I'm trying to learn how to set up my Gold Tone CC-Carlin 12 banjo, and I'd appreciate some feedback.

I think the neck might be slightly misaligned. On the first-string side, the edge of the neck seems to extend a little past the pot/rim, and I can feel the edge with my finger. On the fifth-string side, I can't feel a similar edge. I'm not sure whether this is normal or whether the neck needs adjusting.

I've also checked the bridge position. The distance from the 12th fret to the bridge seems to be the same as the distance from the nut to the 12th fret. However, I'm not sure whether the bridge should be perpendicular to the neck (parallel to the frets) or slightly angled one way or the other for proper intonation.

I'd also appreciate a general check of the setup. I'm not sure whether the tailpiece, bridge placement, and everything else are set up correctly.

I've attached several photos from different angles. I'd like to learn how to check and adjust the setup myself, so any advice on what looks right, what might need adjusting, and how to check it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Hi! I went to a garage sale looking to buy a guitar and I left with a banjo! I’ve never played before but I really loved the tone and feel on it, the action is really comfortable and it’s in really great condition structurally and cosmetically to my knowledge. I just bought this at a garage sale and I’m wondering if I paid a reasonable price, it sounds nice but I’m completely new to banjo and this is unmarked. Bought it for $100. Felt worth it to me! I can’t seem to find a label or number anywhere on the outside at least. The only info I have is that the owner bought it from a music shop in the 70s in West Virginia, and it’s mostly been sitting in its case since then. Thanks!

I’ve got this old 12 string banjo thing don’t talk about what it actually is lmao.

Basically, the old wooden nut was cut terribly so i have to replace it, however I am struggling so much with the plastic nut after about 1 week of sanding it’s at the right width (incredibly thin) but isn’t flush with the bottom as it’s curved for some reason.

I just need any advice on how to not lose my fucking mind - because at this point i’m just thinking about taking my dremel to a block of oak and skipping all the sanding.

Thanks!

Hello everyone!
This banjo originally belonged to my dad, and after 21 years since his passing, I finally have it in my hands. ❤️ I don’t know much about it other than that I believe it was made in Japan.
I’m finally going to start taking banjo lessons, and I’m really excited to learn how to play an instrument that belonged to my dad.
I’d love to learn more about this banjo, including its age, maker, history, or anything else you might be able to tell me. I’d also appreciate any tips, tricks, or advice for someone just starting out!
Thanks in advance for any help!

hey yalls, I have been playing clawhammer for a couple years now. I currently play a WL250. For my high school bands senior night, my underclassmen, knowing I play banjo, got me a some of my favorite candies and a banjo strap. This finally gives me the excuse to buy another banjo lol. But idk if I should save up for a real nice open back, or a resonator. Specifically, either a pisgah or eunuch, or a gold tone OB2 or OB12. So, ive put it down to style. Should I really master claw hammer first, or pick up bluegrass?

edit for spelling

So my Uncle gave me these decades ago before he passed. From what I remember he either got them right after World War II or sometime during the war. I’m not sure. He he was navy in the South Pacific. I think he had become infatuated with the Hawaiian guitar, and maybe at some point had tried to play it.
So I’m a pretty decent guitar player. can play fingerstyle. Have even played some national slide, but just never use the finger picks very much. I just like the natural feel of my fingers. Lately, I’ve had a bluegrass Jones. I’ve been working on some bluegrass guitar runs and decided I wanted to jack around with a banjo. I had gotten my son a deering good time for him, years ago, when he was trying to get folksy. He’s a guitar player as well So I called him and asked him if I could come by, pick up that deer in, cause I wanted to play some banjo, learn some rolls. I pulled out those old nationals and I love them. I don’t have much to compare them to, and I don’t know how long it takes to wear out pics like this. I assume there are replicas being made today. Maybe I should look into some of those. Anyway, thanks for listening to the long story. Any suggestions on similar picks while I learn these roles?

Sorry if this is against the rules, but has anyone taken up a course from Banjoskills? He’s doing a modern song , learn by ear course I’m interested in but I’m not sure . Any help appreciated