So wondering if anyone else has this issue and what a potential fix may be....My 3rd String is a bit dull sounding and really bad when I fret it even at 2nd or 3rd fret. Pulled the tail piece cover up and it seemed to help. Maybe a better more solid tail piece? The Banjo is an Recording King Songster. Not exactly expensive but not a real "cheapy" either.
TY
TJ
Edited by - TikiJeff on 08/09/2024 14:16:45
Had the same thing...realized I hadnt changed my strings since I got it. Changed them, and voila! dull sound gone
Try strings that give you a phosphor 4th.
Try GHS Americana Cryogenic strings in your choice of light or medium.
If your current 4th string is 0.020, try a 0.022.
Perhaps one of the independent music shops in Albuquerque sells single loop end strings so you can economically get just one to swap into another set.
Yes, a more substantial tailpiece, such as a Kershner style, might help. So might a different bridge. Scorpion, Dotson, Snuffy Smith, any number of Purcell's woods, and Sullivan (roasted maple or Factory Floor) are worth trying.
Make sure your bridge hasn't started to lean a bit forward either.
Agree on the bronze 4th. Don’t know that it has to be phosphor bronze. Note that you can (and probably should) buy single strings. I have for years. That way you can get what suits you and not be stuck with some supplier’s choice. Expect your fourth string, because it’s wound, to go dead a lot sooner than the plain strings. I find that when I’m playing regularly, I to through three or four fourth strings for every time I change the plain ones.
Are you talking about strings you've played for a while? The D string is usually the one where tired strings notice first.
I use use phosphor bronze wound 4th and love the effect. But I'm not sure that 'brightens' a dull string; if anything phosphour bronze tends to add a warmth and 'colour' to the sound. Steel strings are brighter. You could experiment with different (lighter) gauge 4th to see if that takes away the dullness .
Have you checked your nut and bridge slots and precise bridge position using harmonics at the 12th fret? Just a thought.
Edited by - Pomeroy on 08/08/2024 03:42:49
quoNte: Not yet but def will good ideas...TY
Originally posted by PomeroyAre you talking about strings you've played for a while? The D string is usually the one where tired strings notice first.
I use use phosphor bronze wound 4th and love the effect. But I'm not sure that 'brightens' a dull string; if anything phosphour bronze tends to add a warmth and 'colour' to the sound. Steel strings are brighter. You could experiment with different (lighter) gauge 4th to see if that takes away the dullness .
Have you checked your nut and bridge slots and precise bridge position using harmonics at the 12th fret? Just a thought.
quotNe: New yes
Originally posted by Patrick1962Had the same thing...realized I hadnt changed my strings since I got it. Changed them, and voila! dull sound gone
quote: Thanks Bill,
Any links or tips buying singles On Line?
Originally posted by Bill RogersAgree on the bronze 4th. Don’t know that it has to be phosphor bronze. Note that you can (and probably should) buy single strings. I have for years. That way you can get what suits you and not be stuck with some supplier’s choice. Expect your fourth string, because it’s wound, to go dead a lot sooner than the plain strings. I find that when I’m playing regularly, I to through three or four fourth strings for every time I change the plain ones.
Well I must have had a case of Old Timers early on...It IS my low "G" ...That is sounding dull. New strings yes, Bridge looks fine..It is good aftermarket compensated. I lifted the tin thin cover on the stock tail and the string rings a bit more. Soooo maybe the buy a new tail piece? Have been using DAddarios strings but see a lot of people writing about GHS steel etc...Mayby need to try them. I am already up a gauge slightly on most of my strings from the RKing stocks that were very lite. Sorry about the String "cornfusing" all.
I think Just Strings is where a lot of players go.
quote:T
Originally posted by Bill RogersI think Just Strings is where a lot of players go.
Nice thank you...
On the GHS strings they say Stainless Steel...As a guitar player I have always stayed away from stainless as I have heard it is really good at wearing down the Frets faster. ??Any one have any thoughts there?? I am going to try a GHS on this thumping dull Number 3 String of mine if it will not ruin anything.
quote:
Originally posted by TikiJeffAny links or tips buying singles On Line?
Elderly Instruments and JustStrings.com sell GHS singles. Maybe some other brands, too. The strings cost little, but then there's shipping.
I got confused in my earlier message and mentioned Albuquerque, which is not where you are! Sorry about that.
quote:
Originally posted by Old Hickoryquote:
Originally posted by TikiJeffAny links or tips buying singles On Line?Elderly Instruments and JustStrings.com sell GHS singles. Maybe some other brands, too. The strings cost little, but then there's shipping.
Heya Ken,
Thanks so much. No worries..I listed the wrong string from the Gitgo at top. It is my Low G that is dulling out. :) Do you use Stainless Steel? I have stuck witht he Nickle Strings as I was under the impression the SS would wear Fret Wires faster.
I got confused in my earlier message and mentioned Albuquerque, which is not where you are! Sorry about that.
quote:
Originally posted by TikiJeffI listed the wrong string from the Gitgo at top. It is my Low G that is dulling out. :) Do you use Stainless Steel? I have stuck witht he Nickle Strings as I was under the impression the SS would wear Fret Wires faster.
For maybe 5 or 6 years now, I've been using GHS PF-190 Americana Cryogenic strings. Light gauge 10-20. Pretty sure these are cryogenically treated stainless steel.
As to nickel strings, I would imagine the only one that possibly makes a difference in fret wear would be the wound 4th. This would be some type of nickel winding around a steel ore. The unwound strings will be plain steel.
Same with stainless steel or phosphor bronze: That refers to the wound string. The rest are plain.
I think the plain strings in some brands are plated.
That should be nickel winding around a steel core. Not "ore"
A lot of the string sets that seem to be most popular with bluegrass pickers have a VERY light 3rd string. They feel real unbalanced to me, but if it works for you, it works. However, I would expect any string played at such a low tension to go dead very quickly.
As has been said, nickel, stainless, or bronze refers only to the winding on the 4th string. But... among brands I know, sets with a bronze 4th always have what I think of as a "standard" balance of tension among the strings. GHS PF150 (10-12-14-22-10) is called "light"... If you want something lighter, there's D'Addario EJ69 (9-11-13-20-9).
A tailpiece, that is capable of vibrating "sing" with the strings is not a good thing. It may eat energy out fo the strings on the tones, where it resonates most. Try to put a light
fingertouch on the tailpiece and and strum the strings with the other hand, and see if you can feel vibrations in the tailpiece. If you can this MAY be the problem (I have such a banjo). Othher things are also mentioned here. Good luck. Steen
