Wow... great comparison. Thank you for this video. I noticed the smoothness of the archtop and I really didn't think it looses any brightness in its mid range power. The flat top on the other hand had an annoying buzz that sustained way too long into subsequent phrases. Don't know where that was coming from - the drone G, High D or both. This video certainly showed me who the clear winner is - the archtop.
The archtop sounded so much better. I don't understand why they aren't more popular. I have two flat tops and one archtop, the arch top is so much nicer sounding in both tone and loudness. Although, it could be because IT'S just a better banjo overalL. Thank you for this video.
I agree 100%, that archtop sounds smooth throughout, where the flattop had a harsh sound at times. I wonder if the flattop sound had to do with bridge angle. I have a handmade clawhammer from Ozark Banjo co. I have noticed Ill get that buzz if the angle of my bridge gets off slightly. Not position, or it being twisted, but rather not perfectly up and down, so I guess it isnt pushing against the head evenly when that happens. Anyhow, Ill get a strange buzz. I thought when I first heard it that it was vibration of a loose screw somewhere, so I went over the entire banjo. Ended up finding that that bridge angle can do strange things. Anyhow, cheers buddy.
Wow... great comparison. Thank you for this video. I noticed the smoothness of the archtop and I really didn't think it looses any brightness in its mid range power. The flat top on the other hand had an annoying buzz that sustained way too long into subsequent phrases. Don't know where that was coming from - the drone G, High D or both. This video certainly showed me who the clear winner is - the archtop.
The archtop sounded so much better. I don't understand why they aren't more popular. I have two flat tops and one archtop, the arch top is so much nicer sounding in both tone and loudness. Although, it could be because IT'S just a better banjo overalL. Thank you for this video.
I agree 100%, that archtop sounds smooth throughout, where the flattop had a harsh sound at times.
I wonder if the flattop sound had to do with bridge angle. I have a handmade clawhammer from Ozark Banjo co. I have noticed Ill get that buzz if the angle of my bridge gets off slightly. Not position, or it being twisted, but rather not perfectly up and down, so I guess it isnt pushing against the head evenly when that happens. Anyhow, Ill get a strange buzz. I thought when I first heard it that it was vibration of a loose screw somewhere, so I went over the entire banjo. Ended up finding that that bridge angle can do strange things. Anyhow, cheers buddy.
I guess this is considered a professional level Archtop ? Thoughts ?
Yes it would considered a professional level Archtop. All the instruments in our Mastertone™ series would be considered professional level.