Banjo repair

[Wes Merchant]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYO4Qi1sYt4The small ebony guide that holds the fifth string on my banjo split so I made one out of an old fiddle peg. I sized it through a hoIe I drilled in a steel plate then drilled out the old peg with the same bit  and filed in a slot with a small knife edged file. i"ve strung it up with nylgut and I'm really pleased with the sound. I'll post sound clips if I came remember how to play the dang thing.

[James Pentecost]

Repair looks good.

Play something for us.

[Wes Merchant]

I'm working some stuff up (my nerve among them) and should have a wee clip in the next week or so. I bought this unlabled banjo at an antique shop in Louisville KY about 1982. At the time Harry Bickel (anybody out there know Harry?) told me he thought it was made in  Boston around 1900 and possibly  sold through Sears. He said nylon strings would be appropriate, but at the time I didn't have a source for them so finally after 30 years...

[Strumelia]

Hi Wes....  There is a real advantage in just jumping in the cold water and posting a lame beginner video.  It makes you look real good a couple months later when you've gotten just a hair better...I know this first hand!   lol!  Come on, just post a little beginner clip- it's good for the soul!   ;)

[Tim Twiss]

Yes...exactly right.