watercarving - Posted - 01/15/2022:  07:11:46

I'm assuming tuning down to F would be ok. Anyone tuning down to E and still getting a decent sound?

John

bill t - Posted - 01/15/2022:  07:25:09

It somewhat depends upon how heavy the banjo strings are. With heavier strings,
you can tune the banjo lower and still get a decent sound. John Hartford used a
14, 15, 20, 26, 14. That's what it says in the "Masters of the 5-String Banjo" book.

mrphysics55 - Posted - 01/15/2022:  07:51:42

What bill t said.
String gauge is key.
Action is important as well.
String clearance above the frets will prevent/cause buzzing.

Dan Gellert - Posted - 01/15/2022:  08:32:07

What the strings are made of can give you even more flexibility in tuning. A set of cello banjo strings (wire wound on "silk" core like classical guitar basses) will get you down a whole octave, though you'll definitely need a different bridge and wider nut slots.

Eric A - Posted - 01/15/2022:  09:23:35

quote:

---

Originally posted by bill t

It somewhat depends upon how heavy the banjo strings are. With heavier strings,

you can tune the banjo lower and still get a decent sound. John Hartford used a

14, 15, 20, 26, 14. That's what it says in the "Masters of the 5-String Banjo" book.

---

How low did Hartford go with those strings?

Foote - Posted - 01/15/2022:  09:27:43

I have a Deering Hartford that I use John Pearse's John Hartford Low Banjo Set (12, 14, 20, 24, 12) that tunes to D. I believe John also tuned to E.

tonehead - Posted - 01/15/2022:  11:56:35

I use med gauge strings. Tuning Open E from open G hasn't been a problem. Sounds pretty cool, actually.

Old Hickory - Posted - 01/15/2022:  12:06:30

quote:

---

Originally posted by Foote

I have a Deering Hartford that I use John Pearse's John Hartford Low Banjo Set (12, 14, 20, 24, 12) that tunes to D. I believe John also tuned to E.

---

My neighborhood music shop put together a custom set like that for me from singles a few months ago. I needed it tune a 26-3/8-inch scale bluegrass banjo down to E to play "Lorena" in a front yard concert.

banjered - Posted - 01/15/2022:  13:58:35

Hey Hickory, I play/sing Lorena quite often. Did anyone make a video of your performance that you can share? banjered

Supertigre - Posted - 01/15/2022:  19:13:39

I have my Deering Americana tuned down to open C (with the appropriate strings).

Edited by - Supertigre on 01/15/2022 19:17:13

Helix - Posted - 01/17/2022:  02:18:45

Anyone tuning down to E and still getting a decent sound? Yes.

Tune a 22 fret down to E for the pocket longneck, some go down to double D and C as Supertigre does.

I use light strings on my longnecks, I don't need to gage up. Players' choice.

lbartosh - Posted - 01/17/2022:  06:18:20

I have my old fender concertone tuned down to E and think it sounds great. When I change strings I’ll go up from med-light j60+ to something heavier. I think the playability may improve with heavier strings.

exvagabond - Posted - 01/26/2022:  06:31:27

quote:

---

Originally posted by bill t

It somewhat depends upon how heavy the banjo strings are. With heavier strings,

you can tune the banjo lower and still get a decent sound. John Hartford used a

14, 15, 20, 26, 14. That's what it says in the "Masters of the 5-String Banjo" book.

---

That's what Hartford himself told me back in the '70s