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?
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?
And now there was no doubt that the trees were really moving - moving in and out through one another as if in a complicated country dance. ('And I suppose,' thought Lucy, 'when trees dance, it must be a very, very country dance indeed.')
C.S. Lewis
You might get more information here.
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.
EdSherry
I love his "Home Depot Special" strap hanger too.
What a guy.
Pete's one of the giants, IMO. He's been a class act all his days.
And now there was no doubt that the trees were really moving - moving in and out through one another as if in a complicated country dance. ('And I suppose,' thought Lucy, 'when trees dance, it must be a very, very country dance indeed.')
C.S. Lewis
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.
Bridge less likely to fall over that way, lose that 'just right spot' there are simpler commercial no tip ones ..
writing about music
is like dancing,
about architecture
That banjo has a long neck, longer than Olive Oil's.
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).
Looks like a coupla chicken bones stuck through the bridge...
David Mehaffey
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...I wonder how the old folks are at home...
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.
When 'good enough' is more than adequate.
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.Originally Posted by (Ken Berner @ Oct. 19 2006, 13:15)
Jim
Jim
My Stream on Soundcloud
19th Century Tunes
Playing lately:
1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1
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?
Karen Escovitz
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Otter OM #1
Brian Dean OM #32
Old Wave Mandola #372
Phoenix Neoclassical #256
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If you're gonna walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!
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
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.
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