Hello everybody,
I was wondering if I could have your advice on WHEN is the right moment to change strings, head, and bridge. What gives you the sign that it is time to change each?
Regards.
STRINGS: I like them best after they have settled in for about a month and replace them if one breaks or the wound string starts to show wear or I want a different type. (I may be the minority in this preference)
HEAD: if broken or I want a different type. Banjo heads never seem to die of old age; some seem to get better with age (mylar and skin).
BRIDGE: if broken or the slots have worn to the point of funny/buzzing or I want a different type.
Edited by - pinenut on 02/06/2025 14:10:26
As far as changing strings, a lot depends on how much you play/practice, how long you play/practice and how hard you hit the strings. Normally, it's a definite sign to change if the banjo is hard to keep in tune. That usually means your strings are getting old and not keeping their tension as they should.
When I was in a band, playing gigs at festivals and jamming a lot, I'd change mine every month or so. Now? Can't remember the last time I changed them. Banjo still stays pretty well in tune and sounds good.
I have left strings on for as much as a year,but usually change them within 6 months just to cut down the chances of breaking at the wrong time.
I change strings when they get too gritty on my picks, and no longer wipe clean… usually 4-6 months or so.
I change heads when they look gross, don’t clean up well, coating worn off, or if I’m wanting to try a different type of head. I’ve never broken, or worn one out. I recently changed one on a banjo, that’s been on it since it was new, and that was in 1997.
I only change bridges to see how a different one sounds. I’ve never changed one due to wear. I have one on my favorite, most played banjo, that is at least 28 years old.
I rely on the tuners on both of my modestly priced banjos to hold the tuning. 13ish years in and so far they've done their job(s) v-e-r-y well. I switch bridges once in a while for no particular reason and I've never changed heads. I changed the strings on one banjo a couple of weeks back [wanted to try a medium-light set] .... I think that makes it the second set for both banjos, but it might be that one is still on the set it came with and this latter one is it's third set.
In line with a general "if it ain't broken, don't fix it" outlook, I guess my "sign" would be something breaking.
Edited by - Owen on 02/06/2025 16:52:22
quote:
Originally posted by pinenutBRIDGE: if broken or the slots have worn to the point of funny/buzzing or I want a different type.
If broken, sure, replace it. If the string slots got to be fuzzy: fixing it super simple, here's how:
https://banjobridge.com/br-06b.htm
Strings: about once every 6 moths fo me.
For some reason, I bought a lot of heads. Some on banjos i bouhght, but some where i broke it experimenting with head tension. I know a head is bad when I tighten 1/2 facet on every hook and the software shows my head note went down.
Strings about 2 months on a daily driver, one year on the ones that mostly stay in the case.
Bridge if my string action moved after a tension change -or I want to find a different sound.
