This subject has struck a chord with me. I have played a six string banjo on my off time for over twenty years. The sound I get from it attracts a crowd each time I get it out. I was widely known in the 70's up and down the east coast for this sound. I have met many great pickers I otherwise would not have met if it were not for my "Banjar". I was willed a very ornate 1921 tenor archtop upon the death of a friend. I had played a tenor in the 40's but had since changed styles. I built my own neck copying inch for inch the neck of my Martin D28 HB so the feel would be farmiliar. I used a "zero" fret nut for the "metal" sound. I inlaid a banjo bridge with stainless to match the sound of the zero fret nut. My banjar sounds as good as any 5 string I've heard. (I have a few old dandys) I have seen 6 strings from the US, Ireland, Italy & from behind the iron curtain. They all sound dull and uninteresting with no sustain. Mine is louder and has more sustain than any a 5 string. Here is why....my first try at stringing was to use a good set of phospher bronze extra lights. Result...better than any other 6 string but still muddy. I then tried singles till I got the sound I wanted. The discovery...I bought a good 12 string set...put the heavys on my guitar and the lights on the banjar. Result...best so far..good balance but still muddy compared to a 5 string. From what I learned thus far I continued with singles and changed the octaves by guageing. I now have two drones in a higher octave that allows me in standard guitar tuning to play melody & harmony in either octave at the same time and/or on the two drones alone. It now has a sound that would be an asset to any style of music you prefer to play and any guitar player can play it no matter what his style be. I & others are very happy with the sound. If any of you want more details, guages & scale length for conversion e-mail me (I am listed above) and I will dig out all the specs for you. No need to bore the kazoo players at this time. ps, I have had another play fiddle sticks as I am chording or picking with very unique results.
|