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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 4th 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
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