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Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2004 22:19:15 -0600 (CST)
Subject: BANJO BRIDGE

I JUST PUT A NEW BRIDGE ON MY BANJO I HAD A HALF IN. BRIDGE. I PUT A 3/4
IN ONE ON AND I DONT GET THE SAME TONE. SHOULD I STICK WITH A 1/2 IN
BRIDGE. OR WHAT DID I DO WRONG..??? ANY INFO YOU CAN GIVE WOULD BE
HELPFUL... THANKS...

Greetings Dave,

One thing I've discovered over the years is that each banjo has its own personality...and a modification that sounds good on one banjo, may not on another. Most successful modifications on banjos are done by pure experimentation. When attempting to adjust a tone ring, tighten a head, adjust a tailpiece or replace a bridge...you're essentially shooting in the dark...since, until the modification is completed, you cannot really tell if the banjo will react positively or negatively. Because each banjo is unique unto itself, even some of the best set-up technicians cannot predict every modification's result...

As in the case with your bridge replacement, if it sounds worse than before, your best answer is to return to your original bridge...or, find another bridge to experiment with in the hopes that your banjo's tone and playability improve...

Hope this helps, Mickey

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Subject: Bridge installation
Date: Sat, 27 Dec 2003 11:00:54 -0600

I have just received a new banjo and the bridge needs to be installed. I have not done this before and am new to the banjo. I am a former music teacher so I do have an extensive music background and have done quite a bit of instrument repair myself. I also play guitar so I have a stringed instrument background as well.  Is this bridge installation something I should try myself, or let someone more experienced do this for me. I am in North Dakota and I no of no one around here that does this. Your input would be appreciated. Also, please include information as to how to tune a 5 string banjo. Thank you.

Mike

Greetings Mike,

We just so happen to have a banjo bridge installation slide show on our website:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/10ppbanjobridge/sld001.htm

It's a relatively easy procedure...the hardest part is learning to intonate the banjo for proper bridge placement.

For our free lessons section:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3.htm

To tune a 5-string banjo to standard open G tuning:
High Drone String: G
From low to high below the drone string: D G B D

We're hoping to include a soundbyte section which will include an audio sampling of how to tune the 5-string...unfortunately, it still may be a ways off before we can complete this section...Mickey

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Date: Thu, 9 May 2002 08:02:01 -0700

Hi,

I was just wondering if you guys had an ETA of when you will see the banjo from wildwood ----

Also -- What is the benefit of installing a compensated bridge ?
What guage of strings are coming on the wildwood banjo ?

Please respond, Thanks,


Andy

Greetings Andy,

PO: 1352
Original Order was Changed from an Heirloom to a Troubador...
Wildwood Troubador with ShoeBand...delivery date: Platers have all the bracket bands...as soon as they are returned to Wildwood's shop (late next week), it will be assembled...making it a total of approximately 2-3 weeks.
Gauge of Strings Installed at the Wildwood Factory: GHS Custom Gauge light-mediums .10 .12 .14 .22w .10

A compensated bridge will contribute to accurate intonation in the higher register of a banjo...however, on a higher quality banjo, such as the Troubador, it wouldn't be necessary; on a lower quality banjo, correcting intonation is more critical since necks are not made to exacting specs. Be aware, most compensated bridges are heavier and fatter to accommodate the spacing necessary to compensate each individual string. This alters the tone and gives a less responsive tone than a standard bridge.

Hope the above helps...at your disposal, Mickey

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Subject: RE: Deering Sierra banjo
Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002 12:51:48 -0800

Bryan-

I appreciate your call on Monday. I sent the OB-250 back yesterday via insured UPS ground. It should arrive there in a few days.

Last question on the Sierra-should I get a compensated bridge?

Bryan

Greetings Bryan,

We can set you up with a compensated bridge at your discretion.

Advantages:
1. It can ensure perfect pitch past the 12th fret...
2. It may make it easier to tune...
3. It will add a slightly fatter tone to most banjos...
4. Chords can sound more harmonious due to an accurate intonation...

Disadvantages:
1. It can lessen the volume of your banjo...
2. It will take the peaks out of the tonal range adding more bass...
3. It's a non-traditional upgrade that can take away from the rawness of a bluegrass banjo...by softening the tone and eliminating any traditional dissonance naturally occurring with a straight 5-string bridge.

Let us know if you have further questions, Mickey