I have always used the fretted 12th fret note as compared to the harmonic of the same string at the 12th fret. I found it interesting that you didn't talk about that. Of course, I used this method long before digital tuners were in general use.
That will due in a pinch, but it isn't nearly as accurate. The two highest G chords on the neck along with a really good ear works much better, but an electronic tuner is best.
Hi this is a great video. It really make switching bridges easy. I do have one question though. I just got a new banjo and the bridge is taller than the ones I'm used to playing with. So I'm getting finger cramps like crazy. I want to install my old 1/2 bridge on my new banjo that came with a 3/4 bridge. Now I know how to swap the bridges but what do I do from there. Because I assume after that much of a height change that my strings are gonna be flat on the frets. Any advice is much appreciated.
That is a matter of resetting the neck and hasn't as much to do with the bridge placement, although (and assuming the other bridge will even work) there will be a slight difference in where the bridge is placed. It sounds like you will need a neck reset, but I would need the banjo in front of me to make that determination. Thank you!
Thank you for the valuable information. Question: after I adjusted my bridge and tuned, there is now a "sitar" sounding buzz on the second string in the open position. How do I get rid of that buzz? Thanks in advance!
Patrick Hauk You have a different problem if the buzz is only happening on the 2nd string open. You need to have someone look at your banjo. Your nut slot could be too low, the 1st fret may not be seated properly or you may need something else or a combination of things corrected. I hope this helps, Richie Dotson
If I were to change a bridge which I have done before I would just mark a line on each side of the bridge that was on there on the head and the slide the new bridge up there and take the old bridge out. Is that stupid
I put a geared 5th tuner in recently, I now have a 4th string Buzz that wasn't there before for every fret up to the 4th where the tuner splines went in? Do you think this raised that fret creating this buzz? Can I just file it down?
It is likely that the 5th string tuner got pushed in with too much pressure. It could also be that the fret raised up on you. Sometimes when you mess with one thing something else can move. Filing it down without knowing what happened can cause other issues. It's also not just a matter of filing just one fret... they must all be leveled with each other, then re-crowned, cleaned then buffed to make then not only look nice but play without making scratching noises. I hope this helps...Keep me posted. Thanks.
I have always used the fretted 12th fret note as compared to the harmonic of the same string at the 12th fret. I found it interesting that you didn't talk about that. Of course, I used this method long before digital tuners were in general use.
That will due in a pinch, but it isn't nearly as accurate. The two highest G chords on the neck along with a really good ear works much better, but an electronic tuner is best.
Thank you Richie! This is really helpful!
Very good and accurate info!
Hi this is a great video. It really make switching bridges easy. I do have one question though. I just got a new banjo and the bridge is taller than the ones I'm used to playing with. So I'm getting finger cramps like crazy. I want to install my old 1/2 bridge on my new banjo that came with a 3/4 bridge. Now I know how to swap the bridges but what do I do from there. Because I assume after that much of a height change that my strings are gonna be flat on the frets. Any advice is much appreciated.
That is a matter of resetting the neck and hasn't as much to do with the bridge placement, although (and assuming the other bridge will even work) there will be a slight difference in where the bridge is placed. It sounds like you will need a neck reset, but I would need the banjo in front of me to make that determination. Thank you!
Very helpful info and amazing banjo playing.
What tune is it you are playing at the very end of this video?
Thanks! The tune was just something that I made up for demonstration purposes.
Very helpful post! what song were you playing there at the end? it sounded awesome!
+Wyatt Robey The tune is something I was making up for the test drive.
Can i ask what size Bridge you recommend for a beginner using a 5 string resonator banjo ?
Thank you for the valuable information. Question: after I adjusted my bridge and tuned, there is now a "sitar" sounding buzz on the second string in the open position. How do I get rid of that buzz? Thanks in advance!
Patrick Hauk You have a different problem if the buzz is only happening on the 2nd string open. You need to have someone look at your banjo. Your nut slot could be too low, the 1st fret may not be seated properly or you may need something else or a combination of things corrected. I hope this helps,
Richie Dotson
If I were to change a bridge which I have done before I would just mark a line on each side of the bridge that was on there on the head and the slide the new bridge up there and take the old bridge out. Is that stupid
And or banjos like fiddles All fields cored. differently
I put a geared 5th tuner in recently, I now have a 4th string Buzz that wasn't there before for every fret up to the 4th where the tuner splines went in? Do you think this raised that fret creating this buzz? Can I just file it down?
It is likely that the 5th string tuner got pushed in with too much pressure. It could also be that the fret raised up on you. Sometimes when you mess with one thing something else can move. Filing it down without knowing what happened can cause other issues. It's also not just a matter of filing just one fret... they must all be leveled with each other, then re-crowned, cleaned then buffed to make then not only look nice but play without making scratching noises. I hope this helps...Keep me posted. Thanks.
hi richie can you tell me which banjo tuner app you use please
I use the Peterson Strobe Tuner app. I hope this helps.
My banjo sounds more like a guitar than a banjo ...Bought it used my first banjo..???? lol
.
It's probably an inexpensive banjo. If it plays nice you can still learn to play using it then upgrade once you are better.