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Student Questions / Answers from Ross Nickerson
How to get better banjo tone?

I have a 500 dollar Banjo and I want the tone you get, should I buy a new one?

Question

Had a quick question, I have a 500.00 Hohner banjo that I am playing better since I received your online video, but I am trying to get better clarity like your banjo.
Do I have to buy a better banjo or is there some way I can enhance mine to sound better and crisper.

My Response

That question has a lot of answers, learning how to get better banjo tone is always a good question. if you kind find someone to set up the banjo locally that always helps, its like getting a tune up on your car, banjos need that every once in awhile.

This bridge I use and sell made a big difference on mine, I would start by changing the bridge, the bridge makes a huge difference in the tone, you'll see. Its cheaper than buying a banjo like mine which costs about 4,000.

Here is a link, 5/8th is likely the size you need, that is the standard size.

http://banjoteacher.com/Gear/Banjo%20Bridge/index.htm

Also, take off the resonator and snug up the brackets on your head too, just not too much,.to tight of a head kills the tone, just a snug them and make sure the head is not too tight but not flimsy or soft either

Thanks again,
Sincerely,
Ross Nickerson
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