Subject: saga
In the ad it states that the Saga Style III has a one piece cast rim with integral flat head tone ring.Is this aluminum,or something heavier?
Thanks..Bill
Greetings Bill,
I called Saga to find out more details on this one:
Integral Flat Head Tone Ring: Integral means that it's part of the rim...the rim and the tone ring is made out of cast hard aluminum alloy...the rim, cast hard aluminum alloy, is buttressed with its greatest point of integrity, the Flat Head Tone Ring, at where it meets the banjo head...Mickey
Subject: Request for advice from Mickey
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 assistance 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: 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.
You'll have to call in to our toll free number for delivery time on these:
We currently do not have these in stock...usually, they're readily available.
At your disposal, FOTW
Subject: Saga Travel Banjo
Thanks alot for your e-mail about the saga Travel Banjo. I think it's the one I may get. I know that you tune it to a C rather than G. Does it have the capability to have other tuning as well. I know some people tune to double C or C mogul. Will it tune to that those too?? Thanks again for your e mail, Mike
Hello Mike,
The travel banjo can be tuned most any way you'd like...the short scale neck is very accommodating...
I like tuning them to C tuning with the same intervals as a standard bluegrass banjo...this makes it fun since many of the fiddle or banjo tunes played in G can be exactly replicated in C tuning adding a totality different tonality to old worn out tunes. Mickey
