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Banjo amplification
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Banjo amplification |
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Subject: Banjo amplification From: DonMeixner Date: 24 Mar 99 - 10:46 PM Hello all, I have a problem with my banjo and pickup. Looking for solutions. I play a 1960 Ode Longneck archtop banjo with out the arch ring in place. It is a great,underrated banjo. Th Barcus-Berry pickup and pre amp I have used for 10 years seems to be wearing out. Is this possible? Sound crisp and bright at 8:00 PM but by 10:00 pm it sounds dull and it thuds rather than rings. Anyone suggest a better system? Mics are not an option. DonMeixner |
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Subject: RE: Banjo amplification From: Les B Date: 24 Mar 99 - 11:28 PM Don; When I bought my Goldstar about 15 years ago, it had a Barcus Berry Pick-up attached. I never used it until jamming with a country band one evening, and they were all plugged in, so I did too. I was truly appalled at how bad it sounded electrified. It was promptly yanked it out with the next head change. If mics are not an option you might look into some of the "inside" mics that are all the rage among guitarists. Most of my other musician friends keep telling me that banjos don't need amplifying anyway, they're too loud as is !!?!! I'm not sure that electronics are why things start to sound dull. I notice that happening every so often just playing acoustically. I think one's ear just maxs out and decides to cut off the highs ? I'm curious as to why mics are not an option ? |
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Subject: RE: Banjo amplification From: bill\sables Date: 24 Mar 99 - 11:43 PM Don, I found that after many years and much money trying to get the right sound from an amplified banjo I eventually found the Fishman Banjo pickup, It clamps to the perch pole and you put a thin piece of metal under the middle leg of the bridge immidatly above the pickup In England they cost around œ100 ($160) but I find that it keeps the ring of the banjo which is the sound i want. I use it on both Tennor (Irish ) and five string. It also includes a quarter inch jack plug socket which clamps onto the tension pegs. |
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Subject: RE: Banjo amplification From: catspaw49 Date: 24 Mar 99 - 11:48 PM First, I am prepared to post 27 banjo jokes that everyone already knows. Second, I liked LB's post above. Third, unlike Hammered Dulcimer, on this one...I ain't gotta' clue!!!!!!!!!! Lastly, since I know you do autoharp too from your accident therapy, I assume you may play it with your group and you said you had an article re: amplification of one.........Alright now lastly, (like the Spanish Inquisition Monty Python routine ain't it?)...OK...As you are figuring this stuff out, you are rapidly becoming the Mudcat authority on the subject. If some brainstorm strikes I'll let you know. But I got to say that with age, my brainstorms are more like morning mist, say like brainfog maybe? catspaw |
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Subject: RE: Banjo amplification From: Ted from Australia Date: 25 Mar 99 - 02:47 AM |
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Subject: RE: Banjo amplification From: Ted from Australia Date: 25 Mar 99 - 03:13 AM After trying many pickups including inside mics(too much feedback) I settled for a brand called HOTWIRES which is two stick on pizeo pickups, forget the glue that comes with them and use bluetack. Place one pickup behind the lower (physically not musically) end (D string)of the bridge and one in front of the high(G string) end of the bridge. As my Fender Leo banjo was used in a highly active (we tended to jump around a lot) amplified folk group I did not hesitate to drill out a hole and fit a 1/4 inch jack socket, it did not seem to make any difference to the ring or unamplified sound . I have no idea why your bacus berry deteriorates over the nite There was an earlier thread about mutes, I used a metal mute from time to time. on my amplified banjo, it produces a harp like sound and makes the notes sustain (ring on) MUCH longer. Try working out a two strings played together version of Si Beg Si More or Planxty Irwin You can get a 5 string banjo folk solo that will bring the house down. Regards Ted |
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Subject: RE: Banjo amplification From: bseed(charleskratz) Date: 25 Mar 99 - 03:14 AM Gold Tone Banjos sells a banjo pickup that fits bill\sables' description above for $95. I saw another on some banjo website today for $60. --seed |
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Subject: RE: Banjo amplification From: Bev Lawton Date: 25 Mar 99 - 08:52 AM this may not be totally relevant and indeed may even be slander! But I have found that during sound-engineering work at folky gigs my ability to discern high-end sound sources is inversely proportional to my alcohol intake! In fact by the end of the night the band's banjo's and bagpipes are sounding quite muted and mellow. I have noted this effect particularly with my loacl brew of ADNAM's Bitter and Old ale! I am unsure if this effect is only induced by Adnams but I am prepared to undertake (for the benifit of fellow 'catters) and extensive research program of other substances/brands! just send the brand you wish to be tested to the address below and I will subject it to a rigerous, on the road test. Seriously though - drink DOES affect my hearing even after only 2-3 pints. Bev |
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Subject: RE: Banjo amplification From: Jon W. Date: 25 Mar 99 - 10:59 AM Just make sure your "road test" doesn't include driving after your drinking. |
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Subject: RE: Banjo amplification From: Bert Date: 25 Mar 99 - 11:19 AM From my tape recording experience of a long time ago (late 50s). With any plucked or struck instrument most of your problems come from amplifying the strong overtones. You should get a good mike and don't turn the volume up more than about one quarter of the way. Let your ear be the judge of just how far you can go. It will depend on both the instrument AND the amplifier and sometimes you even have to go down to around 1/10th. of the maximum volume . HTH. Bert. |
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Subject: RE: Banjo amplification From: Don Meixner Date: 25 Mar 99 - 07:01 PM Thank you all very much. Cat, I never expected as much cogent and inciteful information to be so lacking from a single source. :-)) The reason I can't use mics is one of closed loops and feed back. I tried some Audio Technica mics in the past and feed back was amazing. I might just try the Fishman idea, it sound rather intriqueing. Bev. If I could count on my drink diminished hearing be the problem I'd be happy. However, I don't drink when I play tho'. Just a pint or two of stout at the end of the night. Also, due to a case of Spinal Menegitis when I as 6 I am deaf in one ear. I lost my hearing before stereo. I have always wondered how it sounds. I am convinved that my banjos ills are real and all the banjos own. I'll try the Fishman idea and report back. Thanks Don |
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Subject: RE: Banjo amplification From: Banjer Date: 26 Mar 99 - 04:26 AM Catspaw, only 27 banjo jokes? Are you holding out on us or have you truly led a sheltered life? I feel a new thread coming on here......Yep, gotta go get my material ready, I see a "Dueling Banjo Jokes" thread forming beneath the cobwebs in the windmills of my mind. Watch for it soon at a Mudcat near you!!! |
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