banjo tweeking

[Len Biglin]

Hi all , I have been given a cheap 6 string banjo to setup , and that part is done. But the guy wants the tone higher , my first thought is that it's a function of the scale length, and string guage. Would the head tension have much effect on the tone ?Any other suggestions? Len

[Tim Mace]

Definitely,the tighter the skin the more brilliant and piercing.I like a looser damper tone personally.Be careful not to overtighten though I don't know what the limitations are.Oh and cheap will probably always sound that way.Especially a 6 shooter.

[Greg Mirken]

Len, the standard strategies for bringing out treble in a banjo are tighten the head, crank the tailpiece down, thin the bridge.

[Len Biglin]

OK thanks Tim and Greg , I will have a go at that tomorrow.Len

[Steve Beckwith]

Hi Len,
Just an observation: I've read (very good) suggestions for a brighter sound, but not necessarily a higher tone. As an example I've built both travel and dreadnought guitars. They both sound bright but the former has a higher tone due to it's shorter scale length. Is the customer clear on what he's asking you to do?

- Steve

[Tim Mace]

Higher tone as in pitch?As a rule 5 string banjos aren't under a lot of stress but a six string banjo is....if strung w/guitar strings(a totally different animal).All rules go out the window on six shooters.Why did they ever happen?4's and 5's were just fine!

[hobocaster]

The six string has been around quite a while too.. Sam McGee who played with Uncle Dave Macon played one. Papa Charlie Jackson too (early blues recording artist).

It's true though, I haven't seen any recent quality made six string banjos. My friend owns a cheap modern one made by Dean. She had light gauge electric guitar strings (nickel wound) on it, and asked the opposite question.. if we could mellow the tone. We put a phosphor bronze set on it, and stuck a rag in the back, and she likes it much better. I suggested trying a set of nylon strings too, but I think she was satisfied as is. I had an Aquila brand nyl-gut set on my old open back 5 string banjo and i loved the sound.

Yes.. always good to clarify what we mean when we talk about sound. Is it brighter tone or higher pitch that they're looking for?

Devin

[Bob Gaddis]

There is an old saying about a silk purse and a sow's ear....
Could be the banjo is giving all it has to give....

[Len Biglin]

Well , I I tightened the head and I sounded more like a banjo , he's happy and I told him to try electric strings next time Len

[Michael Shaw]

Tighten that head down. But don't over do it. A mylar head has 1/3 the tensile strength of steel and can cause some damage if over tightened. Earl Scruggs has said "I turn it down until it breaks, and then back it off a turn or two. ...