Banjo bridge swap, don't watch unless you're a banjo junkie.

Just me swapping some bridges on the Stromberg looking for the right sound

Category:

Music

Tags:

• banjo
• Stromberg
• cuppo-phone
• 5-string
• claw hammer
• open back
• drop thumb
• frailing

[boavirett]

Thanks for your honesty, most folks would try for a happy ending video i.e. problem solved at end of video, but not you-great !!!! sharing your banjo problems

[rpeek]

@boavirett My Dad used to say that every time you do something wrong, you figure out how not to do it next time... hahahaha.

[Hikikomori013]

I tried Scruggs style when I was a tadpole; never did get the hang of it.Now I'm learning Classic Parlor style 3 finger and a little Kentucky 2 finger thumb lead. Much happier now.

For a bright tone, keep the weight down. Have you tried a 2 footed solid maple bridge? No ebony or other ballast; just the maple. I've heard good things about that type of bridge.

[rpeek]

@Hikikomori013 I've made a couple of two foot maple bridges, and I've got a two foot bridge on one of my other banjos, really old.. Don't even know what kind of wood it is, but it plays good.. 

[etanbenami]

Thanks for the bridge comparisons.

I've settled on a 1/4" heavy-weight Moon bridge for my openback. I've been putting a circular piece of 2" air-conditioner/duct foam between the top control rod and the head all around the rim. It gives it a mellow sound and reduces complaints. I've also been frailing with Dunlop finger pick (0.018 brass) on my index finger due to totally wearing out the nail. That also changes tone and volume quite a bit.

[rpeek]

@etanbenami Yep. I think that's where the term, "Put a sock in it" came from. People stuff socks in the back of the banjo to tone it down for practice.. hahaha..

[BanjoNut10]

What are you like grocery shopping ? - You and my wife would get on like a house on fire. She spends hours selecting a can of beans.. LOL. Just joking.

Great video hope the new head resolves the buzz.

[rpeek]

@acefrehley813 tighten the head. Turn the little bolts, just a bit, a little at a time, work your way around, slowly. If you tighten it too tight it'll break the head. You'll hear the sound improve as you go too. It'll sound better when you get it tightened up.

[acefrehley813]

is it bad if the bridge is making an indent in the head, and if so how do i fix it

[rpeek]

@DXfan20000 'smazin' how many of 'em there are out there..... They walk among us..