Build mull overs

[Steve Jeter]

 Im thinking about the 5th peg placement. Looking at Americas Instrument, I see its all over the place,,, but mostly 5 & 7.    Seems at 7 there would be less tension at pitch, which may  "calm" it down a bit. I have a habit of playing 5th too hard.

Heavier diameter string may help this also,,,,,, have any of yall condidered this? and what was your conclusion?

Steve

[Steve Jeter]

 I guess I got to really thinking about this ,,, when I was messing around with one of my gourdies ,, I liked the feel of the 5th ,I  measured and the scale length was at 23,5 the way I built it,  looser  tension all over I know ,,, but liked the way 5 felt,   just musings, please ignore if you have no interest

[Bell Banjos]

This is a big matter to me. I love the feel of the 5th up at the 6th and 7th, it seems better somehow. And why wouldn't it? These old designs seem the best. I don't play my metal strung banjos much anymore, tired of the effort, the sound and the tunes. I LOVE MINSTREL BANJOS. That should be a bumper sticker.

[Rob Morrison]

Steve--To "calm down" the 5th string and to help protect the string from fraying, I glue a very small piece of rawhide to the top of the 5th string post with a groove in the middle to guide the string.  This both softens the tone and helps save the string.--Rob

[Steve Jeter]

good idea Rob thanks