vandergus - Posted - 12/02/2011:  18:48:17

I just installed some nylgut strings on my banjo and I'm having some trouble getting the bridge to stay centered on the neck. The set I got uses a steel string for the 4th, which sounds fine, but the higher tension pushes the bridge towards the 1st string. Just a couple millimeters, but it's enough to make the 1st string slip off the fret board when playing up the neck. Kind of annoying. Are there any good ways to keep the bridge where it's supposed to be without gluing it in place?

steve davis - Posted - 12/02/2011:  19:25:52

A balance of sorts is necessary for the bridge to stay put.

Maybe higher gauge strings (more pressure) among the others or lighter 4th.

Also,an Oettinger(separate fingers) style tailpiece where each string's bridge break angle is adjustable.

Edited by - steve davis on 12/02/2011 19:34:48

rudy - Posted - 12/02/2011:  19:36:20

Mark the correct location of your bridge, remove it and coat the bottom of the bridge feet with a thin coat of rubber cement (available at any office supply store).  Let it dry completely and reposition it on the head.  No more sliding.

It's completely reversible, as dried rubber cement rubs off easily with a rub of your finger.  I've used it on a couple of banjos to cure the problem, one of them a brand new open back from a well-respected maker. His bridge would move substantially after a few minutes to the point that the strings were completely over the heel end edge of the fret board.  Poor heel cut that canted the neck too far to one side.  He probably should have sent it back, but the rubber cement easily took care of it with no ill effects.

pinenut - Posted - 12/03/2011:  07:33:51

I play nylguts and love them.  Lower tension, as compared to steel strings, does allow the bridge to kick around more during play.  I shift the tailpiece toward the fifth string to compensate.  The bridge will usually settle into an acceptable position with this minor adjustment.

Edited by - pinenut on 12/03/2011 07:42:16

dangibson - Posted - 12/03/2011:  08:59:41

You might just ooch the tail piece over a little toward the 5th string side.  I had the same problem one time with steel strings and that fixed it.

Dan Gibson, Storyteller/Banjoplayer

Dallas, TX; Burlington, NC

dangibson.net

vandergus - Posted - 12/03/2011:  09:55:50

Thanks for all the tips!

I like the idea of repositioning the tailpiece but it doesn't look like mine is very adjustable. I'm playing one of the old Harmony bakelites with the stock tailpiece. I may have to resort to the rubber cement method. It's just such a pain to restring the nylguts because they take so long to get up to tune. 

rudy - Posted - 12/03/2011:  12:30:46

quote:

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Originally posted by vandergus



Thanks for all the tips!

I like the idea of repositioning the tailpiece but it doesn't look like mine is very adjustable. I'm playing one of the old Harmony bakelites with the stock tailpiece. I may have to resort to the rubber cement method. It's just such a pain to restring the nylguts because they take so long to get up to tune. 

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 Don't loosen your Nylguts!  You can grasp the bridge firmly on each side and gently twist the bridge until it tips over, being careful to not let it snap down on the head.  When I do bridge swaps I usually stick in a spare bridge that is slightly higher to support the strings while I remove one and insert the other.  A scrap piece of ruler, etc. will accomplish the same thing. I do it all the time for steel strings and Nylguts are even easier due to the lower tension.  No slackening and re-tensioning needed.  With a few minutes practice you'll barely have to touch up the tuning.

vandergus - Posted - 12/03/2011:  13:02:54

quote:

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Originally posted by rudy

quote:

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Originally posted by vandergus



Thanks for all the tips!

I like the idea of repositioning the tailpiece but it doesn't look like mine is very adjustable. I'm playing one of the old Harmony bakelites with the stock tailpiece. I may have to resort to the rubber cement method. It's just such a pain to restring the nylguts because they take so long to get up to tune. 

---

 Don't loosen your Nylguts!  You can grasp the bridge firmly on each side and gently twist the bridge until it tips over, being careful to not let it snap down on the head.  When I do bridge swaps I usually stick in a spare bridge that is slightly higher to support the strings while I remove one and insert the other.  A scrap piece of ruler, etc. will accomplish the same thing. I do it all the time for steel strings and Nylguts are even easier due to the lower tension.  No slackening and re-tensioning needed.  With a few minutes practice you'll barely have to touch up the tuning.

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