I have owned and played an Osborne Chief banjo now for several years. I am to receive a new Prucha Spirit (radiused fretboard) in January. What differences should I expect in general?
The Prucha actually has a hidden 6th string. You have to look close to find it. I'd tell you where but he makes us sign an NDA
You may notice a change in the feel of the neck for a little while, but you'll soon get used to it and decide whether you like it. Hopefully, you'll like it. That's the only difference I noticed between a regular neck and a radius neck. You'll also need a different capo for that new neck, the old one won't fit right. Some say the neck is easier to fret and helps them play better/faster.
from watching vids I suspect notes are more accessible in the extreme high areas --but I never played one
quote:
Originally posted by techmanWhat differences should I expect in general?
Robert, congratulations on your new Prucha banjo. Prucha makes high quality instruments which you are certain to enjoy
Currently owning two Nechville banjos with radius fretboards and four banjos with standard flat boards, I will freely admit that to me the biggest difference when switching between banjos, is adjusting from a radius bridge to a flat bridge which can be prone to sagging thus making it somewhat concave in the middle. As a remedy I have switched out all four of the flat bridges, replacing them with 16" radiused bridges, and all banjos have equal Crowe string spacing. All of my banjos have a string spacing of 1" at the nut which is 1-1/4". So, whichever banjo I pick up will have some familiarity and mesh easily with my picking mechanics. I will say that I find the radius bridges much easier to play in any case.
As far as playing a radius fretboard banjo goes, you will notice some difference in the fretting but it is easily adaptable. If there is a benefit of one over the other it will be for you to decide.
Edited by - Pick-A-Lick on 12/07/2024 10:09:15
