 |
|
 |
This page is to help give you a better understanding of Banjo Setup and to help answer some basic banjo setup questions.
|
Questions: |
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. My 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 1/4 of a turn and then tighten them back up a day or so later. |
| Do submerged timber bridges really make that much of a difference? Absolutely! A submerged timber bridge allows for much better vibration transference into the pot due to its cellular structure. You will find submerged timber bridges give you much better tone and volume. |
| If a song is in A, why do I need a capo?
You don't. However, your left hand will be bound to holding 1,4,5 chord formations in A (A,D,E). The banjo is tuned in Open G. By capoing up 2, it allows you to play in A while playing open G formation rolls and licks. |
more FAQ's to come!! |
Nickel vs Gold Plating (article by Wil Huckabay) |
Contact Info: Wil Huckabay 281-543-5994 wilandkc@peoplepc.com |
 |
Hi! Angie - I recently purchased the "Building Blocks Cut n Paste" book and I just LOVE it. I've been playing for nearly 2 years and your book has come along at exactly the time and point that I need it. You better hurry up and get the new book ready, cause I'm gonna be ready for it before too long. Indeed, you have put together a very good learning tool. Thanks a lot and keep writing more stuff. Ross Fox, Ringgold, GA Hi! Angie, I wanted to let you know I've been working through the "Cut n Paste" book I received from you several weeks ago. What an eye opener. I have just about every backup or lick book on the market but they never made any sense until now. Looking forward to Vol. 2 Mary, TN. |