Well, new to me that is...thanks George D.!!! While I've played banjo and guitar for some time, I know nothing about the setup and maintenance on tenor banjos. This one is a Vega Professional model. I thought before I started doing anything I'd better ask some questions; so please help a guy out here.
The tuners don't hold the string tension. I believe these are referred to as friction tuners 1:1 ratio, but they're not the ordinary kind of friction tuners as I know them. One BHO member said to tighten the button screw, however I've seen many friction tuners on 5 string banjos that this didn't work. Before I put on strings and tried this I thought I might want to clean and oil them. So, is it easy to remove the tuners from the banjo and how? Then remove the screw from the button? Is anything going to come flying out or drop out on the floor? I mean, is this as far as they come apart? Is/was there a felt, rubber, leather, cork or fiber washer between the plastic button and the metal post at one time to help the friction? Soak in naptha or acetone overnight and clean with an old toothbrush? Reassemble and oil; what kind of oil (teflon?) and where does it go inside the tuner?
The frets will need to be replaced and the neck has extensive bow on the relief; about 1/16". Is there a truss rod and is it adjustable? Keep in mind there have been no strings on this banjo for several decades, so once there is tension the relief will probably be even more so. Banjo/guitars usually go for .010 to 0.015 relief. What's acceptable on this tenor, 1/32"? If it's not adjustable a luthier can put wider tang frets in to take out the bow? This is going to narrow the field on luthiers, hence more money I think, so I'd like to avoid it for the moment.
The action is also high 5/32"+. Is this measured at the 12th fret? What is average playing height? I"m guessing this part is an easy adjustment using the screw & bracket attached to the inside of the rim and wood rod at the neck heel?
The bridge is 1/2" tall; is this right? Do modern tenor players use a differant height?
The head is calf skin I think and >??? F. Ludwig, trademark, Selected< is stamped on the inside. It's still tight, but a little dirty. How do you clean these heads? Is it preferrable to keep this head or go modern frosted mylar?
The case is obviously original as if fits like a glove. The handle is missing, but still has the D ring hardware. Where can I get a handle to fit? I don't like the one size fits all handles with adjustable straps and buckles. Are locking latch keys available for these cases?
Lastly, and I know some people are going to flip, but I'd like to take the pot assembly apart to clean and polish it. I've done this hundreds of times to 5 string banjos, but this is obviously differant. There is no "patina" per se and pitting is extremely minor. It's just real grungy and dirty. Besides the tension hoop is on at a visible angle. Am I setting myself up for a nightmare or is pretty cut & dry? Is the head going to come apart on me?
So, take the tailpiece off, unscrew the bracket that held the tailpiece bolt? From there I can't see how the rod attaches to the rim at the rim and neck heel. Proceeding on, remove the tension hooks which will free the hoop and flange ring (? don't know what it's called) and tonering (is there more than one piece?) from the wood rim? I see the individual flange pieces come off, but are the shoe brackets attached to the flange ring permantly?
Was there a bracket hook nut T wrench that came with these banjos? Are they available?
I plan on keeping this a tenor to play. Thanks to those that can help me and it's much appreciated.