Each banjo takes a specific height (with some wiggle room) depending on the way the neck is set, the tension on the head (especially if it is a skin head), and the set up.
Irish banjos are a little more forgiving as you are using a plectrum and playability due to the bridge is less of a factor. My "test banjo", a MasterClone I built, can take a bridge between a 9/16" and 21/32" without compromising the playability too much. But my older banjos need a 1/2" birdge (or less) to be playable.
As for the style of bridge, that is a matter of taste and the individual banjo. I have been experimenting with bridges (see my web site) and the material that the bridge is made of is very important. I suggest that if you are looking at getting a custom bridge that you work with the bridge maker. MIke Smith or Bart Veerman are the most experienced with this sort of thing on Irish trad bridges and since you live in the States you can deal with them directly. Go to my site for their URLs (I am in the office today and too lazy to look them up.)
Three legged bridges are more stable but the jazz guys like the sound of the two legged bridge. I like my own design which is a four legged bridge with less contact area than the other two but with great stability. You get what you pay for I guess <G>
I made one for a banjo that needed a low bridge, and it wasn't too difficult. You just need to get hold of a piece of quarter-sawn maple (that might be the difficult bit). It's a three-footed bridge and because it was going to be low I made it a bit thicker. With a standard bridge if you file it down low, the bit that the strings rest on ends up about the thickness of a matchstick and doesn't have enough strength, so I made this one thicker with smaller, lower oval holes in it, and added a couple of compensation cuts like on a mandolin bridge. I think it sounds pretty good - better than when I had a filed-down two foot bridge.
Tenor Banjo Bridge.
Tenor Banjo Bridge.
Can anyone tell me the best bridge (2 Leg or 3 Leg) and the best bridge height on a tenor banjo for Irish trad.
Thank you.
# Posted on May 21st 2007 by mick_the_tool
Re: Tenor Banjo Bridge.
That is more of a banjo setup question that doesn't really apply to the type of music being played. However, on my TB I use a 5/8 3 foot bridge.
# Posted on May 21st 2007 by drinkybanjo
Re: Tenor Banjo Bridge.
Mick,
Each banjo takes a specific height (with some wiggle room) depending on the way the neck is set, the tension on the head (especially if it is a skin head), and the set up.
Irish banjos are a little more forgiving as you are using a plectrum and playability due to the bridge is less of a factor. My "test banjo", a MasterClone I built, can take a bridge between a 9/16" and 21/32" without compromising the playability too much. But my older banjos need a 1/2" birdge (or less) to be playable.
As for the style of bridge, that is a matter of taste and the individual banjo. I have been experimenting with bridges (see my web site) and the material that the bridge is made of is very important. I suggest that if you are looking at getting a custom bridge that you work with the bridge maker. MIke Smith or Bart Veerman are the most experienced with this sort of thing on Irish trad bridges and since you live in the States you can deal with them directly. Go to my site for their URLs (I am in the office today and too lazy to look them up.)
Three legged bridges are more stable but the jazz guys like the sound of the two legged bridge. I like my own design which is a four legged bridge with less contact area than the other two but with great stability. You get what you pay for I guess <G>
Mike Keyes
http://www.mikekeyes.com
# Posted on May 21st 2007 by mikeyes
Re: Tenor Banjo Bridge.
i have a bart bridge on my sully and can recommend it, nice bloke to deal with also.
# Posted on May 21st 2007 by molloy
Re: Tenor Banjo Bridge.
I made one for a banjo that needed a low bridge, and it wasn't too difficult. You just need to get hold of a piece of quarter-sawn maple (that might be the difficult bit). It's a three-footed bridge and because it was going to be low I made it a bit thicker. With a standard bridge if you file it down low, the bit that the strings rest on ends up about the thickness of a matchstick and doesn't have enough strength, so I made this one thicker with smaller, lower oval holes in it, and added a couple of compensation cuts like on a mandolin bridge. I think it sounds pretty good - better than when I had a filed-down two foot bridge.
# Posted on May 22nd 2007 by RichardB
Re: Tenor Banjo Bridge.
Thank you for all your info.
# Posted on May 23rd 2007 by mick_the_tool
Re: Tenor Banjo Bridge.
i've also ordered a few from kelly emerson .
# Posted on May 27th 2007 by molloy