Advice about bridge for classic banjo.

[Luka Renić]

Hello everybody,

I am new to classic banjo playing and I need some advice.

I have a steel strung Epiphone MB 100

open back banjo with ebony topped maple bridge. 

I think bridge is 5/8" (about 1.5 cm.)

I recently ordered Aquilla medium gauge classic banjo strings strings from eBay.

Now,I think I should get the maple bridge.

Do you think that 1/2" is the right height?

Unfortunately,I cannot order any Clifford Essex stuff because I'm from Zagreb,Croatia.

I found two interesting offers on eBay,so please tell me what you think.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BANJO-BRIDGE-5-string-2-feet-maple-1-2-/260...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/THREE-NO-TIP-BANJO-BRIDGES-FOR-5-STRING-VER...

Thank You.

 

[Joel Hooks]

I'll ship anywhere, it is really no big deal. It will just cost you $7US for shipping these days (last year it was $3). I've not gotten a email Luka, try sending again or through this site.

[Pertti Vuori]

Hi Luka,

My banjo is a Recording King Open back. When I changed from metal strings to Aquila the first problem was the tailpiece. The best solution may be to buy a tailpiece from Joel Hooks or some other "nylgut friendly" tailpiece . But you can make one: just a piece of thick wire and a piece of wood - or even plastic. Try to find pictures of old tailpieces  - they are quite simple. I think I have read that somebody in the USA makes good No-Knot tailpieces.

Problem Number 2: Strings

Nylgut strings are thicker than metal strings, so they may slip from the grooves of the nut and the bridge. Every time a string slipped I filed the groove a little wider and deeper. If you know a luthier or somebody who knows about these things, consult that person.