To Thread - Forum Home

The Mudcat Café TM
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=77553
5 messages

Fixing old banjo.

20 Jan 05 - 07:08 PM (#1383733)
Subject: Fixing old banjo.
From: MARINER

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.


20 Jan 05 - 07:10 PM (#1383736)
Subject: RE: Fixing old banjo.
From: GUEST,Russ

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


20 Jan 05 - 07:21 PM (#1383748)
Subject: RE: Fixing old banjo.
From: GUEST

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


20 Jan 05 - 07:23 PM (#1383752)
Subject: RE: Fixing old banjo.
From: Wrinkles

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


21 Jan 05 - 11:17 AM (#1384347)
Subject: RE: Fixing old banjo.
From: MARINER

Thank you all.