# Banjo Ring from Stretching String: A Zero Break Angle Demo

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new banjo bridge design that enables direct comparison of zero break angle and traditional angles, supporting the idea that string stretching influences banjo sound quality.

## Contribution

It presents a novel bridge and tailpiece setup for direct sound comparison, providing evidence for the role of string stretching in banjo tone.

## Key findings

- Zero break angle banjo still sounds like a banjo.
- Sound differences can be attributed to string stretching effects.
- The design facilitates objective sound quality comparisons.

## 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.