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nycplucker - Posted - 03/08/2007: 09:49:38
hello all.
recently i've decided to focus closely on my tone and try to achieve the sweetest and crispest sound possible. i've noticed several things that will effect your overall sound including nail length, nail shape (rounded vs square), overall position of right hand, angle at which you brush the string and the area of the nail that you brush with.
my goal is to achieve that rich beautiful sound that zepp is able to produce.
any advice?
thanks,
mark
FretlessFury - Posted - 03/08/2007: 10:21:08
quote:
Originally posted by nycplucker
my goal is to achieve that rich beautiful sound that zepp is able to produce.
any advice?
Tone is tricky, and I don't blame you for aiming high. Zepp has some fine tone indeed.
Just like anything, tone is a matter of steady practice and repetition. Simply being aware that good tone is something that is as attainable as good timing, good phrasing and good note separation is probably half the battle.
There are little tweaks that can help you: a strong long nail, or pick helps. A firmly tightened head will also help if you want clarity, volume and bell-like ringiness.
Ultimately it comes down to focus and practice. If you listen to Zepp's clips, you notice that he really sounds like him on every banjo he plays. There is no mistaking it. It's a good example of the player being the most important component in sound. Setup can aid you, but the most important thing is practicing with clear, strong tone in mind.
Tom Collins
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www.newhottimes.com Red hot old time music.
FretlessFury - Posted - 03/08/2007: 10:21:52
[double post! Sorry!]
Tom Collins
--------------------------
www.newhottimes.com
Red hot old time music.
Edited by - FretlessFury on 03/08/2007 10:22:26
R.D. Lunceford - Posted - 03/08/2007: 19:18:15
Another factor is the position of the banjo on your lap/knee. This is especially so with open-backs.
Holding the banjo tighter/closer to your stomach "seals off" the back where some of the sound is going.
I think the player factor is the most important, but the others all contribute in small ways also.
R.D. Lunceford- "Missourian in Exile"
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Model 1865 Bowlin Fretless Banjo
