Pickers' Guide to Acoustics of the Banjo, parts I and II

Abstract

The results of an investigation of fundamental banjo acoustics and physics are now readily available. The papers describe measurements and calculations which demonstrate the extent to which the sound of a banjo can be represented by linear modeling of the basic parts common to the banjo family: strings, drum head, light floating bridge, and break angle. This note summarizes the conclusions of that work and outlines some of the physics involved. While the scrutinized banjo behaviors are well-known to discerning builders and pickers, the focus here is how these arise from the physics. A practical application (discussed in an addendum) concerns head tap-tuning: what’s going on, how it works, and why some people and some tuners can’t get it right.