We're pleased to announce that we're now offering banjo bridges in styles as various as the intended instruments themselves.
We're particularly excited about the BassWave, a compensated bridge with a stylish wave design. The BassWave was designed for a 30" scale "baritone" banjo prototype. Despite the fine arch in the center, the semihollow bridge posts are large, resulting in enhanced volume (without the dreaded muting) and more bass.
We're particularly excited about the BassWave, a compensated bridge with a stylish wave design. The BassWave was designed for a 30" scale "baritone" banjo prototype. Despite the fine arch in the center, the semihollow bridge posts are large, resulting in enhanced volume (without the dreaded muting) and more bass.
Of course we carry traditional designs as well. Below you will find an assortment of bridge designs we currently offer. (We can also craft a custom bridge for your particular needs.)
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Flat Five
The Flat Five is a non-compensated bridge designed for five-string banjos. The flat bottom provides a subtle muting effect for a style that is growing in popularity here in the northeast. (Also available with four-string slotting.)
The Flat Five is a non-compensated bridge designed for five-string banjos. The flat bottom provides a subtle muting effect for a style that is growing in popularity here in the northeast. (Also available with four-string slotting.)
The Double Arch
Often called "the Rockefeller" by enthusiasts (for the similaries to Rockefeller arched bridges in Acadia National Park here in Maine) this is a terrific design. Crafted of hard maple with an oak cap, the bridge is elegantly designed and produces a bright, cutting tone.
The Chubby Sally
A high-mass offering with three flat-bottomed posts. Constructed of maple with a mahogany cap, this model provides surprisingly little muting. The maple/mahogany combo (inspired by revered electric guitars) produces a warm tone with defined highs.
The Student
Our simplest and most economical bridge, The Student is a stylized version of the bridges seen on Gatcomb "The Student" model banjos of the late 19th century. Constructed of hard rock maple, The Student makes minimal contact with the banjo head resulting in optimal sustain. Indeed it is the string tension itself that keeps the bridge in an upright position as the posts are so thin, and the resulting sustain, rich in treble, is immediately noticeable.
The M-1
The M-1, often call The Mustache, is another maple/mahogany bridge combo which results in a unique tone. The posts are wide and thick which adds a subtle warm tone. The M-1 is a popular choice with banjo enthusiasts and we offer this model with semihollow posts.
The bridges shown above are from our Limited Standard line, but we frequently make one-offs and custom creations for the discriminating player. We enjoy custom orders as it gives us a chance to work with nonstandard materials. So whether you're looking for a maple/ebony Double Arch or an oak/poplar M-1 (or something altogether different, like a classic wedge bridge) we're happy to help you achieve your desired sound. Just drop us a line and let us know what you're looking for. With all the prototypes and experimental bridges in our shop, the odds are good that we've got just what you're looking for.
(NOTE: We are currently perfecting an electromagnetic pickup/bridge unit that "floats" over the banjo head. Entirely unique to banjo construction, it is showing promise as a contemporary design for the truly adventurous. Please check back later for details.)