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kinkyfish - Posted - 03/16/2007: 07:48:47
Hello to everyone!
I have a question concerning the tuning of my banjo. I use a pitch harp to tune the 4th string D, and then tune the other strings off that. I have no problem getting it "in tune", but when I play, the overall tuning sounds flat to me. I end up notching up the 4th string D ( 1/2 to D sharp?), and retune the others, and it sounds good. I though that maybe my pitch harp was off, but it is close to any of the online tuners I have compared it to.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Nick
AD3AD3AD3 - Posted - 03/16/2007: 08:08:27
You might try one of the electronic tuners (with a visual as well as an audio reading.) This don't cost much and are likely to be more accurate.
AD3
GP4 Tom - Posted - 03/16/2007: 08:16:37
quote:
Originally posted by kinkyfish
Hello to everyone!
I have a question concerning the tuning of my banjo. I use a pitch harp to tune the 4th string D, and then tune the other strings off that. I have no problem getting it "in tune", but when I play, the overall tuning sounds flat to me. I end up notching up the 4th string D ( 1/2 to D sharp?), and retune the others, and it sounds good. I though that maybe my pitch harp was off, but it is close to any of the online tuners I have compared it to.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Nick
It might be the set up. Drum pitch....bridge location....neck not straight. Check out the banjo setup sites.
Hope this helps!
Have Fun
Tom
Might be the strings needs to be changed?
Edited by - GP4 Tom on 03/16/2007 08:17:52
Mr. Disco - Posted - 03/16/2007: 09:45:27
You don't indicate whether you are more aware of the problem when you're playing the strings open or up the neck, nor if you're checking the tuning of the fourth string after things start to go funky.
First, be certain that you are tuning up to being in tune. If you tune down slack is likely to loosen past the nut and send you flat as you play.
Second, make sure your tuners are holding tune. If open strings start to go flat after a song or two, they're loose and the screws in the tuners should be tightened maybe a quarter turn.
If the banjo is out of tune up the neck you'll want to take care to locate the bridge accurately (at least for strings 1 through 4 -- rather than compromise on the fourth string, I just let the fifth string be flat as I fret it up the neck -- I can always choke it up).
Finally, the chromatic tuners are like tuning for dummies. I need mine and I dropped the 30 sheets to get the Korg combined tuner-metronome 'cause I need the metronome, too. -- Time saver.
Shalom.
-- Mr. Disco
Edited by - Mr. Disco on 03/16/2007 09:48:03
