A reader writes:
I purchased a Washburn 5-string banjo. I can do simple stuff, but my fingers are too wide and cause buzzing. I need a 5-string with a neck that is at least 1 3/8 inches wide. Not the standard 1 1/8 inches wide. Can you send me the name of a company that makes one that is wider that 1 18 inches?
--------------------------------------
Thanks for getting in touch.
Unfortunately I am not aware of any manufacturers currently making banjos with wider necks. You might keep an eye out for older banjos, especially off brands like Kay, Harmony, and Framus. Not saying that they WILL have wider necks, but that they often ignored standard features and dimensions.
The measurement you're looking for is the "nut width." The nut is the piece of bone or plastic the strings cross beween the tuning pegs and the fingerboard.
In the meantime, keep trying to bring the tips of your fingers straight down on the string (perpendicular to the fingerboard). I know it may seem hard to get used to, but I know guys with fingers like sausages who can do it. Eventually. Maybe their callouses get thick enough to protrude out from their fingertips a tad.
I'll keep my eye out and see if I come across anything that may work for you.
Best of luck - Paul
|