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I am working on a banjo that is to be optimized for classic style playing. The customer requested 1/4" action at the 12th fret, no back angle on the neck, and a 1-1/4" nut width. I asked and he wasn't sure what would be best for the fretboard width at the heel end of the neck, so I thought I would ask here. I build stock banjos with a 1-3/8" nut width, 2" or sometimes 1-15/16" at the heel. I've never built a banjo with such high action, so I don't know if it's better to have the neck wider to keep the first string from being pulled off the side of the neck, or if it's better to have the width narrower, like 1-7/8", to go with the narrower nut width. I'll be grateful for any advice.
I would say that for a custom built banjo, it would depend on their preferred nut spacing and their preferred bridge spacing.
Historical examples vary a good bit...as do personal preferences. I like wide spacing at the bridge (1-3/4") others like narrow.
Both my 1920s-30s Essex banjos are 1-7/8" wide at the heel, my 1890s Stewart Orchestra is 2".
Consider that pretty much every regular banjo made from around 1880 to WW2 was ultimately designed for what we now call "classic banjo". So.. take your pick.
Strings used in the later end of the 19th century into the first part of the 20th were much thinner than what is now sold in standard nylon or polyester sets.
Per your customers request, I put two bridge options and two sets of strings in the mail at the end of last week shipping directly to you. You should get them next week. You will notice that the spacing on the bridge is narrower than what is now considered "standard".
If you want a bunch of measurements I can give them-- but they are all over the place.
Thank you all very much for your help. I referred the customer to this discussion and suggested that I thought maybe 2" would be better since the extra can be removed later if the neck is found to be uncomfortably wide, so that is the plan now.
Joel, thank you very much. I'll keep an eye out for your shipment.
Edited by - Zachary Hoyt on 01/18/2025 13:14:38