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darylcrisp - Posted - 06/08/2012: 10:46:37
thinking of trying out my Tupelo Ome with nylgut strings. It has the renaissance head which i plan to leave for now. i know i will need to open the nut slots also.
is it typical to go with a different type bridge? the stock one that came on the Tupelo is walnut with ebony top, the thickness is 4/32". I may be remembering wrong but i think i read once(a dangerous thing) that you go down in bridge width when going to nylon?(is this right-wrong?)
any thoughts appreciated.
thanks
d
trapdoor2 - Posted - 06/08/2012: 12:21:37
It is typical to go with a lighter bridge when using polymer strings. Straight (no ebony top) maple works great.
As long as the slots are cut properly, the absolute width isn't all that meaningful. Generically, I would want as thin as I could go...simply to keep the weight down. Buy one (or two) from Joel Hooks, they're great bridges and they're specifically designed to be used with polymer strings (nylguts, etc.). They're light and responsive. thejoelhooks.com
bhniko - Posted - 06/08/2012: 12:41:36
Just changed over my Goodtime Special to nylgut satrings to get a more mellow sound. Using a Remo Fibreskin head but plan to go to Rennaisance head but keep putting it off since I have my banjger working to my delight. However I contacted Steve Davis (a banjohanghout member) who makes bridges and I heard and read some good things about him. Called Steve and told him my banjo was sounding a bit bright and he sent me a walnut bridge with ebony top. It really increased the depth of sound but I felt is was still a bit bright. Called Steve and he resent me a maple bridge with a walnut top which really nailed the sound I was looking for. Fuller sound in depth and volume...couldn't be more pleased. The link below is his page.
banjohangout.org/myhangout/hom...?id=19508
Link below is a hangout page about Steve's bridges.
banjohangout.org/pages/search....%20bridge
Oldpiper - Posted - 08/18/2012: 06:23:56
I recently purchased one of Doc's banjos which is a 24" multi-wood open back with minstrel strings. His bridges seem to fly in the face of the accepted wisdom of types of wood and weight as they are rather heavy and use exotic woods. As far as I can see, all of his nygut-strung banjos come with his cathedral bridges. They may not be what others recommend, but they work and work well. Great sound and I highly recommend them even though they are a little costly. To me, they are worth the cost. I have a box of bridges, but won't have to shop any more.
