Ghaerghalasch - Posted - 06/18/2023:  12:02:37

Hey! First post here as I've just recently gotten into banjo and purchased one that's yet to arrive (long time guitarist).



I've been blown away by Nora Brown's albums (especially the solo banjo stuff), and Adam Hurt's "Earth Tones". Is there any other solo banjo, mellow music that people can recommend? I find it really healing.



I was also wondering if someone can explain how I would tune a banjo like Nora Brown's fretless one (seen in her tiny desk performance). I can't seem to find any nylon banjo strings designed to go that low (G2). Any recommendations or ideas?



Any help would be greatly appreciated! :)

Edited by - Ghaerghalasch on 06/18/2023 12:06:14

jack_beuthin - Posted - 06/18/2023:  12:35:41

Aquila Nylgut Minstrel strings (7B) are designed for low tunings. You can tune the 4th string to a G2 on a minstrel banjo like Nora's banjo.



Do a search on "minstrel banjo" here and on YouTube. That should give you lots to explore and discover. Have fun!

Edited by - jack_beuthin on 06/18/2023 12:36:13

Ghaerghalasch - Posted - 06/18/2023:  12:48:38

Thank you!

Bob Smakula - Posted - 06/18/2023:  15:50:24

quote:

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Originally posted by Ghaerghalasch

I've been blown away by Nora Brown's albums (especially the solo banjo stuff), and Adam Hurt's "Earth Tones". Is there any other solo banjo, mellow music that people can recommend? I find it really healing.

 

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I like Morgan Sexton in that regard. I do not remember the name of the recording I have, but when it floats to the top of my play pile, I'll send more information.

Bob Smakula

R.D. Lunceford - Posted - 06/21/2023:  20:50:26

Check out Noah Cline on YouTube.  

Adam and Noah are a one-two punch- two of my all-time favorite banjoistas.

Noah has a BHO homepage and CD's for sale.

Dan Gellert - Posted - 06/23/2023:  18:44:47

If you're getting a normal modern (made for steel strings) banjo, it will take some minor modifications to work with thick nylon/synthetic strings and a few more to work well.

You'll definitely need to widen the slots in the nut and bridge. Some tailpieces work OK with any sort of strings, some don't-- and some don't seem to have been designed to work at all. You might want a different one. A bridge of much lighter weight (and perhaps a tad greater height) will make a great improvement in the tone. Standard bridges are, of course, made to withstand the pressure of steel strings, (and IMO are over-built for that!)-- With nylon strings, they're like playing with a mute on the bridge.

In case you have problems finding those Aquila minstrel-gauge strings, you can use classical guitar strings on a low-tuned banjo. 1st through 4th, plus another 1st for the thumb string.