Had some fret work and set-up done by a local luthier who works mainly on guitars on my Davis Banjo. The strings all seem to have too much “play” in them and the action is significantly lower compared to my Bishline. I borrowed a friend’s head tension gauge and I’m at ~91 all the way around the head. I’m a little nervous to start messing with the tailpiece or tension rods, but can anyone attempt a diagnosis and solution to what I have going on? Thanks!
Luthier or Experienced Banjoist Advice - "sloppy strings"
Since “fools rush in,” here I am!
First, your second point- Action lower than your Bishline. Were they ever the same? Does it feel lower, or is it measured lower?
Did the set-up work involve a new bridge?
Is your old bridge in the right place?
Just brain-storming here.
Now, for too much “play.” Whenever my strings feel "rubbery, " I know it’s time for a new set. There’s no telling how many times the luthier tuned & re-tuned your strings while he was monkeying with the set-up. Maybe an easy fix is new strings!
Next, you might want to talk to the luthier and ask what he did during the set-up. That should tell you if you need to start messing with the coordinator rods or tail piece.
Finally, maybe it’s time to learn how to do your own banjo work. It’s not too much different from building a model airplane. Most of the pieces can only fit together one way. And the internet is full of “how-to” information on set-up specs.
What’s the worst that can happen? 
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Hmm, My advice FWIW Next time find a banjo luthier. 
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Hey @brisketking72,
To me, it seems that if the strings are up to tune, they’re going to have the same tension as with any other setup. They may seem looser b/c you’re not having to press them down as far (and therefore create less tension in your pressing), but that’s not a bad thing necessarily.
What I’d do first is play it for a week and see if you still don’t like it. Then, if not, take your Bishline and Davis back to him and have him set string height to match the Bishline.
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