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Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/409532
tonygo - Posted - 07/20/2026: 10:46:54
I was feeling like my banjo sounded harsh, even with my bubble wrap burritto in it. I tuned it down to open F and I like it much better, even without the bubble wrap. Were they orignally tuned lower when they played them in the 1900s? Were they simply tuned to Concert C? Do any of you prefer your tubas tuned a little low? All comments welcome. Thankyou.
TheLastWord - Posted - 07/20/2026: 11:43:15
Can't answer your question, but all my banjos are tune to a lower pitch. Like you, I like the sound better and it matches my singing voice.
Joel Hooks - Posted - 07/20/2026: 12:05:36
Your's was a tenor and tuned as such.
5 strings were originally tuned to concert C, gCGBD and (for regular fingerstyle banjos) were strung with very light rectified ("true") gut strings.
Plectrum banjos were strung with wire, tuned to CGBD.
Dynamics and full tone was controlled with the right hand.
banjered - Posted - 07/20/2026: 13:24:07
I have a Stone 12" banjo strung with Minstrel Nylguts and tuned down from G to D# for singing. My other banjo is a 12" Mogi as my main jam banjo/steel strings. Bill may be right about the skin head. The first thing I thought was adjusting the tension of the head if you want to keep it in G, etc. If not and solo, as you please! banjered
Lew H - Posted - 07/20/2026: 16:51:17
What is your string gauge? I have a style M tubaphone conversion to 5 string. It sounds great with strings between light an medium, specifically the GHS JD Crow Stage strings. I think their GHS # is 135 maybe. If you have heavy gauge strings, the might be causing your displeasure with what is usually a wonderful banjo.
tonygo - Posted - 07/20/2026: 17:17:04
quote:
Originally posted by Lew HWhat is your string gauge? I have a style M tubaphone conversion to 5 string. It sounds great with strings between light an medium, specifically the GHS JD Crow Stage strings. I think their GHS # is 135 maybe. If you have heavy gauge strings, the might be causing your displeasure with what is usually a wonderful banjo.
Will try the Crowe Stage Strings some time. Mediums on there now.
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