Banjo adjustment question

Subject: Banjo adjustment question
From: GUEST,Cornflake
Date: 26 Nov 03 - 07:03 PM

I have a banjo by a reputable maker. When the open strings are in tune, fretted notes are all significantly sharp. I suppose that frets in the wrong place could cause this problem but I'm fairly sure that's not the case. I'm guessing that the problem may lie in the placement of the bridge. Does anyone have a diagnosis to offer? Suggestions for a remedy? Thanks.

Subject: RE: Banjo adjustment question
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 26 Nov 03 - 07:26 PM

The general rule for bridge placement is that the 12th fret is EXACTLY half way between the nut and the bridge. Also, you can produce a "harmonic" at the same location, so if the harmonic happens further up (or down) the neck, then the bridge is placed incorrectly.
That said, if the height of the strings at ythe bridge is too high, when you fret them, you will have to stretch the string, and this will put them out of tune. If this is the case, you may need to adjust the height of the bridge, or the angle of the neck.
There have been many threads asking about the technicalities of banjo set-up. Some of these contain links to useful websites (I'm too tired to go searching tonight). Put "banjo" in the Mudcat "search" filter (use the "Threads" one NOT the "Lyrics and Knowledge" search box)and a date limit of 12 months and you should be able to find some previous discussions.
Quack!
Geoff the (banjo playing) Duck.

Subject: RE: Banjo adjustment question
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 26 Nov 03 - 07:27 PM

CLICK HERE for the banjo stringing info pages at www.frets.com. Bridge placement info begins on page 2.

Bruce

Subject: RE: Banjo adjustment question
From: GUEST,Cornflake
Date: 26 Nov 03 - 07:35 PM

Thanks very much to both of you.

Subject: RE: Banjo adjustment question
From: rangeroger
Date: 26 Nov 03 - 07:38 PM

I've found that a 4-lb hand sledge works quite well for adjusting banjos.

rr

Subject: RE: Banjo adjustment question
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 27 Nov 03 - 05:22 AM

or better still an accordion.
Eric

Subject: RE: Banjo adjustment question
From: GUEST,Redhorse at work
Date: 27 Nov 03 - 08:28 AM

The quickest way I've found to position the bridge is with an electronic tuner.


1)Tune the first string open in the normal way with the peg.

2)Then fret the first string say on the 5th fret. If it's out, tune it while still fretted by moving the bridge under the first string till it comes into tune.

3)Repeat steps 1) and 2) until it's in tune both open and fretted.

4)Repeat steps 1) to 3) with the 4th string


The main advantage of his method is that you don't have to think about which way you have to move the bridge

nick

Subject: RE: Banjo adjustment question
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 27 Nov 03 - 09:06 AM

Good advice here. You might find that even after you have done this that he 2nd and 3rd strings are out whn you play up the neck. I have an Arthur Hatfield compensated bridge and it cures this. Go to this link and scroll down to the bridge information.

Arthur Hatfield Compensated Bridge

Subject: RE: Banjo adjustment question
From: JedMarum
Date: 27 Nov 03 - 10:22 AM

Great technique, Nick. Thanks for passing it on!

Subject: RE: Banjo adjustment question
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 27 Nov 03 - 10:26 AM

The least expensive compensated bridge available is from Grover. They're only about $5.00 US. Problem is that they're not too easy to find. Elderly Instruments carries tons of Grover bridges but not the compensated one. But you may luck into one at a local music store.

If the intonation is still off after you've adjusted the bridge, replaced the bridge and done everything else you can possibly think of, just hang a sign on it that says, "Hell no, it's not in tune! It's a banjo!"

Subject: RE: Banjo adjustment question
From: GUEST,Cornflake
Date: 27 Nov 03 - 12:46 PM

The suggestions worked and the problem is solved. I measured and discovered that the manufacturer's recommendation that the bridge be 13 1/16" from the twelfth fret was wrong; 13 3/8 was about right. With Nick's method I fine-tuned the placement. The interior strings aren't exactly right up the neck but they're close enough for a guy who plays no better than I do. Thanks for all the help.

Subject: RE: Banjo adjustment question
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 27 Nov 03 - 01:00 PM

I have a banjo and it is fine once it's been fed. It really likes marmite.

Subject: RE: Banjo adjustment question
From: GUEST,ARNIE
Date: 27 Nov 03 - 06:37 PM

You must remember that a banjo player spends half his time tuning and the other half playing out of tune. Welcome to the club.
One other thing that you might try after you run out of bridge adjustment ideas is buying a new set of strings. Quality and age of strings can be a real factor.

Subject: RE: Banjo adjustment question
From: Charley Noble
Date: 28 Nov 03 - 12:36 AM

Good suggestions by and large and thanks! How refreshing.

Of course here in Australia I've found that I have to wind the strings onto the pegs in the opposite direction. I was pretty frustrated until I figured that out.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble in OZ with 5-string banjo

Subject: RE: Banjo adjustment question
From: GUEST,Strollin' Johnny
Date: 28 Nov 03 - 10:25 AM

Why bother - never heard an in-tune banjo anyway.

Subject: RE: Banjo adjustment question
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 05 Dec 03 - 02:53 AM

I only use mine as a defensive weapon. I once wiped a whole session. One day I shall learn to play it.