Tech: 4 string Barnes and Mullins, bridge pos

Subject: Tech: 4 string Barnes and Mullins, bridge pos
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 08 Jan 18 - 12:01 PM

Happy new year all. My Barnes and Mullins, "Perfect" , 4 string, long scale tenor banjo needs restringing. However, I am certain the position of the bridge is not correct as it always sounds out to me. The intonation is not quite right, it wasn't quite right when I bought it second hand. Does anyone have the correct set up measurements please? I have not been able to find them, and there is no local luthier to call on. Any help, gratefully received. Thankyou.

Subject: RE: Tech: 4 string Barnes and Mullins, bridge pos
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 08 Jan 18 - 12:33 PM

Dunno about that particular banjo,
but anything I have with a floating bridge gets intonated by trial and error,
comparing 12th fret with harmonics using a reliable tuner.

Subject: RE: Tech: 4 string Barnes and Mullins, bridge pos
From: Stanron
Date: 08 Jan 18 - 12:40 PM

Measure from the face of the nut to the 12th fret. The same distance from the 12th fret plus 2 or 3 millimeters will be the approximate position of the bridge. You can get the precise position then using an electronic tuner.

Play the note at the 12th fret and compare it with the note from the 12th harmonic. When they are the same the bridge is in the correct position. If there is no bridge adjusters get the highest and lowest strings correct and that should do.

Subject: RE: Tech: 4 string Barnes and Mullins, bridge pos
From: Stanron
Date: 08 Jan 18 - 12:42 PM

Just in case the instrument has a fret right next to the nut, measure from that.

Subject: RE: Tech: 4 string Barnes and Mullins, bridge pos
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 08 Jan 18 - 12:50 PM

I'd suggest with a banjo...
Once you locate the correct position, leave it for a day or two, then check again
in case the bridge has sunk far enough into the skin to affect intonation...???

Subject: RE: Tech: 4 string Barnes and Mullins, bridge pos
From: Stanron
Date: 08 Jan 18 - 01:16 PM

Once you get the position right and you know it's stable, mark around the feet of the bridge so you don't loose the position in future.

Subject: RE: Tech: 4 string Barnes and Mullins, bridge pos
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 08 Jan 18 - 01:43 PM

I'm currently searching for a six string banjitar bridge that's half inch or 5/8ths high.
The supplied bridge is 6/8ths and too tall.
Which means uncomfortable action, or a severe unstable neck shim...