Does anyone know of a book, article, research paper or video which explains a how a banjo's bridge works and the performance of various woods/metals, shapes, dimensions and etc.? Although there are many variables, after all the years banjos have been around and given the measurement tools we have today, someone must have done some sort of in depth qualitative and quantitative research into the banjo bridge and hopefully developed some data.
Sorry, but because EVERY banjo and personal taste is different, I am not interested in starting an on-line conversation on a forum. I am not looking for something based on someone's personal experience, no matter how many years or banjos.
I am only interested in a book, article, research paper or video that is data driven.
I'm wondering what type of data you are looking for? There is plenty of subjective data to be found among members here regarding their experiences with different woods, weights, etc (many of whom could be considered experts given their wealth of experience).
I imagine there is very little objective data to be had, given that the banjo is a folk instrument and the most relevant variable is a subjective impression of the sound. Are you looking for a frequency spectrum analysis or something like that?
Various entries at: its.caltech.edu/~politzer/
quote:
Originally posted by aaronobleVarious entries at: its.caltech.edu/~politzer/
Thank you VERY MUCH for the information you shared in both posts. It will take a little time to go through it all, but at first glance it's pretty much what I was hoping for.
Edited by - oddshot on 12/14/2024 10:45:55
Roger Siminoff has written extensively about acoustic physics for various instruments in various publications. Attached is a link to his bibliography. Banjo specific articles are most likely to be found in Banjo Newsletter and Frets. He conducted a number of technical tests. https://www.siminoff.net/siminoff
oddshot -
Jim Woodhouse's euphonics.org is a wonderful resource. On most topics, he gives a once-over for laymen and then links to very serious, sophisticated discussions of the math. All the banjo stuff is the result of my convincing him that it was an interesting challenge -- even if there was no fame or glory or even much interest. (He's very well-known for his violin and guitar work among high-end makers and academic acousticians of musical instruments.) In my own write-ups, I strive to be more accessible but still include the relevant data, results, and interpretation. We had a great time working together for a couple of years. Zoom has serious drawbacks, but sometimes the eight hour time difference promoted a thoughtful back-and-forth.
Here's a link to one of David's papers: High Frequency Formants from Banjo Bridge Design.
He's described and provided links to his research in postings here over the years. One could search his profile or search his name in the search tool at left.
Actually, all my music stuff is at https://www.its.caltech.edu/~politzer/ , with the newest on top.
quote:
Originally posted by davidpppActually, all my music stuff is at https://www.its.caltech.edu/~politzer/ , with the newest on top.
...Rather, I should have suggested entering banjo physics in your favorite search engine. The algorithms keep track of where you go after that. So, going that route will help others get to research-based information rather than some AI salad.
Some practical info on bridges: https://banjobridge.com/
quote:
Originally posted by davidpppActually, all my music stuff is at https://www.its.caltech.edu/~politzer/ , with the newest on top.
And if I hadn't breezed past some earlier posts in this discussion, I'd have seen the link was already shared. It's tremendous work you do - using science to dispel myth and assumption.
Edited by - Old Hickory on 12/15/2024 07:19:56
quote:... - using science to dispel myth and assumption.
Not that years of practical experience, hard work and experimentation don't count for anything ... but straightaway asking for the science on an internet forum sure does cut down on the opinion, myth, assumption and arguments.
The banjo has been around for a VERY long time. It was a sure bet that over the years somebody gave it a good hard look, put the numbers together, and wrote it all down.
aaronoble, deestexas, david ppp, Old Hickory, and Bart ... Thank you so much for pointing me in the direction I wanted to go!
David, thank you for suggesting "banjo physics" as a search option. I did a LOT of looking before I put this post up. It never would have occurred to me to put those 2 words together.
