As more players adopt banjo ukuleles, we are seeing more players embrace its bold character and unique charm.
This instrument is quite adaptable; there are numerous songs that pair perfectly with its sound such as Oh Suzanna, Wagon Wheel and Ain’t She Sweet! However, setting them up properly takes some effort.
The resonator head
Banjoleles are smaller versions of ukuleles with their own distinct sound. Made up of four strings that can be plucked or strung using fingers or pick, banjoleles have many tuning possibilities; most commonly GCEA tuning, although there may also be variations such as ADF#B tuning available.
Resonator heads of banjos serve to project the sound produced when string are plucked. Constructed of wood such as mahogany, maple or walnut for maximum sound projection and to make these types of instruments louder than their open back counterparts (known as open back banjos).
When the fifth string is plucked, its vibrations reflect off of the resonator head and into the body of the banjo to produce its characteristic sound. These vibrations help produce that distinctive banjo sound we are so familiar with today.
Resonator heads on banjos tend to be thinner than batter heads, enabling it to respond more quickly to vibrations from the fifth string and produce crisper sounds. They are usually attached via resonator flanges to ensure strong and clear sounds are produced by this attachment point.
On a banjolele, the resonator head is often coated in fingerboard binding material to seal its edge and reduce friction between string and neck. Barnes & Mullins banjoles include this important feature as standard even on their entry level models.
The AKLOT concert banjolele provides excellent value for money and makes a fantastic choice for beginners or more advanced players looking for an inexpensive yet accessible instrument. It includes everything needed for playing: clip on tuner, strap, picks, wrench and cleaning cloth in addition to its premium Remo drum skin head giving a bright Appalachian mountain sound.
The floating bridge
A floating bridge of a banjolele acts in much the same way as its fixed counterpart; however, it’s held in place through string tension rather than being physically fixed to an instrument’s body. Floating bridges can be useful on instruments whose top surfaces cannot accommodate traditional permanent fixes due to thinness or composition – these floating bridges also allow musicians to experiment with creating different tones from their instruments by increasing sustain, clarity or pitch changes through use of tremolo systems.
Traditionally, floating bridges were constructed using dense and hard materials like ebony for optimal string vibrations. Modern guitars now incorporate various kinds of floating bridges; for instance the synchronised tremolo bridge looks similar to an ordinary hardtail bridge but contains springs in its back cavity which allow it to remain stationary when not in use while maintaining equilibrium for pitch regulation.
While this bridge can help create a distinctive sound, its tuning can be difficult to sustain over time and buzzing can become an issue for certain players. Palm-muting may cause this buzzing effect; many guitarists use palm muting techniques in rock and metal music as a means of deadening strings they are not playing or to achieve tight, percussive sounds commonly associated with those genres.
Historical instances have demonstrated the need for floating bridges for military purposes. One notable case occurred under Persian King Xerxes who, seeking to conquer Greece in 481 B.C, ordered his engineers to construct one across Hellespont Strait (an international waterway separating Asia and Europe). Unfortunately, however, storm damage destroyed their floating bridge before completion; as punishment Xerxes punished his engineers by whipping them 300 times while throwing away their leg shackles into the sea!
The tension ring
Tension rings are wide metal bands used to pull skin tight around the rim and produce the drum-like sound of banjo ukes, creating its distinctive drum-like sound. Adjustments to make this tone either more mellow or brighter can be made according to player preferences. Most banjo uke models feature one, usually either round or oval in shape – round tension rings provide warmer, mellower sound while oval tension rings produce brighter more distinct sounding results.
Hardware or hook brackets are the hex-shaped nuts used to secure tension rings to resonator skins, applying downward pressure. They typically feature either hex or L shaped shoes on them and may even be adjustable. When selecting tension rings for use it is essential that they fit over easily onto your resonator skin – too large would slip off without enough contact, while too small will cause shearing of skin in weld seam areas when mounted onto a resonator.
The banjolele, also known as a banjo uke, is an interesting instrument with features similar to both ukuleles and banjos. Tuning typically falls within GCEA but alternative tuning such as ADF#B can also be played – making this instrument perfect for people already playing ukulele who wish to branch out! It provides great options for those wanting something different while continuing playing their instrument of choice.
The neck
A banjo ukulele is an interesting combination of two musical instruments – the ukulele and banjo. It features fretted fretboard and four or five strings stretched over a drum-like head on which players pick or strum in order to produce sound.
A typical banjo ukulele has 16 frets and is tuned similarly to soprano, concert or tenor-sized ukes. It may feature open back or closed back construction for playing comfort; typically its neck is made of either ebony or mahogany with fingerboard binding for protection and a smooth playing experience – something all Barnes & Mullins banjo ukes feature as standard features.
A banjo head is typically composed of plastic; however, older instruments featured animal skin heads. A tighter head produces brighter and crispier notes while looser ones produce warmer tones with plunky undertones. Tension adjustments for either type are achieved by tightening or loosening nuts attached to hooks on the rim; some players opt for natural calf skin heads instead for an authentic experience.
Banjo ukuleles can be played using either fingers or pick, with many people preferring thumbs for traditional style playing. Their distinct sound makes this instrument perfect for making an impactful statement through music.
While ukuleles may appear simpler to play than banjos, they’re actually very different instruments to master. With its small fretboard and associated difficulty in attaining good intonation (the ability of strings to stay in tune), new ukuleles often need tweaking and adjustments as soon as they leave their boxes.
One of the most crucial adjustments you need to make when setting up your banjolele is placing its bridge correctly on its head. Any bridge placed too far forward or back will cause its strings to buzz, which can be extremely irritating to listeners. Most manufacturers ship their banjoleles with its bridge lying flat against its head – this ensures safe shipping but means it must be adjusted before playing can begin.