Pattylvk - Posted - 09/26/2008:  11:18:54

I’m curious, since I have tuning issues with my fretless tackhead, I’m wondering how many of you play a tackhead with others? Mine stays in tune just fine, until I take it someplace!

Thanks
Patty

Aonach - Posted - 09/26/2008:  11:35:46

I'v never really had any problems -in theory tackheads should be tighter than Banjo's with hardware that allows adjustment-I do carry a few bridges of different heights with me that would probably get me through most head tension issues-but I'v never actually used them-could the problem be with the tuners?-Do you have friction style or geared -friction pegs can slip but again I don't have a problem with them-it was only initially that they were awkward-but that was down to my inexperience . What strings do you have ?-I use nylguts and like 'em but I don't have lots of experience with other similar string sets-but the reason I like em is because they hold their tuning well-Good luck with sorting it !-Andy

Pattylvk - Posted - 09/26/2008:  11:43:58

Nygut strings. Friction style pegs. I don't think they're slipping since it seems to go sharp. True, the nyguts seem to hold they're tune until I head for a jam.
Patty

Aonach - Posted - 09/26/2008:  11:55:38

Nerves then?-Sorry I couldn't help !

Pattylvk - Posted - 09/26/2008:  12:40:44

quote:

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Originally posted by Aonach

-in theory tackheads should be tighter than Banjo's with hardware that allows adjustment-I do carry a few bridges of different heights with me that would probably get me through most head tension issues

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Aonach - Posted - 09/26/2008:  12:46:06

Aaah-I'm blushing now!-At least the bridges are a cheap fix!-All the best-Andy

woodnvalley - Posted - 09/26/2008:  18:48:15

hey pattty
your problem about the tuning is not you it the difference in the weather from you house to were you go to play. humity will loosen the hcalf skin up a little makes it a little softer . just retune and play away hope this helps steve

carol@unionvillestrings.com

torhougen - Posted - 09/26/2008:  22:02:45

I've seen Eric Prust include three different sized bridges with his fretless tackheads.
I confirmed this with Eric, and this was his reply.

"Tackhead banjos do tend to experience fluctuations in head tension due to weather conditions. I feel this happens more with some tackheads than others. By using medium thickness cowhide and getting it very tight initially, I feel I have somewhat overcome this problem. However, even under the best of conditions, it is going to happen to some extent. The best remedy is using different height bridges. I provide three bridges with each banjo which usually does the trick."

CW Spook - Posted - 09/28/2008:  18:11:29

I haven't had to touch the tuning on my Jay Moschella gut-stringed 14" tackhead for months.

Rick

"The King has note of all that they intend, by interception which they dream not of. "

Henry V, Act ll, Scene 2.

Pattylvk - Posted - 09/29/2008:  09:58:48

Do you take it places with different humidy and temp? here in the SF Bay Area, we have 'micro-climates' and you don't have to go far for a big change.

Mine stays fine, till I head for a jam.
Patty

BAZ - Posted - 09/30/2008:  07:50:51

I experience tuning changes with mine when I go to a civil war reenactment. In So. Calif. the humidity stays fairly constant but when I take it to the Huntington Beach event it goes a little out of tune. I don't mess with the bridge. When it goes out, it usually just takes a slight tweak to get it back.

diarmaid - Posted - 10/01/2008:  05:38:40

you could try spraying on leather waterprofing spray to the skin this should lessen the effects of humidity, or try some tensioning method for the skin...theres plenty around for bodhrans as the humidity problem with goatskins is just as bad (maybe worse!) over here...or banjo lights might be another possiblity (if youre always near electricity) or the simplest might be just bringing a range of bridges of different heights