Hi
I've looked everywhere and can't find a two-feet all maple bridge which I need to set up my deering goodtime for nylgut strings. Can anyone help me out?
Thanks!
Hans
You can buy them from Joel Hooks (I did so):
banjothimble.com/shop/historic...dges.html
Maybe the slots needs to be widened a bit, since Nylguts are thicker than the usuals nylon banjo strings.
Joel Hooks is the best source for all maple two foot bridges. He uses historic designs from patent drawings and catalogues.
Stringbean45 has a lot of bridges listed, and offers custom bridges, so he may be able to help.
Bart Veerman used to make really great ones, but he's retired now. Might be able to find them used, but it'd be hard.
I use bridges from these three and have had great results, especially if you combine them with a hide head from jbalch.
Hi
Thanks both. Unfortunately, Hooks is sold out on all bridges, but I will look at stringbean.
Other suggestions welcome!
Joel Hooks is active on BHO. He'd respond to a message. His bridges are absolutely top tier.
Excellent - thanks Mark. I will send him a message.
DIY?
Thanks folks! I've put some of the "J. W. Hooks" pattern in 1/2 and 5/8 back in stock.
The problem with a goodtime banjo is that it was built for wire strings. The neck is set in such a manner that provides a very low action with a tall bridge.
Since my goal is to provide OEM replacement bridges for classic era banjos, I don't make the 3/4" or 1" tall bridges that one needs to get the clearance to prevent buzzing on a goodtime.
If you want to buy a basic one locally, they are for sale from Thomann in Germany and also Eagle Music and Music Supplies Direct in the UK. You may need to widen the string slots on these to fit the strings, but they are very cheap. Thomann also sell an all-Maple Grover Non-Tip
I just put nylon strings on my Goodtime (PVF lute strings, so a little thinner gauge than Nylguts), with one of Don New's 'minstrel' bridges and a Fiberskyn head. Sounds pretty good. But as Joel suggests, I did have to adjust the action. I have one of Joels' bridges on my old Stewart.
DC Banjo Works makes a fine 2 footed bridge. I would have to search around to figure out how to contact him, I think he decided his website wasn't worth the trouble anymore.
I have a new 5/8 Cliffor Essex bridge leftover, for which I have no use. You may have it for free - pm me if are interested.
Lucas
That sounds awesome @lucas73b! I really appreciate it! I have sent you a pm with my address.
And thanks everyone for the suggestions and insight - it's always a joy to ask for help on here!
Hans
quote:
Originally posted by HanzalotThat sounds awesome @lucas73b! I really appreciate it! I have sent you a pm with my address.
And thanks everyone for the suggestions and insight - it's always a joy to ask for help on here!
Hans
I just noticed you were in Copenhagen. My family and I lived in Vesterbro last year. Because of the pandemic, I never really got around to seeking out other banjo or fiddle players, but I serenaded the neighbors periodically with old time music. I have really been missing Denmark lately.
Awesome mjt0229 . I hope you will get a chance to return sometime!
DANG these Dollar Store glasses!
At first glance, I thought you were looking for "a two foot Tall maple bridge", and wanted to see what kind of megabanjo you were working on.
$0.02:
I've got one of Hooks' "FB Converse" 11/16” bridges on my goodtime and am quite happy with it.
With the stock bridge I had to shim the neck to get action high enough, but with this bridge I use the banjo sans shim.
Edited by - A Drum On A Stick on 05/25/2022 18:10:51
I read the original post wrong and thought we were looking for a 24 inch long maple bridge.
I'll see myself out.
quote:
Originally posted by mike gregoryDANG these Dollar Store glasses!
At first glance, I thought you were looking for "a two foot Tall maple bridge", and wanted to see what kind of megabanjo you were working on.
Man, now I want a megabanjo. This B.A.S. never stops!
Megabanjos
And at the other end of the scale....
