BANJO

 

PARTS

 

TUNING

It is best to use an electronic tuner to tune the Banjo until you become familiar with tuning by ear. There are several ways to tune a Banjo depending on the style or the way you want to play. Below are some common tunings.

1. G tuning...................1st String D, 2nd B, 3rd G, 4th D, 5th G

2. G minor tuning........1st String D, 2nd Bb, 3rd G, 4th D, 5th G

3. C tuning...................1st String D, 2nd B, 3rd G, 4th C, 5th G

4. D tuning...................1st String D, 2nd A, 3rd F#, 4th D, 5th F# (5th can also be A)

5. D minor tuning........1st String D, 2nd A, 3rd F, 4th D, 5th A

 

CHANGING STRINGS

1. Change one string at a time then tune it to keep tension on the neck and bridge.

2. Thread the string through the Appropriate string hole in the tailpiece. Some tailpieces     have covers, so take it off first.

 

3. Thread the string through the tuning key. Pull the string tight so there is no slack. Then     measure about an inch past the tuning key and cut the string at that point.

 

4. Bring the string back so that the end is just poking through the hole. Turn the tuning     key and bend the string so it makes a crease in the string that will stop it slipping     through.

 

5. Keep tension on the string while turning the key. Make sure the winds go downward     so there is an upward pressure on the string end where it goes through the hole. For     extra grip, wind once around the top of the string end, then pull the end up vertically,     then wind the rest downwards. If you do it this way don't cut the string til it is wound     and tuned. This creates more of a lock on the string and is prefered by some people.

 

6. The same process is used for the fifth string, The only difference is the position of the     hole in the tuning key.

 

TAILPIECE ADJUSTMENT

The adjustment screw on the tailpiece adjusts the tailpiece toward or away from the head, this effects the string tension on the bridge and alters the tone. For a crisp treble tone the tailpiece should be tightened so it's close to the head. For a smoother bass tone loosen the tailpeice so its further from the head. Somewhere in the middle is suitable for most players. A common setting is about 1/8" (3.2mm) above the head.

 

HEAD TENSION

A banjo should have tight head tension to produce a clear tone. If its too tight the lower bass tones wil wash out, if its too loose the higher treble tones will suffer. Tighten the head with the bracket key. Tighten each hex nut just a fraction of a turn, going around the rim several times, keeping the tension hoop level until they are all tightened. The head skin is often tuned to a note like A by tapping the head and matching the tone to a string note. This takes some experience, so if needed you should take it to professional until you've learnt more about the Banjo.

There are special head tension tools to tune heads available at music stores. They are basically a torque wrench that measures the pressure on each nut so they can all be evenly tightened and tuned to your preference.

 

SETTING UP A BRIDGE

The strings on a Banjo need to be the right length in order to resonate well and to be in tune all along the fretboard, therefore the bridge needs to be the right distance from the nut. This is called intonation. Measure 26.3/16" (66.5cm) from the nut and use that as a starting point.

To get the bridge set exactly, use harmonics.

On the first and fourth strings, play the 12th fret harmonic by lightly touching the string above the 12th fret while plucking the string. This should ring clearly as a high pitched note 'harmonic'.

Now play that string again while fretting the 12th fret. These two notes should be exactly the same if the bridge is in the correct place. Use an electronic tuner to get exact tuning.

If they aren't the same, move the bridge toward the tailpiece if the fretted note is higher (sharp) than the harmonic note. Away from the tailpiece if the fretted note is lower (flat) than the harmonic note.

It is important to set the bridge exactly. If the bridge is even slightly out of place sound quality is lost and it wont tune properly.

 

TIPS

1. Never attempt any set up or adjustments if you are not confident in your knowledge.     Get a professional to do it for you.

2. Always keep the Banjo in its case. This will protect it from temperature, dirt and     accidental damage.

3. To clean the banjo use a dry clean cloth.

4. Change the strings often, especially if you play alot. The strings will start to sound dull     if they are too old.