Pete seeger's bridge

[s1m0n]

http://www.andrewsmithgallery.com/images/leibovitz_am/fullsize/al_1449.jpg

Here's a closeup of Pete Seeger's banjo, which someone posted to another forum. What has me scratching my head is that bridge. What's going on? Does his bridge have buttresses or some sort of outriggers?

[Jacob]

You might get more information here. (http://www.banjohangout.org/forum/)

[EdSherry]

Yes, his bridge does have "outriggers" as you mentioned. #If I recall correctly, he discusses his bridge a bit in his "Incompleat Folksinger" book (OOP). #

I know that he acquired the bridge from an independent builder, but I don't know if they are generally available for sale. #I confess that I haven't run across them in any of the acoustic instrument shops that I frequent.

[glauber]

I love his "Home Depot Special" strap hanger too.

What a guy.

[s1m0n]

Pete's one of the giants, IMO. He's been a class act all his days.

[garyblanchard]

Pete Seeger stirred my interest in folk music, banjo, and helped me to begin to form my own opinions about issues of the day in the mid 1960's. While most of my friends were listening to Rubber Soul, I was listening to Pete Seeger Live at Carnegie Hall. Whether you agree with him or not, he has always stood up for his beliefs and has at times paid the price for doing so.

I never noticed that bridge, though. I know I like to have a mellow-sounding banjo and imagine that the "outriggers" help to make the banjo less bright. I'll have to try to learn more. Actually, I can't find any info on this at Banjo Hangout, but will start a thread.

[mandroid]

Bridge less likely to fall over that way, lose that 'just right spot' there are simpler commercial no tip ones ..

[AlanN]

That banjo has a long neck, longer than Olive Oil's.

[Ken Berner]

Yes, and if I am not mistaken, it was an original; Pete spliced to the existing 5-string neck to make it longer. Open it is in the key of "E". Both Gibson and VEGA got onboard the folk train and produced a Pete Seeger Model. I think the Gibson model was RB-175 and I've seen them on e-Bay lately for over $4,000 (and less).

[David M.]

Looks like a coupla chicken bones stuck through the bridge...

[Givson]

Years ago Frets magazine had an article on how to make your own replica of Pete's bridge, and the theory behind the bridge design. If I am not mistaken, it is made out of electrical printed circuit board.

[Jim Garber]

Yes, and if I am not mistaken, it was an original; Pete spliced to the existing 5-string neck to make it longer. Open it is in the key of "E". Both Gibson and VEGA got onboard the folk train and produced a Pete Seeger Model. I think the Gibson model was RB-175 and I've seen them on e-Bay lately for over $4,000 (and less).
Another interesteing fact -- I believe this is the case -- is that John D'Angelico did the neck extension. His shop was in Greenwich Village and, like many builders of the time, did repair work as well.

Jim

[otterly2k]

Pete's one of the giants, IMO. He's been a class act all his days.

I couldn't agree more. He is one of my heroes and epitomizes integrity. Someday, that banjo should be in the Smithsonian... although Pete would probably prefer that some other musician take and use it... but like Excalibur... who would be worthy to wield it? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[Red Englemann]

What's going on?

Thanks for the photo, I love seeing an old tool well used. I have always loved old timey simple stuff, but now it is a passion.

As for the bridge, it ain't gonna fall over is it.

red

[8ch(pl)]

That banjo was stolen a few years back. The thieves dumped it at the side of a highway near Pete's New York home. Aanother found it and turned it in to the Police, I believe and then it got back to Mr Seeger.

Great songwriter, activist, musician.