Folk of the Wood Backpacker & Travel 5-String Banjo Questions

Date: Sun, 6 Jun 2004 11:59:51 -0600
Subject: Re: Fwd: travel banjo question

Mickey,

Thanks for the help with my travel banjo tuning question. This banjo sounds
great when tuned in C. However, I think there are lots of songs which sound
much better in G than in C, and it is difficult to play with others when
restricted to such a high key. This banjo can almost get in tune in G, but the
tone never sounds quite right. To your knowledge is there any kind of
adjustment that can be done such that it is possible to play the travel banjo
in G and have it sound good?

thanks,

Steve

Greetings Steve,

Due to the short scale length, there really isn't much that can be done to bring down a travel banjo's tuning to standard open G....without encountering lots of rattling or certainly without it not having the tone you'd expect of a standard scale G tuning banjo...the tonal range is completely lost...

If you're set on trying this, you might consider a heavy gauge set of banjo strings to compensate for the lower tuning...this may minimize the rattling...I'm not sure how it will affect the tone...it should offer up a lower tonal response...only once you install the heavy guage, do not attempt to tune it back up to C...use it for G tuning only...

Let me know how this works out...Mickey

Date: Sun, 16 May 2004 07:50:24 -0600
Subject: travel banjo question

Dear Mickey,

I have recently been given a Saga travel banjo as a gift. I've been playing
guitar for years but this is my first attempt at playing banjo. I'm confused
about the "C tuning" recommended (or required?) for this short travel banjo.
The beginning instruction book I have is of course done in standard G tuning.
How do I setup the tuning of this banjo properly?

thanks,

Steve

Greetings Steve,

Glad to assist:

What you will be doing is tuning the banjo up, from the standard G tuning to a fourh higher open C tuning: C G C E G
That is: C on the high G string; G on the low D string; C on the middle G string; E on the second B string; and, G on the high D string...

This tuning allows for the proper string tension on a short scale neck such as offered by the SS-10P Saga Travel Banjo...now, you can still use your open-G instructional materials for the chord and melody patterns still apply...remember, only the notes change in pitch...so, when the instructional material is teaching a song in G, even though you're following the patterns, both chordal and melodic, you will essentially be playing in the key of C.

Be careful not to allow the bridge to move...for, it's critical to the intonation of the instrument...and, hopefully, it was set up properly before it shipped since bridge plaement is critical to whether your banjo sounds in tune or not...

Hope this helps...Mickey

Subject: Banjo recommendation
Date: Sun, 9 May 2004 15:19:46 -0500

Mickey
I've been trying to research various travel banjos. Is the Saga SS-10P a good banjo, and what is the difference between C tuning verses A tuning for the travel banjo's and how does either differ from a normal 5 string G tuned banjo. Is there a big difference in playing and sound?
Thanks for your help
Ron

Greetings Ron,

Glad to assist if I can:

The Saga SS-10P is excellent...nice and solid and a great value for an import...I'm not too sure about the A tunings...I have tuned all of the travel banjos I've played to the C tuning...and it works very well...bright and high in pitch...sure, it's possible to tune down to the A, only, there may be some rattle...the reason I like the C tuning is that it gives you an entirely new voice for recording or performance...

The C tuning gives the banjo an almost mandolinistic tonal quality...this can be recreated on a standard banjo by capoing up to the 5th fret...why does the travel banjo have to be tuned to high C? The shorter scale neck length allows the banjo to be tuned at a higher pitch...if you attempted to tune to G, the strings would be too loose on this scale length and cause lots of rattle and buzzing...

Yes, there's a difference in the feel when playing a shorter scale neck...it feels like playing on a standard 5-string above the 12th fret...the frets are closer together and the neck feels smaller overall...easy to get used to for me...keep on pickin', Mickey
--

Subject: Travel training banjo
Date: Wed, 31 Dec 2003 18:58:09 -0600

Mickey

Greetings Ron,

Glad to assist:

I have an OB 250+ banjo I am trying to learn on, but I travel a lot and was wondering if someone makes an electric training device, that is light weight, such as a banjo neck with electric acoustics that would simulate the banjo sound, that can be used to practice picking and cords training.
Thank you for your time

I'm not too sure...there should be. I can't imagine why someone hasn't put together a practice system of this nature. I do know of acoustic practice devices and instruments:
1. The Travel Banjo itself. (Saga and Gold Tone makes)..tuned to high C with the same intervals as standard open G tuning...
2. There's a small device that clips to the belt and allows the 5-string picker to practice rolls...
3. There's always the portable computer that allows you to stay in tune with music theory...lots of software that teaches intervals, reading music, arranging, etc.

If you find anything else, I would appreciate your filling me in, Mickey

Good luck with your research...Mickey

Ron Francis

Subject: Request for advice from Mickey
Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 15:20:43 -0400

I love my Gold Tone OB250+ that I bought last month, [this is the second banjo I've purchased from FOTW-obviously a pleased customer] . I've realized that my OB250+ is too darn heavy to lug through airports when I have to travel due to work. I'm now looking for a less expensive open back banjo that I can carry in a gig bag that will also fit in overhead compartments in airplanes. I've looked at the Saga SS-10,the Gold Tone Hoab, and the Gold Tone CC-Traveler. You can see from the banjos listed what price range I'm considering. Which of these would you reccommend? Are there any other banjos that you can think of that might meet my needs? Any assisstance you can provide will be greatly appreciated.
Charlie Pyatt
Virginia Beach, Va

Greetings Charlie,

Glad to assist if I can:

I really like the star inlay on the SS-10...and the sound is superb. It really looks and feels closer to a traditional banjo than the others you've listed.

The Traveler is smaller in scale length...and is more portable. However, it will not have the fullness that the SS-10 offers...the Hoab is great for the price, and is lightweight due to a lack of tone ring, and may befit you well for your travel purposes. Keep in mind, it will sound plunkier and not have the crispness of tone that the SS-10 offers...The SS-10 does have a tone ring, and does offer a full sound, only you'll find it heavier and larger than the travel banjo. The SS-10P would be similar in scale length to the CC-Traveler. I'm not sure if you're aware, but these are tuned to high C to accommodate the scale length. They sound high pitched and tenorish. If ease of travel is the first priority, then the travel banjos would be the answer...if you want to compromise on the ease of travel, while gaining a full-sized banjo sound, I'd recommend the SS-10 Old-Time Banjo.

Hope this helps...Mickey

Subject: twangers, etc.
Date: Tue, 28 May 2002 12:43:24 -0700

hello again...wonder if you've formed any opinions (and want to share) about those right hand practicers. some attach to your belt. the twanger prax ax is popular, and jack hatfield makes his own "banjo board" which is round. what about "travel banjos?" i want to be able to practice during down times in the semi, but a full size banjo i've leaned, is not very practical for my situation. thanks, jack

Greetings Jack,

I'd be glad to assist...however, I've never played one of the right-hand practicers to date...therefore, I cannot pass judgment. I did talk to a couple of other users whom happen to have been very happy with them...In fact, I've referred a few to Jack Hatfield's website.

I belive that the travel banjos would be far more inspiring to practice on...and, since you're hearing what's being played, as you play it, you may prevent bad habits that can accumulate from a quiet practice tool. As a secondary choice, the practice board would at the very least keep the right hand in good shape.

Hope this helps...Mickey

Date: Sun, 26 May 2002 08:44:23 EDT
Subject: Questions About the Saga SS-10P Travel Banjo

Gentlemen:

I am interested in purchasing the Saga SS-10P Travel Banjo but had a few
questions I hope you can help with. I understand the shorter scale neck is
setup for "C" tuning, but isn't this as it relates to proper bridge
placement? Once the bridge is placed, couldn't the banjo be tuned down to
"A" or "G"? And what is the overall length? Also, are there any armrests
available that would fit this banjo?

I live in Scotch Plains, NJ (Zip 07076) so what would the shipping cost be? And do you have this particular model banjo in stock?

Thanks so much.

Joe

Greetings Joe,

Yes, the SS-10P is designed for "C" tuning...its scale length allows it to be tuned quite a bit higher. That's not to say that it can't be tuned lower. For instance, if you use a heavier gauge string, you may be able to tune it down to "A"...as far as moving the bridge: the bridge would have to be set in one position to compensate for the 12th fret being exactly the halfway point between it and the nut. Otherwise, it will fret out of tune as you play further up the neck. In principle, you're correct, by moving the bridge further back, you should be able to tune to a lower note. However, what happens is the intonation is thrown off since the fret distance changes.

For the SS-10P, you're looking at a shipping charge of approximately 15.00 to NJ.

I believe we can fit an armrest on these...20.00 installed.

You'll have to call in to our toll free number for delivery time on these:
888-209-8434

We currently do not have these in stock...usually, they're readily available.

At your disposal, FOTW

Subject: Saga SS-10P Travel Banjo
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2002 16:18:11 -0600

The description of this instruments says it is setup for open C tuning...does this mean that it cannot be tuned to open G, G Modal, etc? Thanks...James

Greetings James,

Sure, it can be tuned to G...although, because of the shorter scale, it will rattle below the C tuning...and, it would add too much tension to the neck and strings to be tuned above the C tuning...now, the open C tuning recommended for this banjo still offers the same intervals as the open G...meaning that you will be able to play any tune you know in the open G tuning only you will be in the key of C. It's really fun to experiment with...and, certainly the best way to travel!

Shoot me more questions at your convenience,

Mickey

Date: Sun, 9 Dec 2001 12:04:11 -0700
Subject: Re: Youth banjo

Mickey,
Does anyone make a youth or scaled-down banjo that you know of? Sean's only 8 mos., and is already showing potential. He has learned to crawl over to my banjo on the stand and pluck the strings with different fingers. There are five other guitars adjacent to the banjo, but he always goes for it. Anyway, just curious.

Thanks, Dixon

Greetings Dixon from Down Under...what's the word? Hope all is well with you these days. I haven't heard from Derek, aka "goodlookindog", since he took off to GA. Steve Smith, a legendary acoustician and close friend of Derek's, has been coming up. In fact, he wants me to produce his first instructional video...phenomenal mando player.

Sure, there are small banjos that fit kids...probably 6-10 yrs...I'm not sure about 8 mos. although I wish I could say that I started at 8 mos. old.

These banjos are called travel banjos. We have the Gold Tone Travel Banjo and the Saga Travel Banjo. The Saga Travel banjo is really amazing: tone ring, star inlays, etc. Be aware, because of the shorter scale neck, these have to be tuned to high C instead of low G using the same intervals. Sounds really cool and lots of fun to kick around. I'll try to get some video samplers up on these so stay tuned.

Thanks again for all of the pix...those were fun to go through. Wish you lived near by...we'd be jamming more often than not.

Keep on pickin', Mickey