DVD-quality lessons (including tabs/sheet music) available for immediate viewing on any device.
Take your playing to the next level with the help of a local or online banjo teacher.
Weekly newsletter includes free lessons, favorite member content, banjo news and more.
Premier Sponsors
|
Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/232778
darylcrisp - Posted - 04/01/2012: 21:50:55
the advertisement lists only A and G scale for the Reiter A-flat scale banjo. Those of you who own one, do you play other keys also with the A-scale?
what are the plus/minus benefits to a banjo of this scale length?
thanks
d
pastorharry - Posted - 04/01/2012: 23:43:30
What Bart means by A flat scale is it's not quite as short as a true A scale, it's right between a standard (G) scale and an (A) scale. Therefore you can either tune up a half step to G or down a half step to A very comfortably. Of course you can also play in all the other typical tunings such as double C or double D or sawmaill, or F, E, etc. The plus is mainly comfort and not having to capo for A/D fiddle tunes,also the reach between frets is shortened just a bit for longer stretches. I'm not sure what the disadvantages would be.
Strumelia - Posted - 04/02/2012: 07:11:23
It all comes down to what is the actual scale length, in inches. Any scale length between 24"- 27" should certainly be able to tune down to standard G and up to double D without needing a capo at all.
If you want to tune down to low F and E frequently, a 25" scale or longer will do that nicely as long as your strings aren't super thins. That said, it's such fun to have a nylon or gut strung banjo around for playing in LOW tunngs. All the more reason to have more than one banjo. :)
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Privacy Consent (EU/GDPR Only)
Copyright 2026 Banjo Hangout. All Rights Reserved.
