Was looking for alterntive to the Grover bridge that come on my Maple Bossom, so I contacted Virgil about his Frog Bridge. He is also an awesome picker! The Bullfrog added a new dimension to the sound. Samson makes an awesome bridge. I had built the banjo meaning to use a 3/4" bridge, but when I got it together the action was too low for my liking. Highly recommended. Im glad to have stumbled into him on BHO and learned about his product in some very informative email correspondence with him. It came with a old two foot Grover bridge that someone hand cut to accept the thicker Nylgut strings. He shipped my custom order within a few days and I love the look and sound of this bridge. Probably the best 30 bucks I ever spent. One was his mystery bridge, and the other three were made out of different woods of his choice. This is the second bridge that I've purchased to try to upgrade my Gumby-era Goodtime. To my surprise the Beech bridge changed the character of my Hatfield with more volume and more Growl, which I didn't think was possible. Produces a rich and interesting tone. Now that banjo ended up sitting in a corner after a few years and after a 20 year hiatus I picked it back up 3 years ago. You get the feeling that he doesn't sell these, but rather, he gives them up for adoption to good homes! The bridge wasn't cheap ($38), but most any good bridge is $25+ these days. To my ear it is the best bridge I have had on the banjo & I have tried several. http://www.banjohangout.org/classified/18229In the ad, and the enclosed note that accompanied the bridge, Mr. New said that he hoped the bridge would improve the sound of the buyers banjo, and give the buyer more pleasure in playing. All I know is that suddenly I have to adjust to the idea that I've lost a beater banjo and now have 2 good sounding banjos. I could feel the sound resonating thru the neck - also something new. The bridge had to be customized to match the radiussed fretboard of the banjo. The 11/16 went on my 03 golden era and instantly opened it up, and improved the tone all over the neck. It's like turning from basic to semi-pro. They are very cleverly cut, very inventively made, and very effective on my various banjos. I could go on and on, but suffice it to say that I'm exceedingly happy and would recommend this bridge to any tenor banjo player. Thanks Bart! ), My banjo specs: Short scale, walnut neck, 12-inch thin maple rim (Keller drum shell), Dobson tone ring, thin goatskin head, Chris Sands heavy strings. I'm using it on a 12" Ramsey open back with a rolled brass tone ring and a John Balch skin head. Workmanship is flawless, but I went back to Snuffy Smith. As well, Bart is fully confident in his workmanship, andgoes to great lengthsto ensure customer satisfaction. But just happened that in middle of finishing up mail, a few weeks ago I decided to ping Tim about his thoughts about roasted maple and based on his comments, I fired off a order for his roasted red maple bridges. See also. And once again it made a good sounding instrument outstanding! I know a great many people say this, but I guess you can add me to that list. As I remember it was about $35, and worth every penny. I purchased five bridges one for each of my banjo's Gibson Scruggs, Gibson Style 5, DeeringCalico, Deering Deluxe, DubosqCustom made. This is a really rich and pleasant sounding bridge. Unfortuantely, I was buying this bridge to prep the banjo for sale.and now I kinda dontwant to sell it! I recommend this bridge to everyone. Banjo, and it really magnifies any quality or tone issues. The tone, however, is the most important aspect the bridge offers the prospective buyer, and here it most certainly does not disappoint. I tried the Sampson and was impressed with how it opened up the sound, the resonance and sustain sound is more in tune with the notes played and compliment the song. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! All of my future banjos already have bullfrog bridges on them! I have a long-neck banjo that used to have intonation problems that really drove me nuts. For players looking for THE bluegrass sound, this is it. Steve is easy to work with via e-mail and his "try before you buy" policy is a plus. Its easily the most well crafted bridge I have seen. There is no doubt that whatever banjo I have will immediately be fitted with one of Tims finely crafted bridges. I bought the Snuffy III to replace the original factory bridge on my Goodtime. I felt like it brought out some nice bass tones on the Deering and took out some of the tinny sound and smoothed out the Goldtone. I have had a Bart Bridge on there since I got it but I recently purchased and custom compensated bridge. And Danny will bend over backwards to get you what you want. I put it on a Deering Tenbrooks Legacy (mahogany neck) with a Kruger ring. It took about a week to make it to Georgia. I particularly like the fact that they didn't rely on a 1/8+ strip of ebony at the toptheirs is much thinner. Email. This banjo always sounded good, now it sounds exceptional.The most amazing thing is how small these bridges are -- they are physically thinner and not as widespread as the typical bridge, but there is nothing small about the sound. But his latest & greatest is a combination of young & old folks calledFoxes and Fossils. A friend of mine let me borrow a Zebra bridge to try out. I wholeheartedly recommend Tim to any organisation or company that value people. I'd say "more calm" than it was. Its a fairly new addition to my arsenal, and Ive spent a bit of time trying to pin down a sound using various bridges (and toying with the other customary variables). Tyler was professional and very easy to do business with, and the bridge arrived a few days after I placed the order. I had to change the bridge of my Recording King RK 80 and Silvio was in my town for a concert. This is the second of two greatbridges I've ordered from Bart: I chose the Dark Star on Mr. Veerman's advice for my 2011 Huber Berkshire. 3. I purchased it in accordance with my upgraded banjo, since it was recommended to me; although I can't see why it wouldn't work on many other banjos, too. Both 11/16" two-footers with Crowe spacing. Highly recommend Bart's work. He's tried EVERYTHING and completely understands all the magical STUFF that goes into banjo knowledge. These are nice bridges. I have a Zebra with Katalox bridge from David Cunningham Banjoworks. This bridge really is amazing. Almost as if the strings are at slightly higher tension (although I'm sure the strings are at the same tension as with other bridges). Virgil was offering 14" radius. It is purrrrrrfect And just mellowed the tone/brightness a little. This is the second bridge from Tim, they are always top notch! The first couple of minutes playing the sound was pretty close to the Snuffy. It really sounds wonderful, better than any other bridge I have tried. Bart was great to work with and he pointed me to the bridge type used by other celtic-style players. In the past several years, I have used Scorpion, Kat-Eyez, Hatfield, Davis, Emerson, Sullivan,Grover, Purcelland several others. It's been a while, but it got this bridge from Bart a few weeks ago and just wanted to say how great the bridge has been. The wood was beautiful, especially the Rosewood tops. Tim Purcell had been around the musical block a number of times, all the way from his first band, American Apple, and including (but not limited to) Lou's Blues Revue, Perfect World, The Riley Hawkins Band, and The Mustangs. Unlike other bridges I have tried, these do not contain chaff or burrs in them from poor slotting. However, I like a bright, biting sound with clear, deep tones and this one is a bit muted for my taste. Ballard's bridge is really the best for me . We endeavored to keep the band going during the months Maggie was home from college. I couldn't be more pleased with this product. I ordered a three-foot model from him which arrived quickly. The bridge I was using was making the banjo sound muddy with no note separation. Sacrifice balance for crack or vice versa. You can change your city from here. Installed it along with a set of new light strings and it sounds very nice. Thank you Bart for the quality of your work. I used to have a great bridge, but this one blows it out of the water. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. This newly designed bridge by Steve is outstanding. Immaculate craftsmanship and impeccable service from a scholar and a gentleman! I use my banjo in church and need to be quiet, but clear. I tried a couple capped bridges, but decided to give Mr. New's Big Foot a shot, mainly 'cause it looks unique. The craftmanship was obvious and the string slots crisp and clean which makes a real change. I've put this on an RK Elite 75 and the results are fantastic. I believe he calls these bridges 'organic' because of the appearance. I couldn't be happier. I couldn't be any more pleased with it. Also, Don is a real craftsman and gentleman who prices his bridges fairly and is a pleasure to work with. I have one on a maple and one on a mahogany. Posted on Oct 3rd, 2020, 5:11 PM . View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro . The tone of my banjo is more than I could have ever imagined it has really taken it to a different level and as always David's bridge is a beautiful piece of functional ART! According to Virgil, he and I are the only ones to have this bridge so far. I can say one more thing about this little bridge. A really nice touch is Doc is obviously a really nice guy- and wonderful to do business with. The sound was improved , the notes are more clear and the banjo is a bit louder than with the Maple/ebony. Highly recommended, if you want a clearer cleaner tone, this bridge is the one for you. Particularly emotional was Sammie changing the lyrics in the last chorus of The Night Before. You can see Maggies shocked reaction. Got this bridge in 2.1 grams, but willorder some slightly heavier ones soon for what I believe will produce even thicker richer tones perfectforsolo work or recording. I dont know what else to say but whoah. Until this point I had only ever used the stock bridges that came with my banjos. The overtones were cleaner, the sound was fuller and "rounder" and the high end tone was strong and clear. He is a joy to work with and encourages the best out of teams. Edit page. They really are just cool looking bridges that are very pleasing to the eye. I'm an anal tone freak & I don't casually heap praise on anything - only when it *really* works. Just want to say that Mike Smith is doing a wonderful job with the production of the New Generation Snuffy Smith bridges. Since I had just interviewed John Bullard and he talked about the Purcell bridges that he likes, so I thought I would give that one a try. Bart is a real pleasure to deal with and a genuine craftsman. It could have stopped right there and I would have been a happy picker.but then I tried the walnut bridge - no way that bridge is coming off my banjo! The girls moms frowned on gigs during the school year and that was ok because my other band, The Mustangs still had enough festival and club work to keep us occupied. A few days ago I notice BHO member David Cunninghams ad for bridges: http://www.banjohangout.org/classified/39405, I asked David to build me four 5/8 Zebra bridges with a Katalox cap, two in Crowe spacing and two standard spacing. Bart was again extremely helpful and I exchanged them for two that were the same as the first set but both higher. A nice design (rounded feet for me), and nice solid wood feel. I'm not sure if it was all the peg head or the shape of the Kat Eyz bridge that did it. I was always impressed by her accurate pitch and remarkably pure tone. After a few days I checked out the old bridges again before going back to the Red Maple to find out if my ears were playing tricks on me. I believe in the spirit of this family, this group as a force for good in a time when it is so sorely needed. The bridge instantly gave the banjo more life adding a nice sparkle at both the highs and lows. He offered much helpful input as to material and design considerations guiding me in the right direction based on my particular banjo and my playing style. Old wood tends to be deeper in tone than newer wood, so results may vary depending on your rim of choice. I am really pleased with the bridge. Contact Steve and go from there. Rarely have I found one small change to make such an improvement. Playability and sound notes: My banjo immediately sounded louder and crisper upon installing the Bart Veerman bridge. The pictures show a mother who vaguely resembles Amelia strangling her dog, killing Samuel and slitting her own throat. He is a Hangout member and an expert clawhammer player. Some are unimpressive ..while others are keepers. Amelia tries to hide from the Babadook in her basement. He is someone who has a great ear and is willing to take the time to bring out the optimal clarity and balance in any banjo. The bridge was received so quickly that I believe it was manufactured and mailed the same day that payment was sent. I thought of ordering another solid Mystery Wood direct from Bart but decided on the Ebony topped Mystery Wood hoping it might have a more dynamic tone. B. Veerman teak.Tone is excellent. Bart will get all the necessary information from the picker regarding banjo, strings, playing style and sound preference. So I put on a fresh set of American Made Banjo cryo strings with the el cheapo Grover bridge I'd had on this Mutt for years, thinking it deserved no better. Find contact's direct phone number, email address, work history, and more. I should probably get a backup or two just in case. Altogether a great banjo day in Maine for BobBut back to the bridge. I am looking forward to getting some more of his bridges for my other banjos. The bridge is a beautiful piece of work, and my Century old Vega has never sounded as good; projection, claity, intonation, timbre, and no floppy 4'th string!Beyond that, Bart is an amazing guy, a consumate professional, and a pleasure to work with. Very balanced with just the right amount of sustain and good pop. Files were needed to remove burrs on the ebony saddle. Very happy with Bart's service and work over the years, I wont use anything else. Both bridges were impressive as integral elements in the overall acoustic system. Just bought a Huber banjo, & just for kicks I put the Davis bridge on it & it accomplished the same thing. Also find latest Tim Purcell news on eTimes. It sounds Great! His bridges are pricey.and worth every penny! I had been running a Scorpion on it and was very satisfied with its almost-tubby Mastertone sound. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. Clear, great bass, clear highs and loud. Fantastic product, unbelievable customer service, OUTSTANDING overall!!!! I stopped making my own bridges when I realized that Mike's Kateyz design can't be topped. I own a Recording King OT Madison with a scoop that I like very much but felt could be tickled to have a little better tone. Suddenly a light came on over my head and I realized that was why that banjo always had an intonation issue. Although, as we already know, there is no one magical bridge that works on every banjo, but if you are looking for a bridge and still trying to dial in your tone, you should definitely give a Kat Eyz a try. Besides that, he is my neighbor.he only lives about 45 miles from me! I just bought one for my archtop resonator banjo too. While I don't believe that a bridge can give you every single thing you want (it is a natural product), this one comes very, very close at doing just that. The bridge is beautifully made, and sounds amazing! Still, this is the only thing that keeps the bridge from getting a 10 rating. He graciously agreed. A 10 to me is a product that is truly an impact item with the best performance in it's class. Over the last half of 2015 I slowly bought different banjo parts one at a time and ended up assembling two new banjos when all was said and done. Attention to detail is all there. My initial order to Bart was a for a 3/8" flat bridge but it was a hair too short and I got a little buzzing on the fret board on the D and G strings. 'M using it on a Maple and one on a 1/8+ strip of ebony at toptheirs. An anal tone freak & i do n't casually heap praise on anything - only it. Kruger ring, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro a little - check your email!. Want a clearer cleaner tone, this is the only thing that keeps the bridge a. Three were made out of teams overall!!!!!!. 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