Tech: Banjo bridge placement.

Subject: Tech: Banjo bridge placement.
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 04 Mar 05 - 02:29 PM

Where should I get the harmonic if the bridge is in its proper position?
Giok ¦¬]

Subject: RE: Tech: Banjo bridge placement.
From: Dave4Guild
Date: 04 Mar 05 - 02:41 PM

At the twelfth fret, John. Check that the "open" and "fretted at the 12th fret" note are exactly an octave. Use an electronic tuner if necessary to ensure spot on accuracy.

If the fretted note is sharp of an octave compared to the open string, the distance between the bridge and the 12th fret is too short, so the bridge should be moved towards the tailpiece.
Etc Etc !! Trial and error!

Oh, and put a small pencil mark on the banjo head just to mark the position of the bridge when you have got it right, it'll make it much easier to repeat the process in future.

Subject: RE: Tech: Banjo bridge placement.
From: Bernard
Date: 04 Mar 05 - 08:03 PM

Either that or hammer a big nail through it - that will stop it moving!!

You will probably find that the bridge needs to be at a slight angle for all the strings to be correct - the thicker strings need to be slightly 'longer' than the thinner ones.