Comment by David Wade on April 8, 2009 at 7:03

Looks like a nice one Jody, I would suggest replacing the bridge with a two maple "Camm" type. Should improve the tone, assuming you are using z-b stringing.

Comment by Jody Stecher on April 8, 2009 at 7:13

Yes, this bridge is no good at all. I just have it on there at the moment as part of a test of different string heights before I get the frets dressed etc. Where can I find the sort of bridge you mean? There's what appears to be an identical banjo (Paul Newman's) on your website. Is the bridge on there the sort you mean? Two*footed* maple perhaps? Yes it's strung with light steel for the 3 high ones, nylgut middle G and an Aquila copper wound lute string for the bass.

Comment by David Wade on April 8, 2009 at 8:47

Like the idea of the copper wound lute string on the bass - I've been using silver wound 026s. Do you have a good source?
I may have a suitable bridge at home, otherwise we will have stock at CE

Comment by Jody Stecher on April 8, 2009 at 15:41

My source is Aquila USA. That's convenient for me here in California.

http://www.aquilausa.com/n_strings.html

I'm using what they call the D type string, which is copper wound on nylgut.

I use D108 or D112 (the actual diameter is much less) depending on the z-b's string length (112 breaks on the long stringed Cammeyer for instance).

I like the sound of these very much and the sound the trebles produce when a D type Aquila is the bass string. My only complaint is the same complaint I have about the wound string in the classic banjo set: the windings come undone before the trebles are worn out. I wish Aquila would wind their strings better.

I should address this in a separate post.

Thanks so much for the bridge offer. When does CE enter Full Operation?

Comment by David Wade on April 8, 2009 at 21:31

I've got some spare 1/2" bridges in my own stock - drop one in the post for you if you like.
CE has full range of strings available and many spare parts. BMG is back up and running.

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