If it is something loose, then I would think you would hear it with strings other than g.
Open G String Buzz
I would check where the strings go into the Tailpiece. Sometimes reseting or checking the cover on a Tailpiece, Not sure what Tailpiece you have. Also use something to mute all strings except the Open string that buzzez. Sometimes it’s not always the string you pluck that buzzez but another that is resonating. Also, lift out the string from the bridge slot and make sure the slot is clean and not picked up any dust grime or fluff etc. Hope you can find out the culprit. I know how annoying it can be. I had it once when I used a capo on the 5th. Just started out of the blue. Then I discovered it was a railroad spike had lifted just slightly and was causing the 5th string to buzz when I used the capo. 
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Hi Guys
Thanks for all the advice really appreciate all you help and I now think it’s fret buzz on the 2nd fret so might get it looked at and setup
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I had one of my frets raise up on my RK. It was the 15th fret and it was raised only on the end. I could hear the buzz only on the bottom D string. A little super glue and a guitar capo to hold it till it dried is all it took. There are some good youtube videos about how to do it. Good luck.
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Glad you found the fault, there is nothing more annoying than a buzzing string.
Excellent news. Well done for tracking it down.
Found the problem which is annoying as it’s a new banjo but the 3rd fret is higher on one side
Awesome, well done! That is an easy fix.
Hi Mike
I don’t have a fret file so might have to purchase one
Cheers
They are really nice to have. I ended dong a fret level and dress when I had my mando down to put a pickup in last weekend. I got the stewMac medium/Large combination file, and it has covered every fret type I have seen from ukes to basses. You can shape a fret with simple files. You can even get by just fine for a spot repair by using something home-made. I shaped the tip on a sanding stick to clean up file marks. You could use something like that for the whole process of crowning if desired. It just won’t be as quick.
Also, I’d suggest tapping on the fret to make sure it isn’t loose and lifted before buying a crowning file and starting to level. A loose and lifted fret isn’t particularly common, but it can happen. By tapping on a loose fret with something metal you can tell by the sound (hollow sounding compared to other frets) that it isn’t seated. If that is the issue, the repair is a little different.
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Ok thanks for the info pal
If it is new, I would call RK and see what they suggest. They should either pay the shipping to fix it or pay a local shop to fix it for you.
ok pal will do
BTW LG1, you mentioned it being annoying. I feel ya. I really do and I used to get worked up about frets from factory instruments. It is not uncommon for brand new fretted instruments to have such issues. Up until a few years ago I would sometimes see similar on Martins (the instrument brand I know best) costing a few thousand (Martin has added an automated step that helps address that). I suspect that it is likely that a few months ago the banjo did not buzz. As with anything made with wood, it’s gonna change with temperature and humidity. Dropping action in the winter often reveals setup issues that you can’t hear in October.
Some might be thinking “Ahhh, you are just saying that to make him feel better.” Well, yeah I do want to help alleviate some frustration, but what I am saying is also what I find to be common. I don’t get frustrated (like I used to) about fret leveling, nut or saddle height. Here’s a few things I have found to be common:
- new instruments are seldom set up to my preference. Many are ridiculously high
- fret leveling is often not done on many brands. I have found that they can’t add leveling without upping the price
- a fret leveling may be necessary, but here’s the kicker… when you get the frets leveled, it really ups the level of the instrument. It’s like getting a nice upgraded set of tires on a car. More often than not, I will level frets on a new instrument.
- While it seems like a “defect” (and it could be), it is more likely is a slight variation that went unnoticed until the action dropped.
I’ll put it this way… if I were looking at buying a fretted instrument that I liked, but it had the issue that your banjo has, it wouldn’t affect my opinion of the instrument one little bit.
I hope you enjoy your instrument all the more once you get the fret(s) leveled.
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Hi Mike
Thats great info and i’m in know way frustrated to the level of not playing it as it really isn’t that bad but i noticed it and with it being brand new i thought best to get it sorted… it still plays great and im loving it
Thanks pal
Did you get this fixed? It may be the fret had popped up a little.
Hi @Jono
Yes pal got it back yesterday from the luthier and had quite a bit more fret levelling than first thought. He said for a new banjo he was surprised that most the lower frets needed work
On the plus side the shop where I got it from paid for it under the warranty at a cost of £80
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Glad you got it all fixed. Now you can carry on enjoying your RK.
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Yes pal I’ve had 4 days withdrawal symptoms from it so had time with the new mando and some Arkansas traveler 