Installing the Hardware
Different hardware is used depending on style, budget and look desired. Less expensive geared tuners work well on the mountain banjos as that is a huge improvement over the rosined tapered wood pegs that were common on the originals. The openbacks have shoes and through-bolts to secure the hooks; and the Mastertone-style has a full flange for that purpose. In spite of all the options, this is an exciting part as it is all coming together and starting to look like the banjo that has up till now just been an image in the mind.
The next step...Setting Up the Banjo.