper and glues to a piece of wood. Works great.
Might I suggest an old water valve, like the type used outside for your garden hose. You could whittle your stick down so it fits tight inside the valve. Drill a hole in the stem or just tie off the string around the handle. These valves have a nut where the stem meets the valve body which can be tightened so it doesn't "self-adjust" itself loose. I've used these, they work pretty well n' look cool.
Just a thought.....
Jon Asmussen said:
http://dannyandterrybell.20m.com/minstrelbanjo.html
Another way is to purchase violin tuners and just use them as friction. Banjo have used them for a long time under more tension then the guitars. They will slip more, but it does work.
As for oak,
My best cheap oak comes from Pallets. You can usually find a broken one {the slats} that has been discarded in industrial areas. the 3 remaining large pieces are usually very good oak. Rough mind you, but it is awesome raw material.
Just as a throw in, I would have loved to see this banjo in person, The person that built it was a true craftsman. You might have to look at the detail to see all of the innovations
http://www.zeppmusic.com/Homemade/homemade.htm
Have a great day! Jon
I'm using all hand tools, as well (besides my knife)... Like an old hand crank drill and a dovetail saw.
I'll see if I can get my hands on some oak and find my knife...
Roger Martin said:
The main thing is to make sure your pegs fits tight enough when pushed in to hold tension.
You might consider whittling a couple and test fitting on a piece of scrap.
Lots of people are scared of failing to get it right.
What I did was pull up a picture of a violin peg and then try to copy it.I've built a few banjos with my homemade pegs and never had a problem.
Its tough to sell an instrument with the old style pegs because the public cant understand how they work either lol
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