English

Banjo Ring from Stretching String: A Zero Break Angle Demo

Popular Physics 2019-03-11 v1

Abstract

A novel bridge and tailpiece design allows direct comparison of the sound of zero break angle with same banjo (and all its parts) configured to have an angle of 13 degrees. This lends additional support to the 2014 proposal that a key element in banjo sound is the frequency modulation produced by string stretching due to a floating bridge, break angle, and head with substantial motion. When playing a banjo tune in the 0 degree configuration, there are enough audio clues that it still sounds like a banjo. The comparison allows you to judge for yourself to what extent it's lost its ring or sparkle.

Cite

@article{arxiv.1903.03186,
  title  = {Banjo Ring from Stretching String: A Zero Break Angle Demo},
  author = {David Politzer},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1903.03186},
  year   = {2019}
}

Comments

12 pages, 1 + 7 figures, links to 6 sound files

R2 v1 2026-06-23T08:01:44.410Z