Using a saw, chisel, rasp and wood file, I have cut back (narrowed) the width of the neck between fret #4 and the headstock. Beyond fret #4, the neck is wider to accept a 5th string which is terminated at fret #5 by the 5th string tuner. As this build turned out, my neck was too narrow to accept 5 strings with decent spacing between stings, so I decided to make it a 4-string banjo where the 4th string is the short drone string. So, to be 100% accurate, when I say 5th string and 5th string tuner (etc.) it was actually the 4th string and 4th string tuner in this build. Next time I'll be more careful to have a wide enough board for the neck to allow 5 strings.
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I like the saw/chisel/rasp method, too. Takes longer than using power tools but gives me a greater sense of investment in the process, and slows me down enough to take measurements that it reduces the likelihood of my making stupid mistakes.
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I like the saw/chisel/rasp method, too. Takes longer than using power tools but gives me a greater sense of investment in the process, and slows me down enough to take measurements that it reduces the likelihood of my making stupid mistakes.