cow_tools - Posted - 07/18/2024:  13:39:39

The banjo I play clawhammer style on is an A scale Deering Goodtime and is setup well for 3 finger, but I have a dedicated banjo for that now so I'd like to adjust the Goodtime to play clawhammer better. The action is about as low as it can be without buzzing off the frets, and I'd like to raise it a bit so I thump the head less when playing close to the fretboard. Also is almost impossible to play off the fretboard the way its set up now.

So my question is would it be a better idea to raise the action by adjusting the coordinator rod, or to put a taller bridge on it? (go from a 5/8 bridge to 11/16 or even 3/4?) And if the bridge is the better option some recommendations would be appreciated.

Another question is head tension, the head seems to have about medium tension on it, not ultra tight like a bluegrass banjo but not super loose either. This also is contributing to the low action since the bridge sinks a little bit. Would you recommend tightening it to raise the action a bit? It seems a lot of OT players prefer looser heads and skin heads with low tension and I imagine this contributes to the mellower sound. If anyones got a drum dial number to aim for I'd appreciate that too.

Culloden - Posted - 07/18/2024:  16:05:29

Go with a higher bridge first. Leave the head tension alone until you get the action to the ideal level. Then you can decide if you need to tweak the head.
There are numerous bridge makers on here. Don New, Tim Purcell, and David Wadsworth come to mind first but there are more. Check the classified ads under Banjo Parts and you will find quite a few for sale.

A Drum On A Stick - Posted - 07/18/2024:  17:12:32

5/8" is plenty IMO. I'd raise the head tension first to see if I like that sound.  Then I could try 11/16" or so.



If I wanted it higher after that, or didn't like the sound of higher tension, I would shim the neck and see what I think of that.

Edited by - A Drum On A Stick on 07/18/2024 17:15:52

Bob Buckingham - Posted - 07/18/2024:  17:33:59

Tighten the head until the bridge does not sink into it. Use 11/16 bridge, it does not have to be fancy, but one with a good grain is preferable. There are lots of bridges to chose from and remember, since the bridge height changed it may change just where you position it on the head for proper intonation.

Culloden - Posted - 07/18/2024:  21:30:48

Whether you tighten the head or swap bridges, do one thing at a time. Spend some time playing before you make additional changes.

cow_tools - Posted - 07/19/2024:  16:05:57

Thank you all for the sound advice. I took a straight edge to the bridge and it seems too low after measuring. I think I will start with head tension. Then go for the 11/16 bridge if still not satisfied.

R.D. Lunceford - Posted - 07/19/2024:  16:39:48

All good advice.  

Don't hesitate to install a 3/4" bridge if necessary.  They're not uncommon.

Also, Fiberskin/Renaissance heads and Nylgut/nylon strings are options down the line.

Stuffing behind the head is nearly universal and makes a difference as well.

Pomeroy - Posted - 07/20/2024:  03:23:05

quote:

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Originally posted by cow_tools

> It seems a lot of OT players prefer looser heads and skin heads with low tension and I imagine this contributes to the mellower sound.<

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I guess it depends who you've spoken to? Most of the players I admire, and have chatted to, keep their head tension on the tight side. I mostly play banjos with thin skin heads and I've discovered that I like the sound when I keep the head on the tight side too.

Another aspect to set-up is response. Not quite the same as tone, as it's essentially to do with feel. Your string gauges have a big effect on this. In my conversations I began to note that many banjo players become 'fixed' on one brand/weight and after a while don't bother to experiment. Consciously overcoming our prejudice or pre-conceptions and trying something different after a while can be a revelation. I was an example of that fixed habit when it comes to strings. I'd been playing 20+ years before I even tried lighter gauge steel strings. Experimenting can bring something out in our playing that we hadn't realised was there. Then we have options and choices to make use of when needed.

Edited by - Pomeroy on 07/20/2024 03:38:07