I want to try my hand at adjusting the action on my banjo. I have very few tools, and even less skill, but I want to try it. I have a banjo with way low action. When I fret a string at the second fret, for example, it lays on top of most all the frets from the second on up. First, I note there's an upward curvature to the neck ( bowing up toward the strings). Which way do I turn the truss rod nut ( looking from the head toward the body of the banjo ) to reduce that kind of curvature, clockwise ( to loosen) or counterclockwise?
Also, is it possible to lower the entire neck somewhat, that is, is the bolt that attaches the neck to the body slotted? How about the coordinator rod ( my banjo has only one ), can I adjust the action by tightening or loosening it?
What kind of tools do I need?
I'd appreciate any help. I know I can hire a luthier to do this, but it seems like something I should be able to do myself, and I'd like to learn how to do it.
Thank you for any suggestions you can give me.
Bill Martin