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dafichter - Posted - 11/16/2011: 09:17:12
Why are not all bridges created the same? That is they all (for the most part, look alike) but produce different quality of sound. I know the easy answer is the wood used. I just bought a Epiphone mb 250, and had to do my own setup, haven't got the quality of tone that I get out of my Good Time. On my Good Time I have a Scorpion bridge, so I put the old Good Time bridge on the Epi and that helped. Before I did that the 1st string just sounded out of tune up the neck, the neck may have a bow but I am not comfortable on trying to adjust it. Like I said putting that other bridge on has helped about 50% but still does not sound right.
I am thinking about putting on a new tail piece too. Does anyone think that would improve the tonal quality of the instrument like the bridge does? Most likely it couldn't hurt, and besides it not to expensive.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
chickenpickin - Posted - 11/16/2011: 09:23:45
What is it about the tone that you are not happy with? It's more than likely a head tension issue. Probably needs to be tighter.
Tim
dafichter - Posted - 11/16/2011: 09:39:54
The head is tight, tuned to A. What do I not like about the tone, it is hard to put my finger on, just sounds off, not giving me that deeper sound that I think a mahogany banjo should, compared to the hard rock maple of the Good Time.
Fathand - Posted - 11/16/2011: 10:17:43
MB 250s come from the factory with loose heads and strings through tailpiece upside down. You might want to start there.
kmwaters - Posted - 11/16/2011: 11:21:16
Trial and error with bridge, tailpiece, head tension, strings, action. I changed out bridge, strings and tailpiece and changed things quite a bit.
steve davis - Posted - 11/16/2011: 13:00:50
You need to be able to locate the bridge in exactly the right spot for true noting and best tone.
The head tension greatly affects the tone.
The weight of the bridge greatly affects the tone.
The type and quality of the bridge wood greatly affect the tone.
These variables(and others) are all parts of the recipe for the finished tone.
I use a digital scale to weigh my bridges.If you have a bridge that weighs 2.5 grams or more,you can improve the banjo's tone by sanding the faces of the maple base(leaving the feet and top in their original thickness) until the bridge weighs 2 to 2.3 grams.
As bridge weight drops below 1.8 grams a noticeable loss of low tones results.
If your head is tuned to A you should be able to slide a quarter under
a 10" straightedge placed thusly,on the head.
Edited by - steve davis on 11/16/2011 13:13:22
chickenpickin - Posted - 11/16/2011: 15:41:24
There are so many variables with the banjo and the fact is....all we can do on this end is throw a "try this" and "try that" senario your way. Neck relief is a major factor in how the banjo sounds as well as how it plays. When you eye down the fretboard does it look pretty flat? Or is there forward bow or backbow? Good contact with the heel and rim/ring is crucial as well. Neutral co-rods helps. Correct bridge placement, as Steve mentioned. Make sure the heads not split.
If you plan on keeping the banjo, a good tear down and close inspection might be a good idea. New strings as well.
Tim
