Reversing 5th string tuners for
Left-handed Banjos
Copyright 2003, Richie Dotson
All Rights Reserved
These common geared 5th string tuners used on 5 string banjos can actually be reversed and used on a left handed banjo. I have built a few left-handed banjos over the years and as a result of a Bow Tie reproduction for a customer who is left handed, I bring you this series. I hope it will come in handy for you some day and if not, you will at least learn quite a bit about these style of machines.
Onward …
These units are held together by two set pins and are easily dismantled, as we will soon see. The objects being pointed out below are the set pins. These will need to be punched out in order to convert these machine heads to left handed ones.
The first thing to do is remove the tuning button using (in most cases) a flat screwdriver. Remove the screw, button, and all washers then set them all aside in a safe place until the reassembly stage.
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