Unknowledgeable CH explorer here. Have played banjo's with 5th string lying flush to the fret, either by a pip behind the fret with a low cut slot or a spike placed just behind the fifth fret, that position the fifth string below the level of the other five stings.
Have also played CH banjos with fifth string pips behind the fret, cut with high slots that allow the fifth string to ride even with the other strings.
I find lower fifth string arrangement makes a drop down thumb strike on the fourth string easier and more accurate and cleaner sounding. Some very experienced players I admire have told me the higher fifth string height, for various reasons I don't understand, is the better way to go. They advised I follow that route as a beginner to insure better outcomes as time and practice advances. Other say do what's comfortable now. Reader comments appreciated.
I don't think it makes too much difference unless you like to fret the fifth string up the neck. If that is the case, then you'd want the string to originate at the same location as the fifth fret rather than behind it.
Whether the fifth string starts higher or lower, by the time it gets down to where you're playing (over the neck or over the head) it's going to be at about the same height as the rest of the strings (unless your bridge is built in a way to elevate the 5th)
The old time banjo players of the Appalachian Mountains and other areas a hundred years ago didn't have raised fifth strings or frailing scoops and they played with no problem. Do what comes naturally to you.
Just because a raised fifth string works well for someone else doesn't mean it will work best for you.
Keeping the 5th string intonation is what's desired. Sometimes a short 5th fret is placed where the pip is directly in line with the fret.
As you know there are other "methods"
the Hatfield compensated bridge uses height to change the pitch of the string.
Other bridges use moon shape, others file different lengths right there at the bridge top.
I found that by tapering the neck back away from the 1-7/8" width provided a bare string running down the length of the neck in the air.
It's okay if you don't fret the 5th string as many people do.
Otherwise I play with fingerpicks all the time while I playing up stroke, down stroke, claw out over the 19th fret harmonic or chime; and IMTMTIMT or 21215215 for entry level 3-finger to enable growth in the music lab you just opened up in yer noggin.
Edited by - Helix on 02/08/2023 21:22:45
I like my 5th string to be the same elevation as the other 4. A luthier once took it upon himself to lower my 5th string down to 5th fret level, and it drove me crazy. I got some pip material and raised it back up as quickly as I could. He thought he was doing me a favor for better intonation. To me he was taking liberties with my banjo without my approval or even asking my permission.
Setting up your banjo for clawhammer is just like clawhammer playing style: whatever works. That will differ for each player.
I've got banjos with both pips and spikes. I prefer pips for aesthetuc reasons but probably don't even notice when playing.
I probably spend 50% or more of my time with a capo on 2 and a spiked 5th at 7 anyway.
Some of this question has to do with banjo design. On some UNscooped banjos the fifth string can be so close to the fretboard that your thumb bangs against the fretboard when you play over the fretboard for sound preference. Some banjo builders make a "thumb platform" to address this issue. "J" hooks can also get in the way of a low fifth string if the hooks are too close to the fret board. So, preference/style of playing has a lot to do with your comfort. banjered
I prefer the spike holding the 5th string against the fret, mostly for easier retuning (hooking that string under spikes at the 7th, etc frets. I have one banjo made this way. My others all have pips. I notice no difference in playing. I claw over the head, however, not over the fretboard.
quote:
Originally posted by FallingwaterUnknowledgeable CH explorer here. Have played banjo's with 5th string lying flush to the fret, either by a pip behind the fret with a low cut slot or a spike placed just behind the fifth fret, that position the fifth string below the level of the other five stings.
Have also played CH banjos with fifth string pips behind the fret, cut with high slots that allow the fifth string to ride even with the other strings.
I find lower fifth string arrangement makes a drop down thumb strike on the fourth string easier and more accurate and cleaner sounding. Some very experienced players I admire have told me the higher fifth string height, for various reasons I don't understand, is the better way to go. They advised I follow that route as a beginner to insure better outcomes as time and practice advances. Other say do what's comfortable now. Reader comments appreciated.
One consideration... is different styles.
For many trad OT folks that use high fifth... almost exclusively use it as a drone, it is never fretted. Many tend to tune the fifth string up rather than use a spike. Don't really play up neck, esp chords; limited to maybe melodic notes on seventh or maybe ninth fret (mostly on first string); so overall action can be on the high side for right hand ease. A too low fifth string makes it harder to play, for thumb to grab. As mentioned, especially if with typical cocked thumb approach. overall low action and playing over unscooped neck. Even over the head on some set-ups can be quite low.
Well, I play two finger thumb lead. I play over the head just below where the neck meets the pot, even when there's a scoop. I have a low 5th string on all my banjos. When one comes with a pip, I pop it out and let it rest on the fret. In my opinion this gives it better tone that a pip. Also in my case, not sure what it is, but when the 5th is raised to the same height as the other strings it seems I'm more likely to accidentally hit it when my thumb is reaching for the 4th. Lowering the 5th helps eliminate that.
For me it was accidental how I started using a lowered 5th. One day the 5th string pip broke so that the string didn't stay put. So I just laid it on the 5th fret, tuned it up and started playing. As the days went by I realized I wasn't accidentally hitting the 5th string like before. So I set my other banjos the same way. Now I can't stand it when the 5th is raised. My preference though. As I said, I play two finger thumb lead. If I played clawhammer I might have a different opinion.
Thanks to all respondents. I knew there'd be some interesting input, and wasn't disappointed. Very interesting points. Regards to all.
quote:
Originally posted by AndrewDI've got banjos with both pips and spikes. I prefer pips for aesthetuc reasons but probably don't even notice when playing.
I probably spend 50% or more of my time with a capo on 2 and a spiked 5th at 7 anyway.
same
