Customer Reviews

How to Set Up the Best Sounding Banjo

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Roger Siminoff is acknowledged as one of the foremost authorities on banjo and mandolin construction in the U.S. This acclaim is well-deserved, and the extent of his knowledge is exhibited in this well-written book. If you follow the instructions in the book, your banjo will probably sound better than it did before you adjusted it.

However, Mr. Siminoff is just one of many experts in the field and some of his instructions clash with those of the majority of the others. For example, he recommends that the tone ring fit very tightly. Most other experts recommend that the ring fit with a slip fit on a humid day.

He also ignores some of the more modern tone ring mounting systems that have been finding greater acceptance among professional banjo players.

In his section on the selecting bridges, he states bluntly that extensive tests have shown that the weight of the bridge apparently should not exceed half the weight of the strings for the best sound. He doesn't give any of the test data, just his subjective judgment. In the same chapter, he states that bridges are available in 5/8 inch and 1/2 inch sizes--ignoring the existence of other sizes that have been available for a long time from most good suppliers.

One assumption he makes is that all banjos with a certain type of construction should have their heads tuned to a particular note or range of notes. Other experts have observed that due to differences in densities of tone rings and rims, that each instrument has its own particular range of frequencies at which it will 'speak' most effectively.

One thing Roger reveals for the first time in a book devoted to banjo setup is the idea of tuning the air chamber. This information is excellent, although I would personally try to determine the best air chamber pitch on an instrument by instrument basis.

Aside from these and other minor shortcomings, as I stated before, if you follow the instructions he gives, you will probably have a better sounding banjo when you get through.

However, be assured that 'best sounding' is a subjective term, and what sounds best to Roger Siminoff may not sound best to you. You may be able to find equally valid information that is more up to date on the internet.

This book is very technical but you do not need to be a rocket scientist to be able to set up your banjo to sound great. I had an old metal pot basic $70 banjo that sounded like a million dollars after I set it up using the info from this book. My little $70 banjo could put many a mid level banjo on the go. You will learn how and wear to place your bridge for best intonation, how to tune the head, how to adjust your string action. The differences in head construction and which one to select for your instrument. This book will improve ANY banjo when you heed the advise given. Well worth the investment.

This book will not only help you get the absolute best sound from your banjo, it provides enough technical information on the physical attributes to enable you to understand WHY. Roger can get as detailed as anyone wants, yet is able to make everyone understand the inner and outer workings of this fine instrument! I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to make their banjo produce all the rich, clear sound it is capable of.

This is a book every banjo player should own. The author is very qualified as a musician and luthier. His instructions are easy to follow and the photos, drawings and illustrations are very helpfull. My only gripe is that more visual aids would be nice. Probably a DVD would be the iceing on the cake. I feel that I got my money worth from this book.

I play 4-string banjo and this is mainly about the 5-string, however, the majority of information is still relevant. Mr Siminoff has set the standard on how to produce a worthwhile book on how to look after, and more importantly, how to set up a banjo. Thanks, a treasure, and is referred to often. Regards, Jack, New Zealand.

Accurate information, well presented and easy to understand. Discourages beginners from reaching too far, while encouraging readers to do things that are within their abilities. Helpful.

Great book! Logically laid out, easy to read and understand and, most importantly, easy to refer to later and find the detail you're after. I applied some of the set-ups described and now have a much better sounding banjo - and I understand why.

All you could ever want to know about banjo setup. This book will have you tweaking your banjo for the proper sounds in no time. There are other books out there that discuss banjo setup, but I've found this one to be the best.