Tommy Jordan
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The Open-Back Banjo

Bridge

Bridge material affects tone.  Hard maple with ebony top is preferred

Bridge shape affects intonation (offset B, moon shaped…)

(Snuffy Smith or Gary Sosbee: $15-$30)  NOT GROVER

Head

            The Head material greatly affects the tone of the banjo. 

Skin head is traditional – plunky tone, hard to maintain

Fiberskin – plunky tone, coated plastic (Renaissance is a good one)

Plastic – very bright tone (not preferred for old time banjo)

Tone Rings

            Metal tone rings produce a brighter, louder tone

            Wooden tone rings produce a rounder, quieter, more plunky tone

Strings

            Medium gauge preferred: – 0.010 or 0.011 on top (e.g. D’Addario J61)

            Also Phosphor bronze on 4^th string is good.  D’Addario and GHS make these sets

Picks/Fingernail

            Fingernail makes ALL the difference in tone

            No (or very short) fingernail is good too for consistent tone

            Can use finger pick upside down – plastic preferred but metal ok.  Hard to use.

            Fake fingernail?  Maybe.  “Hard as nails” hardener doesn’t work