When I tune my Windsor Popular number 1 to open G tuning, I've started to hear a sympathetic harmonic coming from the 4th string whenever I play certain chords. Other than tuning the string slightly flat, I can't get rid of it. It's probably been happening  for some time but I haven't been able to hear it due to my poor hearing. I've recently had new digital hearing aids that have been tuned to higher frequencies than previously and it's now that the problem has manifested itself. Other than shooting the audiologist, I can't think of a way to stop this happening. Any ideas?...Steve.

Views: 415

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

 I think your hearing aid is magnifying the sound and that is why it is bothering you. The lower strings on all string instruments do this all the time. These overtones (harmonics)  are what give the higher strings character and color. Without these harmonics the banjo would sound dull and lifeless.  However there may be a fix for your problem that doesn't involve recalibrating your hearing aid. Exactly what chords stimulate the harmonic to come forth? And what is the pitch of the harmonic?

Hi Jody, so far, if I play a D minor in 6P, it sounds like the 4th string 7th fret harmonic (a) that's sounding out and if I play G major in 7P, it's the 12th fret harmonic (d). The D minor is the most annoying. I don't have a problem on any of my other banjos including my two other Windsors.

I do have poor high frequency hearing, I can hear nothing above 7.8 Khz. so it came as a surprise that it became an issue. Any suggestions will be most welcome...Steve.


Jody Stecher said:

 I think your hearing aid is magnifying the sound and that is why it is bothering you. The lower strings on all string instruments do this all the time. These overtones (harmonics)  are what give the higher strings character and color. Without these harmonics the banjo would sound dull and lifeless.  However there may be a fix for your problem that doesn't involve recalibrating your hearing aid. Exactly what chords stimulate the harmonic to come forth? And what is the pitch of the harmonic?

OK!  so what is activating the annoying overtone in both cases seems to be D natural fingered at fret 7 of the 3rd string. The d minor is activating A 440, the same pitch found on fret 7 of the first string. Well within your hearing range. And the g major is producing an overtone even lower. 

Try replacing your D string with a different brand or different gauge.  I use Aquila copper wound 108 on my zither banjos because this type of string (they call it "D type... nothing to do with the pitch D) produces few overtones and my zeebees are already ringy-zingy and need no help in that department.

Another possible fix: check the pitches of each string between the bridge and tailpiece. Are any of these the A and/or D that are vexing your ears?  If so, weave a piece of ribbon or leather between the strings to prevent them from sounding.

Steve Harrison said:

Hi Jody, so far, if I play a D minor in 6P, it sounds like the 4th string 7th fret harmonic (a) that's sounding out and if I play G major in 7P, it's the 12th fret harmonic (d). The D minor is the most annoying. I don't have a problem on any of my other banjos including my two other Windsors.

I do have poor high frequency hearing, I can hear nothing above 7.8 Khz. so it came as a surprise that it became an issue. Any suggestions will be most welcome...Steve.


Jody Stecher said:

 I think your hearing aid is magnifying the sound and that is why it is bothering you. The lower strings on all string instruments do this all the time. These overtones (harmonics)  are what give the higher strings character and color. Without these harmonics the banjo would sound dull and lifeless.  However there may be a fix for your problem that doesn't involve recalibrating your hearing aid. Exactly what chords stimulate the harmonic to come forth? And what is the pitch of the harmonic?

Thanks for that Jody, I do have a few spare 4ths of differing makes and gauges, I'll try swapping them aound..Steve.
Jody Stecher said:

 I think your hearing aid is magnifying the sound and that is why it is bothering you. The lower strings on all string instruments do this all the time. These overtones (harmonics)  are what give the higher strings character and color. Without these harmonics the banjo would sound dull and lifeless.  However there may be a fix for your problem that doesn't involve recalibrating your hearing aid. Exactly what chords stimulate the harmonic to come forth? And what is the pitch of the harmonic?

Reply to Discussion

RSS

© 2024   Created by thereallyniceman.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service