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gtaunton - Posted - 09/09/2009: 08:43:19
As Paul Harvey would say, "Here's a strange..."
I am blessed to have several banjos and I have them all set up just about the same (string gauge, bridge height, etc.). But my Ode model D seems to me to be easier to play than my others. The only thing I can think of is the neck scale is a bit longer than my others. Anyone ever noticed anything like this?
The LORD will save me, and we will sing with stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the temple of the LORD (Isaiah 38:20).
Banjov1 - Posted - 09/09/2009: 08:50:56
Don't the Odes have really thin necks? Maybe that has something to do with it as well
Tony
gtaunton - Posted - 09/09/2009: 08:54:24
quote:
Originally posted by Banjov1
Don't the Odes have really thin necks? Maybe that has something to do with it as well
Tony
True, but I have a Gibson Blackjack as well the the neck is pretty thin on it too. I played the Blackjack last night at a gig my band had and it sems a little harder to pick than the Ode. It maybe that the Ode is just loud. The LORD will save me, and we will sing with stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the temple of the LORD (Isaiah 38:20).
1four5 - Posted - 09/09/2009: 08:55:47
I have been noticing this between banjos as well, and constantly try to get them to play and feel the same. One small thing that makes a big difference is arm rest height. Strap length also makes a difference, if my banjo is higher or lower, some of my muscle mechanics change. Possibly the biggest difference for me is string spacing. If it's different between banjos, it can really throw me off. Fret height also makes a difference. Low frets feel dead and lifeless and I bottom out, where as higher frets feel alive and I glide on them. Fret scale also makes a difference, my hands like the shorter scale with a wider neck, and I find myself mis-calculating reaches on the longer scale, even though my fingers are plenty long enough.
Dean
george craciun - Posted - 09/09/2009: 09:00:58
Obviously, not all banjos are the same. They are just as different as people! I have a 66 GibsonTB 100 5 string conversion and find it easier to play than any of my other 4 banjos (not Gibsons). I believe the finger pressure required on the strings seems a bit easier on the Gibson, and I believe the sting spacing is just a tad greater. Another obvious difference is the tone / sound/ volume of each instrument. I am sure there are some of other physical differences that affect playability. The more you think about it, the more complex it all becomes!
Back Porch Picker
jbalch - Posted - 09/09/2009: 09:06:09
I think a more "responsive" banjo can definitely seem easier to play.
It is hard to define "responsive". But all-else-being-equal, if one banjo gives you more output (bigger presence, pleasing tone, more volume...whatever you want to call it), it will seem easier to play. I think great responsiveness is one of the very elusive secret ingredients of the "pre-war" thing.
When you pick up a less-responsive banjo, you have to pick harder ...or..."bear-down" more to try and get the same output. So the less-responsive banjo seems harder to play.
www.johnbalchmusic.com
www.myspace.com/johnbalch
Jim D - Posted - 09/09/2009: 09:32:22
Recently I noticed how the neck on an old Lange just "fit my hand" and made finger placement feel totally natural. The scale length was 26 1/4", the same as my other banjos. I have somewhat "stumpy" hands, so a "standard neck" (whatever that might be!) would probably not fit me so well.
So, let me add hand size and finger length to those things that make a particular banjo feel more "responsive".
Jim
Edited by - Jim D on 09/09/2009 09:33:56
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