I have a Gold Tone Open Back 5 string.
I would like to experiment with Tenor tuning b4 I commit to buying one. Could I install strings that would accept Tenor tuning on my 5 string.
Forgive my ignorance.
Tom
If it's a standard (~26" scale) 5-stringer, you won't be able to tune the 1st string to A without breaking it. I'd suggest getting a light gauge tenor string set (for CGDA tuning), but tuning it a fourth below that (GDAE). Put a capo on the fifth fret, and you'll have tenor banjo tuning (and fret spacing!).
I don't see why not. Just leave the high G off, and get a set of tenor banjo strings. I just checked a set of Deering tenor banjo strings to make sure the length was adequate before saying this.It was. Also, I checked whether anyone makes ball end instead of loop end strings, the latter being more common for tenors. The answer was La Bella, Curt Mangan, and GHS, often designated as "BE" in the product name. Don't expect to get a tenor banjo sound, just an idea about the new intervals from the tuning differences. Also, a five string neck, being longer, might make some of the stretches for certain chords, especially near the nut, impossible, while on a tenor banjo they'd only be slightly crazy. Another thing, if you know any mandolin chords, you can apply them instantly, since both instruments are tuned in fifths, it's just that a G chord on mandolin, now played on a tenor, will be a C, but with identical fingering. Good luck!
Having read what Dan said, both the capo and the tuning down make sense. As I said earlier, you probably won't experience the sound of a tenor, which is much more powerful, but you"ll get the feel in terms of note intervals.
Duh, I have gut string kit banjo
I could put nylon strings on. Would this be a possibility.
quote:
Originally posted by TybaltDuh, I have gut string kit banjo
I could put nylon strings on. Would this be a possibility.
Not a Gold Tone?
If you're talking about the mountain-style banjo in your picture, you'll have a real hard time getting that to approximate a tenor in any way IMO.
I'm finding that out
Thanks
