westsideryan - Posted - 05/31/2014:  08:39:36

I am looking to order a walnut Sampson bridge for my Wizard.  The banjo came with a 3/4" bridge but I was hoping to switch to a 5/8" to lower the action a little.  I don't have any 5/8" bridges lying around to see if ithis would work, so I was wondering if anyone has successfully done this?

Thanks much,

Ryan

kmwaters - Posted - 05/31/2014:  09:00:38

Check with Tanya at Ome. I bet she can help.

ZEPP - Posted - 05/31/2014:  09:07:01

Changing bridges is no big deal; it's about as involved as changing your socks.  I don't detune, but lift the strings out of their slots (to prevent chipping).  Then merely slide the new bridge in under the strings and then carefully tip the old bridge out of the way, gently lowering the strings onto the new bridge.  

As you correctly observe, lowering the bridge height by 1/8 inch will lower your action a bit.  To maintain proper intonation, you will probably have to move your bridge a smidgen closer to the neck when you tune up.

In theory, lowering your bridge will change tone and volume a bit as the down force on a lower bridge is reduced, but this effect is usually not dramatic.  OTOH, changing to another brand/maker/wood will probably change your tone noticeably--only you can tell if it's an improvement or not.

Cheers,

ZEPP

Bart Veerman - Posted - 05/31/2014:  09:11:53

Here's an easy experiment to figure out what height works for your banjo:

banjobridge.com/sizingabridge.htm

Added: by the way, the Sampson bridges look real nice.

Edited by - Bart Veerman on 05/31/2014 09:13:16

westsideryan - Posted - 05/31/2014:  09:21:34

quote:

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Originally posted by kmwaters

Check with Tanya at Ome. I bet she can help.

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I already have to put a call into her on Monday about my dowel stick.  I was just hoping that I could get a quick answer or I would have Elderly add a cheap 5/8" bridge to an order that I placed yesterday before it ships so I could test it out before buying the more expensive bridge.  Turns out that they just shipped my order anyway, but I was able to speak with one of the shop guys who informed me that it shouldn't be an issue to go from a 3/4" to a 5/8".

Thanks!

westsideryan - Posted - 05/31/2014:  09:23:41

quote:

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Originally posted by Bart Veerman

Here's an easy experiment to figure out what height works for your banjo:

banjobridge.com/sizingabridge.htm

Added: by the way, the Sampson bridges look real nice.

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Thanks for the link.  I was actually digging around the house for something that was 5/8", but didn't have any luck!   Yeah, the Sampson walnut looks great and I've heard sounds great as well!  Plus, I just found out that Rick is a Wisconsonite like me!

Edited by - westsideryan on 05/31/2014 09:27:07

RG - Posted - 05/31/2014:  13:20:58

If your heart is set on a Sampson go for it....my two cents would be to go with one of Bart's bridges...I have one of his 1/2" (I like low action) medium mystery wood, ebony topped bridges on my Ome X with a goatskin head and it sounds amazing...as do all of my banjos with Bart Veerman bridges...and Bart is a great guy to deal with to boot...just sayin', I'm a big fan...

Edited by - RG on 05/31/2014 13:22:32

westsideryan - Posted - 06/04/2014:  21:18:15

I already ordered the Sampson, but when I have some extra cash I may order one of Bart's and give it a whirl.

Papasims - Posted - 06/08/2014:  20:51:27

This is probably after the fact but I have a Moon 5/8 bridge on my Wizard and love it. It did bring the action down. I tried a 1/2 in but it created a buzz so I guess I'll just have to buy another banjo to put it on! :)

westsideryan - Posted - 06/08/2014:  21:03:39

quote:

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Originally posted by Papasims

This is probably after the fact but I have a Moon 5/8 bridge on my Wizard and love it. It did bring the action down. I tried a 1/2 in but it created a buzz so I guess I'll just have to buy another banjo to put it on! :)

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Just curious, did your Wizard originally come with a 3/4" bridge on it (like mine did)?  After speaking with Tanya from OME, I started to think that a 5/8" might just be too low. So I just ordered a 3/4" walnut from Rick Sampson.  I am also going to be getting a Ken Levan black cherry "moon type" bridge as soon as he gets back to his shop.  I've never tried a "moon type" bridge before.  Ken's have a slight crown to mitigate "head sag" and stop the center string from sitting lower than the outer ones.  It should be fun to try out!

Edited by - westsideryan on 06/08/2014 21:09:26

zac987 - Posted - 06/08/2014:  22:29:20

quote:

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Originally posted by westsideryan

quote:

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Originally posted by Papasims

This is probably after the fact but I have a Moon 5/8 bridge on my Wizard and love it. It did bring the action down. I tried a 1/2 in but it created a buzz so I guess I'll just have to buy another banjo to put it on! :)

---

Just curious, did your Wizard originally come with a 3/4" bridge on it (like mine did)?  After speaking with Tanya from OME, I started to think that a 5/8" might just be too low. So I just ordered a 3/4" walnut from Rick Sampson.  I am also going to be getting a Ken Levan black cherry "moon type" bridge as soon as he gets back to his shop.  I've never tried a "moon type" bridge before.  Ken's have a slight crown to mitigate "head sag" and stop the center string from sitting lower than the outer ones.  It should be fun to try out!

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I have a 5/8 light Moon bridge on my Ome and it works like a charm for fingerstyle. It might be a little low if you aggressively play clawhammer, however. 

Papasims - Posted - 06/09/2014:  09:52:39

Mine did come with the 3/4" bridge and it just seemed a little high for me. Mine is a Moon Heavy. You just have to find what floats your boat. Love everything about the OME.