Poor Tone Quality From Lowest String

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Bart Reiter Banjos

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349 Members, Created 1/28/2011 -

Administrators: jbalch (owner)

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From 10outlander on 4/22/2012 6:08:58 AM

Hello Reiter Group.

I have a BR Regent. I have been playing it for about a year or so. I am generally very pleased with the instrument. There is one issue that is making me nuts.

The lowest (wound) string has very poor tone and sustain compared to the beautiful bell like tone/sustain the other strings produce with this Whyte Ladie tone ring. When fretted, it makes more of a "thunk or "honking" sound. It is not a matter of poor technique. The sound it makes when unfretted is not balanced and is dull as well. If it was a piano, I would just shape and voice the offending hammer.

I have tried various bridges, strings and head tensions. I am back to Reiter's stock bridge.

I have generally use GHS light gauge strings. I have tried a .022 as well as the standard .020 as my wound string.

I know someone will have a possible solution. Thanks in advance.

4 Comments
	blanham says: 4/22/2012 7:00:50 AM The only thing I can think of is that perhaps the head should be tightened.
	jbalch says: 4/22/2012 8:22:49 AM You might like the sound of a GHS "JD" wound fourth string (as from the JD Crowe set). I think they are would differently than regular GHS strings. I sometimes use these onbluegrass banjos and do notice a brighter more lively tone. Also...try the AMBco cryo treated strings. Tom offers a "JD" fourth. The cryo treatment does seem to cause the strings to sound "new" longer. One more idea is to try a bronze 4th. Personally I use the GHS PF150 sets (Or AMBco cryo sets in the same gauges). The bronze 4th has a rich and slightly brighter tone in my experience. Best wishes!
	banjobart says: 4/22/2012 6:08:45 PM Use an .024 fourth string.
	10outlander says: 6/3/2012 7:38:51 AM I did finally put a .024 wound string on my Bart Reiter (plain old Ernie Ball loop end). It has made a significant difference in the bottom end tone and playability. Thanks to banjobart.
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