Banjo setup and phasing issue? - Classic-Banjo2024-03-28T18:08:25Zhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/banjo-setup-and-phasing-issue?commentId=2667446%3AComment%3A180333&xg_source=activity&feed=yes&xn_auth=no A sincere thanks to everyon…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2021-02-23:2667446:Comment:1808542021-02-23T22:25:35.452ZMilwaukee Matzenhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/MilwaukeeMatzen
<p> <br/>A sincere thanks to everyone for all of the input!</p>
<p>I’ve now got my banjo playing and sounding good. I have managed to get an action height just a hair over 3/16”. So, Now it sounds great even when played hard.</p>
<p>I’ll also order an extra wound string with each set to start with.</p>
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<p> <br/>A sincere thanks to everyone for all of the input!</p>
<p>I’ve now got my banjo playing and sounding good. I have managed to get an action height just a hair over 3/16”. So, Now it sounds great even when played hard.</p>
<p>I’ll also order an extra wound string with each set to start with.</p>
<p></p> The neck had almost no relief…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2021-02-23:2667446:Comment:1808532021-02-23T22:11:48.590ZMilwaukee Matzenhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/MilwaukeeMatzen
<p>The neck had almost no relief in it. So, I just loosened the truss rod it to get a little relief. Now, I have a clearance of about 1/64” on the 7th fret when a string is fretted on the 1st and 22nd frets. This is what Deering recommends. I also now have an action height a hair over 3/16” at the 12th fret. </p>
<p>Truss rods and coordinator rods are very easily adjusted. If I one doesn’t like the results, it is actually very easy to reverse them.</p>
<p><br></br> <cite>Jody Stecher…</cite></p>
<p>The neck had almost no relief in it. So, I just loosened the truss rod it to get a little relief. Now, I have a clearance of about 1/64” on the 7th fret when a string is fretted on the 1st and 22nd frets. This is what Deering recommends. I also now have an action height a hair over 3/16” at the 12th fret. </p>
<p>Truss rods and coordinator rods are very easily adjusted. If I one doesn’t like the results, it is actually very easy to reverse them.</p>
<p><br/> <cite>Jody Stecher said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="https://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/banjo-setup-and-phasing-issue?xg_source=msg_com_forum&id=2667446%3ATopic%3A175413&page=4#2667446Comment180317"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Stern adamant advice: If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It. Messing with the truss rod when there is no problem is not a good idea. Same for the coordinator rods. </p>
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</blockquote> Your Deering Vega has most li…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2021-02-23:2667446:Comment:1806432021-02-23T16:27:38.919Znick stephenshttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/nickstephens
<p>Your Deering Vega has most likely got somewhat higher frets than a vintage banjo would have so flat spots could develop under the wound string I guess, against this eventuality I would probably buy a spare wound string with every set, making I guess a ratio of 2-1 . I too would caution against adjusting the truss rod or co rods if it played well with steel strings it probably just needs a bridge of similar height to the Deering bridge it came with, Labella 17s are not really noticeably…</p>
<p>Your Deering Vega has most likely got somewhat higher frets than a vintage banjo would have so flat spots could develop under the wound string I guess, against this eventuality I would probably buy a spare wound string with every set, making I guess a ratio of 2-1 . I too would caution against adjusting the truss rod or co rods if it played well with steel strings it probably just needs a bridge of similar height to the Deering bridge it came with, Labella 17s are not really noticeably thicker than medium steel strings.<br/> <br/> <cite>Richard William Ineson said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="https://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/banjo-setup-and-phasing-issue?xg_source=msg_com_forum&id=2667446%3ATopic%3A175413&page=5#2667446Comment180580"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>One factor involved in the 'how many fourths' to buy in ratio to unwound strings depends on if you play a lot of banjo tunes with bass string solos in them, Hunter's 'Alhambra March' can be quite heavy on fourths as can Morley's 'Thumbs Up' and 'The Mountaineer's March'. I find that the windings wear through at the critical frets, publishers like Essex probably encouraged the banjo composers to incorporate bass solos in their compositions to increase the sales of fourth strings. I find that the C.Essex 024 fourths are quite hard wearing, in the past the worst fourths as regards longevity were the copper wound fourths which sounded wonderful but the windings soon disintegrated. </p>
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</blockquote> One factor involved in the 'h…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2021-02-23:2667446:Comment:1805802021-02-23T14:56:47.940ZRichard William Inesonhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/RichardWilliamIneson351
<p>One factor involved in the 'how many fourths' to buy in ratio to unwound strings depends on if you play a lot of banjo tunes with bass string solos in them, Hunter's 'Alhambra March' can be quite heavy on fourths as can Morley's 'Thumbs Up' and 'The Mountaineer's March'. I find that the windings wear through at the critical frets, publishers like Essex probably encouraged the banjo composers to incorporate bass solos in their compositions to increase the sales of fourth strings. I find that…</p>
<p>One factor involved in the 'how many fourths' to buy in ratio to unwound strings depends on if you play a lot of banjo tunes with bass string solos in them, Hunter's 'Alhambra March' can be quite heavy on fourths as can Morley's 'Thumbs Up' and 'The Mountaineer's March'. I find that the windings wear through at the critical frets, publishers like Essex probably encouraged the banjo composers to incorporate bass solos in their compositions to increase the sales of fourth strings. I find that the C.Essex 024 fourths are quite hard wearing, in the past the worst fourths as regards longevity were the copper wound fourths which sounded wonderful but the windings soon disintegrated. </p>
<p></p> I've not kept track. I chang…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2021-02-23:2667446:Comment:1803332021-02-23T14:23:54.112ZJoel Hookshttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/deuceswilde
<p>I've not kept track. I change to full set when they develop flat spots at the frets. I have mostly been playing my Gariepy/ Van Eps flush fret and I have not changed the strings since I got it. The 4ths don't wear out, they just get dull and seem to lose tension. That is when I change them.</p>
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<p><br></br> <br></br> <cite>Milwaukee Matzen said:…</cite></p>
<p>I've not kept track. I change to full set when they develop flat spots at the frets. I have mostly been playing my Gariepy/ Van Eps flush fret and I have not changed the strings since I got it. The 4ths don't wear out, they just get dull and seem to lose tension. That is when I change them.</p>
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<p><br/> <br/> <cite>Milwaukee Matzen said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="https://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/banjo-setup-and-phasing-issue?xg_source=activity&id=2667446%3ATopic%3A175413&page=4#2667446Comment180444"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Hey Joel,</p>
<p></p>
<p>I forgot to ask... On average, how many wound strings do you go through before swapping out the nylon strings? I am going to be placing an order for strings soon. I am trying to figure out how many extra wound strings I should be purchasing.</p>
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<p>Thanks!</p>
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</blockquote> Stern adamant advice: If It A…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2021-02-23:2667446:Comment:1803172021-02-23T13:25:41.281ZJody Stecherhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/JodyStecher
<p>Stern adamant advice: If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It. Messing with the truss rod when there is no problem is not a good idea. Same for the coordinator rods. <br></br> <br></br> <cite>Milwaukee Matzen said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="https://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/banjo-setup-and-phasing-issue?commentId=2667446%3AComment%3A180444&xg_source=activity#2667446Comment180436"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>I get that there in no one size fits all. I was just hoping that I may…</p>
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<p>Stern adamant advice: If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It. Messing with the truss rod when there is no problem is not a good idea. Same for the coordinator rods. <br/> <br/> <cite>Milwaukee Matzen said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="https://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/banjo-setup-and-phasing-issue?commentId=2667446%3AComment%3A180444&xg_source=activity#2667446Comment180436"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>I get that there in no one size fits all. I was just hoping that I may be able to get to 1/4” merely to experience it. </p>
<p>I am going to adjust the truss rod a little more and see if I can’t get closer to 3/16” though.</p>
<blockquote cite="https://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/banjo-setup-and-phasing-issue?id=2667446%3ATopic%3A175413&page=4#2667446Comment180004"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p></p>
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</blockquote> Hey Joel,
I forgot to ask...…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2021-02-23:2667446:Comment:1804442021-02-23T05:43:09.092ZMilwaukee Matzenhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/MilwaukeeMatzen
<p>Hey Joel,</p>
<p></p>
<p>I forgot to ask... On average, how many wound strings do you go through before swapping out the nylon strings? I am going to be placing an order for strings soon. I am trying to figure out how many extra wound strings I should be purchasing.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Hey Joel,</p>
<p></p>
<p>I forgot to ask... On average, how many wound strings do you go through before swapping out the nylon strings? I am going to be placing an order for strings soon. I am trying to figure out how many extra wound strings I should be purchasing.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks!</p> I get that there in no one si…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2021-02-23:2667446:Comment:1804362021-02-23T04:22:22.660ZMilwaukee Matzenhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/MilwaukeeMatzen
<p>I get that there in no one size fits all. I was just hoping that I may be able to get to 1/4” merely to experience it. </p>
<p>I am going to adjust the truss rod a little more and see if I can’t get closer to 3/16” though.</p>
<p>I am not having any issues with buzzing. But, I am not playing with much gusto. Plus, I only know a couple of chords at the moment. And, haven’t been really playing up the neck. So, my attack is likely to change as I go along. I am still very new to this.</p>
<p>I…</p>
<p>I get that there in no one size fits all. I was just hoping that I may be able to get to 1/4” merely to experience it. </p>
<p>I am going to adjust the truss rod a little more and see if I can’t get closer to 3/16” though.</p>
<p>I am not having any issues with buzzing. But, I am not playing with much gusto. Plus, I only know a couple of chords at the moment. And, haven’t been really playing up the neck. So, my attack is likely to change as I go along. I am still very new to this.</p>
<p>I was a little afraid that such a tall bridge would have a negative impact on the sound. But, to be honest, I don’t hear much of a difference.</p>
<p>My picking hand also really likes the higher bridge. I don’t know if it is just because I am not used to anchoring my picking hand, but I find the higher bridge to be much more comfortable.</p>
<p>Thanks for making these great bridges available!<br/> <br/> <cite>Joel Hooks said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="https://classic-banjo.ning.com/forum/topics/banjo-setup-and-phasing-issue?id=2667446%3ATopic%3A175413&page=4#2667446Comment180004"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Like all things, it depends on the banjo. 1/4" is the high end. 3/16" is low. Some banjos like high, some low. I have even slanted the bridge where the bass string is higher than the 1st.</p>
<p> It is all about being able to play with a strong and confidant right hand without buzzing. </p>
<p>Many classic era banjos were built with the higher action. </p>
<p>There are no one size fits all rule. Every banjo is different and when dealing with a post WW2 wire string banjo it gets complicated. </p>
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</blockquote> Like all things, it depends o…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2021-02-22:2667446:Comment:1800042021-02-22T16:07:37.461ZJoel Hookshttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/deuceswilde
<p>Like all things, it depends on the banjo. 1/4" is the high end. 3/16" is low. Some banjos like high, some low. I have even slanted the bridge where the bass string is higher than the 1st.</p>
<p> It is all about being able to play with a strong and confidant right hand without buzzing. </p>
<p>Many classic era banjos were built with the higher action. </p>
<p>There are no one size fits all rule. Every banjo is different and when dealing with a post WW2 wire string banjo it gets…</p>
<p>Like all things, it depends on the banjo. 1/4" is the high end. 3/16" is low. Some banjos like high, some low. I have even slanted the bridge where the bass string is higher than the 1st.</p>
<p> It is all about being able to play with a strong and confidant right hand without buzzing. </p>
<p>Many classic era banjos were built with the higher action. </p>
<p>There are no one size fits all rule. Every banjo is different and when dealing with a post WW2 wire string banjo it gets complicated. </p> Well, I just received the the…tag:classic-banjo.ning.com,2021-02-22:2667446:Comment:1797282021-02-22T04:35:17.440ZMilwaukee Matzenhttps://classic-banjo.ning.com/profile/MilwaukeeMatzen
<p>Well, I just received the the tallest banjo bridge that I’ve ever seen today from Joel! I put it on my banjo. And, with a few tweaks of the coordinator rods, I now have a 12th fret string height just a hair above 4mm. Seems to sound and play fine. I don’t think I’ll realistically be able to get anywhere near 1/4” without shimming the neck (which I do not really want to do). I was really curious as to how a 1/4” high action wound feel and sound. In my mind,1/4” still just seems so high! </p>
<p>Well, I just received the the tallest banjo bridge that I’ve ever seen today from Joel! I put it on my banjo. And, with a few tweaks of the coordinator rods, I now have a 12th fret string height just a hair above 4mm. Seems to sound and play fine. I don’t think I’ll realistically be able to get anywhere near 1/4” without shimming the neck (which I do not really want to do). I was really curious as to how a 1/4” high action wound feel and sound. In my mind,1/4” still just seems so high! </p>