What is the correct bridge placement for a plectrum banjo?
Concerning the placement of the bridge: If it accidentally gets moved, I’d recommend you “test” the placement harmonically. The 12th fret should be the harmonic center of each string. In other words, the length of the string from the peghead nut to the 12th fret is the same as the length from the 12th fret to the bridge. Some musicians actually measure the two lengths with a ruler – for a banjo with a 26 inch scale from the nut to the bridge would measure 13 inches to the 12th fret. A 27 inch scale would measure 13 1/2 inches. Banjo luthier Renee Karnes says this method does not take the height of the bridge into consideration. What I do is test it “harmonically.” To do this, firmly hold the string down at the 12th fret like you were playing it. Strike the string with the pick while holding it (the string) down. This measures the sound of the string from the 12th fret to the bridge. Then VERY VERY lightly, touch the string right over the 12th fret and strike the string with the pick. T
