Hi Guys,
My Gibson Mastertone sounds "thin", what is the most likely adjustment to give it a good tone?
Thanks, Vern
P.s looking forward to seeing everyone at Huddersfield.
7 Comments |
 | smitchinson says:
11/4/2014 2:17:54 PM
Hi Vern,
Firstly the disclaimer: I don't own a Mastertone.
There are a number of factors that you can look at. Firstly I would suggest checking the angle of the tailpiece and the tension on the skin. If the tailpiece is angled too far down then this can kill the response of the head. The exact angle is debatable but I go for "inline" with the strings behind the bridge. You can then add a bit more down pressure to gain volume. Too much and it starts to weaken the response of the bridge.
The head tension will have a huge effect. Again, if it's too tight then it kills the tone and volume. As a rule, slack tension is warmer/more hollow. As you tighten up it becomes brighter, overtighten and it "tops out" and won't respond as well. Common notes to tune the head to are A#, F# or G#. If you haven't done this before, read up on it and have a try.
Finally, the bridge you're using. This will also have a big effect. Not knowing what you have I can't say. You could check it against other Mastertone owners recommendations. I changed my bridge on an old Mastertone copy from the provided one to a Nechville compensated bridge some years ago. The effect was immediate. A couple of years later I put one of the old ones back on to try and was amazed at how limp and thin it sounded. The Nechville went straight back on.
Hope this helps a little!
Cheers, Simon.
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 | Banjo Vern says:
11/4/2014 10:42:11 PM
Thanks Simon, I'm pretty sure the head tension is good so I'll start with the tailpiece and then look at the bridge. The tailpiece is pointing down towards the head but interestingly it is similar to the set up on my other banjos that sound good! The bridge is an originall grover but has always concerned me as its thin and bendy, unlike the snuffy smith on my sierra or frankly any of my others.
I should say it sounded good when I got it so it must be mainly an adjustment issue.
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 | alfiedog says:
11/5/2014 10:01:09 AM
Hi Vern I have got a Tim Purcell Bridge on my Mastertone, and it sound's great. I sent Tim a soundfile and he sorted me a Bridge out. I don't rate the Snuffy Bridge's, I have tried about 3 of them, and I didn't rate them at all (that's gonna upset a few)
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| Banjo Vern says:
11/5/2014 10:29:33 AM
Cheers Eddie, I'm pretty certain the bridge is the issue as it is thin and flexible unlike any on my other banjos. I've got a spare that came from the Iida banjo I've got so I'll try that and if there is a positive difference I'll get an upgrade and try one of Tim's. If you can let me have Tim's details it would be appreciated.
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| alfiedog says:
11/5/2014 11:41:14 AM
If your search for Tim Purcell on here it will take you to his H/P :-)
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 | Chris Cooper says:
11/13/2014 4:42:22 PM
A grover bridge absolutely murdered the sound of a great banjo I own, switch that out for sure.
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| Chris Cooper says:
11/13/2014 4:42:36 PM
A grover bridge absolutely murdered the sound of a great banjo I own, switch that out for sure.
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