Banjo Setup FAQ's
Banjo Setup Frequently Asked Questions by Wil Huckabay:
Why do I need a good tailpiece? What difference does it make?
The zinc alloy that the tailpiece is made of is a crucial part of your banjo’s voice. Poor zinc alloy content will result in poor sound quality.
The Presto tailpiece, for instance, is made with good zinc alloy, however, does not lend itself to adjustment. I use a Prucha tailpiece. Prucha has matched the zinc alloy formula to the prewar Gibson formula. And by adding a thumb screw on the back of his tailpiece, it allows movement up and down.
Your tailpiece must have at least an 11 or 12 degree angle coming off the bridge to be able to have good vibration transference into the pot. Any less than 11 degrees and you are losing major volume. The Prucha tailpiece allows me an 18 degree angle, which in turn gives me great tone and volume.
My notes seem duller than they once were. What could be some reasons for this?
One thing you can try is “shocking” the head. Sometimes the head needs to be loosened and then tightened back up a couple of days later. This will sometimes bring back proper vibration of the head. Turn the nuts back about an 1/8 to ¼ of a turn and then tighten them back up a day or so later. Another reason, of course – it could always mean you need to change your strings.
Visit my web site at BanjoMD.com for more information about banjo setup, free lick of the month, banjo lessons and more.
Why do I need a good tailpiece? What difference does it make?
The zinc alloy that the tailpiece is made of is a crucial part of your banjo’s voice. Poor zinc alloy content will result in poor sound quality.
The Presto tailpiece, for instance, is made with good zinc alloy, however, does not lend itself to adjustment. I use a Prucha tailpiece. Prucha has matched the zinc alloy formula to the prewar Gibson formula. And by adding a thumb screw on the back of his tailpiece, it allows movement up and down.
Your tailpiece must have at least an 11 or 12 degree angle coming off the bridge to be able to have good vibration transference into the pot. Any less than 11 degrees and you are losing major volume. The Prucha tailpiece allows me an 18 degree angle, which in turn gives me great tone and volume.
My notes seem duller than they once were. What could be some reasons for this?
One thing you can try is “shocking” the head. Sometimes the head needs to be loosened and then tightened back up a couple of days later. This will sometimes bring back proper vibration of the head. Turn the nuts back about an 1/8 to ¼ of a turn and then tighten them back up a day or so later. Another reason, of course – it could always mean you need to change your strings.
Visit my web site at BanjoMD.com for more information about banjo setup, free lick of the month, banjo lessons and more.
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