Long Neck Tubaphone with "Low Growl"

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Long Neck Banjo

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... for those of us who prefer the tuning and singing differences the LN provides. All questions & help welcome!

273 Members, Created 1/30/2011 -

Administrators: TonyS (owner) , Gary Blanchard , pastorharry , vega long neck

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From LA JONES on 6/14/2014 7:44:36 AM

As I continue my search for a Long Neck Tubaphone I think I have identified one of the key characteristics in regard to selection criteria. I am searching for a make/model that has an outstanding "low growl". While acknowledging that the banjo setup plays a big role in producing that sound... any thoughts on a make/model that will provide the best foundation for that "low growl"?

4 Comments
	vega long neck says: 6/15/2014 10:24:50 AM Well of course I'm very biased towards my early 60s (Boston made) Seeger model Vega. I've LOVED the throaty sound when playing in open A or E. I've played a few other types/brands but still haven't found anything to match the combination of sound, ease of playing and good fit with my psyche. Yep, I'm biased. Yes there are some rough spots in it's construction that don't hold up to close inspection but they don't seem to hurt the sound or playing.
	Helix says: 6/17/2014 10:27:20 AM There are some
	calypsojimmy says: 7/5/2014 1:30:18 PM I've owned 2 tubaphone longnecks: an all-original 1958 Vega PS with the wood dowel, and one made from a 1927 10 15/16" tubaphone ppot and a repro neck by Wyatt Fawley. Both were/are superior instruments... They look really similar, but they are in fact real different instruments. The 58' Vega PS is a bit heavier, totally classic sound, a bit clunkier to manipulate. The one with the '27 tubaphone pot and the Fawley neck really rings with a strong clear tone... it's the best 5-string I have ever played, of any style. Regarding "growl...:" Yes, the make/model/design will be important parameters, but at least as important are all the other "usual gang" of factors that affect any banjo's tone: Choice of tone rim (which I suppose is incl. in make/model) Choice of head material head tension string gauges string material string tension ( tune them below std. pitch, eg.) choice tailpiece angle of tailpiece choice of bridge: material, height, design etc. string action .. all that kind of stuff. You can lose or gain growl by changing any one or more of those things.
	LA JONES says: 7/5/2014 1:49:04 PM Good inputs from all. Thanks. Still searching and I have learned a lot via the search... even stumbled across a nice Whyte Laydie or two.
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