Probably a silly question, but (as a beginner looking to get a semi-decent banjo to start with) if I am mainly interested in Clawhammer style is there any reason why I would not want a frailing scooped fretboard?
9 Comments |
 | banjonz says:
10/13/2014 5:18:43 PM
A scoop boils down to personal preference. It all depends on the sound/tone you want to get. Playing closer to the bridge will give you a different tone than playing over the end of the fretboard. Some players just tend to gravitate to playing over the fretboard. while others do not. Scooping gives the player more room under the strings so the hand and the strings don't hit the frets. My Goldtone BC350+ has a wonderfully wide fretboard and a scoop. While tend to play just before the fretboard, I have the easy choice of playing over the scoop.
My advice is to learn without one by playing just before the fretboard. When you get more proficient, you can scoop and see how it goes. Others will most likely have a different opinion.
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 | primaveranz says:
10/13/2014 5:35:59 PM
I have a loan of a Harmony resonator banjo at the moment. It is a nice Banjo but too heavy and loud for my liking and I find the action a wee bit low. I had nearly saved up enough for my own open-back but then two root canals came along....:(
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| banjonz says:
10/13/2014 6:20:41 PM
You can always adjust the banjo to suit. Action is easily raised by adjusting ( if it has them) co-ord rods or shimming the bridge, and the loudness can be reduced by stuffing the pot with a towel. The reso can come off but if the banjo has a flange then that can be a bit painful on the legs.
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| primaveranz says:
10/13/2014 6:23:31 PM
Yeah I don't want to tinker too much with it as it is only on loan. I just need to sell more junk and stop eating things that are bad for my teeth ;)
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 | KiwiClaw says:
10/14/2014 12:12:13 PM
I'm a clawhammer player and I have 2 open back banjos, one with a scoop, one without. I like both equally well. The further your right hand moves up over the fingerboard the more 'plonky' and 'old timey' the sound but often you will get this type of sound by playing over the head round about where it meets the neck. This is why you often see wear and tear on the this part of the head on the banjos of seasoned clawhammer players. You will also achieve a percussive thump from the thumb when you play over the head, you won't get this with a scoop. If the action is low it can be hard to get your thumb right under the 5th string to make it 'ring'; a scoop can help for this. Good luck with your banjo adventures :)
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| primaveranz says:
10/14/2014 12:34:59 PM
Thanks for that KiwiClaw. Maybe I was being too "picky" when looking at the available options then ;)
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 | NZsteve says:
10/14/2014 7:36:22 PM
Hi Primaveranz More options, pull the teeth and buy more banjos :(
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 | 5strings3picks1banjo says:
10/20/2014 3:12:45 AM
Just get a scoop because it adds the opportunity to change the mood of a tune from light to dark. You don't always need to use it but it will be there when you feel it. I also think they look awesome on an openback.
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| primaveranz says:
10/20/2014 10:36:32 AM
NZSteve, that is a good point. Clawhammer probably goes better with a toothless demeanour, and it would make playing Jug easier too ;)
And 5 string3picks1banjo, having had a wee shot on a scoopie last night, I think I may be hooked !
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