Steve Caddick shows how to improvise C7th chords on tenor banjo

[tenorbanjo4]

You're always a great banjoist, but what's that hell of Vega which has a so clear, sparkling tone and harmonics? How do you get this sound? Bridge, head, tailpiece, strings, pick are involved, or a prodigious overall setup ?

[banjopa]

@tenorbanjo4 It is a 1924 Vega Professional tenor that was my Dad's. I restored it in 2004 with new engravings, inlays added and also replaced the side of the resonator with a wide Ivoriod binding that I also engraved. The sound is from a combination of putting on a good tailpiece, This one is an original Vega Ottinger . A Renassance banjo head, tightened to 5 to 6 inch pounds, new frets, a little wider than standard.

[banjopa]

An original Vega 2 foot maple and ebony bridge. A new bone nut. New Waverly V2 tuners also. A careful setup with strings that are gauged, from low to high: .030, .024, .013 and .010. I use a .73 dunlop pick. And a lot of playing time on it to loosen it up and get that good clean sound!

[tenorbanjo4]

@banjopa

Thank you for your kind specifications. Have a nice Xmas night!