GabrielWV - Posted - 02/15/2023:  20:35:22

I play frailing, up-picking, and 2/3-finger banjo and have had a heck of time with bad bridges. The bridge my banjo came with was too low (or the frets needed work) and there was awful string buzz. I had the luthier make a replacement at 5/8" and it fixed most of the buzz, but my strings pop out constantly. I got a Morris slotted bridge from Elderly a couple weeks ago and the slots were both not the right size and completely crooked, making all the previous issues worse. I think I'm just going to buy an unslotted bridge and make own string notches, but I'm not sure what size files to buy. I use Aquila reds right now, but would like to be able to switch between them and standard nylgut, and maybe try their new line of classic banjo strings. I can't find the actual string gauges for Aquilas listed anywhere, or I'd just get files that size. What size files have you all had good experiences with in slotting bridges for nylgut strings?

Bart Veerman - Posted - 02/15/2023:  20:51:12

If you're only doing a few bridges and your nut then welding tip cleaners are all you need to do a great job. Here's what they look like and how to make proper slots:

banjobridge.com/br-06b.htm

banjobridge.com/br-slotting.htm

ivanpaulMUSIC - Posted - 02/16/2023:  03:27:54

Hi Everyone, I'm dealing with the same issue. I want to get a new bridge (non tipped, 2 legged, 1.75 spacing. 5/8" high ) for my banjo. I'm having a hard time finding one. I may go with a Morris bridge because I can't find exactly what I want. I've used both fluorocarbon and Nylgut (not at the same time). Each string type is a different diameter and fits differently in the bridge.

Will welding tip cleaners tear the wood and leave it ragged? Can I expect a clean channel if the slot needs to be widened or deepened to a significant degree?

Thank you for your input.

Zachary Hoyt - Posted - 02/16/2023:  03:49:33

I use a small 3 cornered file from the hardware store for almost all nut and bridge slotting. They used to cost about $6-7 but probably they're more like $10 now. One will last for many years worth of slots. I do have a .013" nut file for slotting 5th string nuts for steel strings and it's great for that, but for everything else the triangular file is all I want.

Merfyn Dafydd - Posted - 02/16/2023:  06:31:07

I use actual string files for nuts and bridges. I like to be exact with things like this as it helps reduce string slot buzzing. The exact file sizes that work on a set of Aquila 5B's are:

1st - .024"
2nd - .028"
3rd - .032"
4th - .042"
5th - .024"