Joel Hooks - Posted - 11/20/2025:  05:38:48

The difference is shocking. 

Lyon & Healy Bridge Front

Lyon & Healy Bridge Top Down

OldFrets - Posted - 11/20/2025:  05:45:24

I've had some hyper-lightweight bridges from the tenor era. They're not quite as stable when you're doing setup work, but sometimes they sound incredible and a bulky modern bridge just can't replicate the sound.

Joel Hooks - Posted - 11/20/2025:  05:49:53

These small bridges are the only thing for nylon strings. They provide such a significant difference in volume.

For a long time there was a myth that nylon strings were quiet. That myth was caused by "modern playability."

Alvin Conder - Posted - 11/20/2025:  05:54:55

Amazing difference.

When I first started to collect instruments back in the 70’s once in a rare while I would get an old banjo that would have an original bridge on it. Not knowing any better back then, and gut strings being essentially an unknown, at least to me back then, I would string the instrument up with a set of black diamond strings, put a “new” Grover bridge on it and would then have an unplayable instrument that I would take up to 48th street in NYC and trade up for something else. No idea as to how wrong I was with what I was doing.

Really interesting to see with the knowledge we have now just how these banjos where originally set up and the music that that was originally intended to be played on them.

Joel, once again, Thank You for your amazing brain trust.

Ira Gitlin - Posted - 11/20/2025:  06:33:27

quote:

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Originally posted by OldFrets

I've had some hyper-lightweight bridges from the tenor era. They're not quite as stable when you're doing setup work, but sometimes they sound incredible and a bulky modern bridge just can't replicate the sound.

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Are they more like modern bridges, or more like the older bridge in Joel's photo?

OldFrets - Posted - 11/20/2025:  07:05:31

Much closer to the older bridges in Joel's pictures. Usually the legs are a little bigger but they're similarly thin from front to back.

trapdoor2 - Posted - 11/20/2025:  07:37:15

I think its the weight. The actual size/form only contributes to lightness...which is a good thing with any string. The thickness, again, is about weight saving. The string doesn't care as long as it doesn't buzz in the notches.

I've used historical style bridges on steel-strung banjos. I found that the softwood bridges tend to be cut by steel...but not badly. Depends on the stock used. I found the difference to be marginal...but if they're hardwood, I no longer care if there's an ebony strip.

The spacing on many historical bridges is too narrow for me. I think narrow was good for tremolo, less good for picking.

Meh. I can make/get widths to suit me.

Joel's bridges are superior. I have them on many banjos!

Joel Hooks - Posted - 11/20/2025:  08:01:05

The "modern" example is an enlarged and thickened version of designs introduced by A. D. Grover and A. D. Grover Jr. (who eventually took over that business) in the mid 20s.

The ebony top was added to resist the cutting and chipping of wire strings played with a plectrum. The flared legs were added to counteract the sinking of the bridge with calfskin heads caused by the added pressure of wires strings.

The center leg was added to support the bridge from sagging in the middle... from the pressure of wire strings.

All of these features were added to try and correct problems created by wire strings.

ChunoTheDog - Posted - 11/20/2025:  08:04:48

quote:

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Originally posted by Joel Hooks

The difference is shocking. 

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String spacing preferences aside, it's only about the weight. 

Too many modern bridges are too heavy and sound dead or dull

Nic Pennsylvania - Posted - 11/20/2025:  08:13:04

Many mutes add mass to quiet down the banjo. In a way, the larger bridges do the same thing. I was surprised just how much the 19th century style bridge made a difference in volume. The string spacing was the bigger surprise, as it enabled me to play some passages quicker. I think I prefer the bridges with a little wider for the 5th string.