Is it normal to like a 5/8 bridge more?

[Austin]

I have a compensated bridge that I put on my Clifford Essex regal and I got to say it's better than the bridge that came with the banjo. Is it normal to a 5/8 Bridge more than a 1/2-in bridge?

[Byron Thomas]

You can have a 5/8 in. if you choose but you will have to account for the extra height, especially if the regal doesn't have a back angle. From my understanding, bridges made for banjos of the classic era were 1/2 in.

[Austin]

I know. But I like the sound more from a 5/8

[Byron Thomas]

Chasing tone is always going to be journey. Play what sounds good to your ears.

[Jody Stecher]

Every 1/2 inch bridge will sound unique. Every 5/8 bridge will sound unique. Every bridge from the same maker will sound different from all the others. There is no such thing as the sound from a 5/8 bridge.

That's not all.  There is no such thing as the sound of a particular 5/8 bridge. The sound will depend on the what kind of tailpiece is being used and the angle of the strings between the bridge and where they attach to the tailpiece, which is dependent on the height of the tailpiece and how long it is. And it will depend on how tight the head is, and what the head is made of. And it will depend on the type of stings and on the touch of the player.   

One *can* make categorical statements about the sound of two-footed bridges vs three-footed ones and between the sound of a solid wood bridge vs one with component woods (like an ebony top or inserts for the slots.  But height has no characteristic sound in itself.