Fixing old banjo.

Subject: Fixing old banjo.
From: MARINER
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 07:08 PM

I am trying to fix up an old 5 string banjo. By now I've got to the stage of positioning the bridge. I've been told that there's a formula for this, ie. the distance from the head to the bridge position. Is this so? and if so can anyone tell me said formula?. Many thanks.

Subject: RE: Fixing old banjo.
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 07:10 PM

Twice the distance from the nut to the 12th fret.

Subject: RE: Fixing old banjo.
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 07:21 PM

then wiggle the bridge about a bit until harmonics at 12th fret
match the fretted notes at the same fret..

then just before you're about to give up in frustration..

thats probably about the best compromise intonation
you'll get for all 5 strings

Subject: RE: Fixing old banjo.
From: Wrinkles
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 07:23 PM

Guest Russ is right.

To fine tune positioning find the twelveth string harmonic for each sring (that runs from the nut obviousl) and fidle with the bridge until the harmonic is exactly above the 12th fret.

because the strings vary in thickness, the thinist sting will prouduce it's correct harmaonic possition closser to the neck than the thicker 4th. That's why bridges are angled slightly.

This fine tuning keeps the strings in tune together as you progress up the fretboad.

Finer tuning is getting the possition of the harmonics for the 5th and 7th frets adjusted.

Wrinkles

Subject: RE: Fixing old banjo.
From: MARINER
Date: 21 Jan 05 - 11:17 AM

Thank you all.