Purcell Custom Banjo Bridge Review

As predominantly a three finger style banjoist, I’ve never felt the need for a bridge with wider spacing. I’ve played banjos that had Crowe spacing bridges and I couldn’t tell much difference. Maybe it’s because I grew up playing on the ole standard 5/8 bridge and there wasn’t much else available.

However, as I’ve gotten more into clawhammer I began realizing it would be helpful to have a  wider spacing.  That this could potentially improve my accuracy and consistency.  I sent Tim Purcell a message over at PurcellBanjoBridges to request a 46mm bridge (wider than Crowe spacing).  I’ve always liked Red Maple bridges, so that’s the one I went with.  He offers a lot of different woods and configurations.  I wanted to play it a bit safe with the wood. 

I ordered the bridge and it was placed in the mail twelve days later.  Tim notified me when it was sent out.  I consider this a quick turnaround for a custom item. He probably didn’t have a bunch sitting around with those specs. 

I put this bridge on my Romero banjo and you can view the tones here:

My Impressions

I noticed a dramatic difference in my clawhammer accuracy right away.  I was running into other strings by accident much less.  The tone was brighter and clearer as well.  The bridge I had on the Romero was the original one and had been on there over 10 years; it was about dead.  I’m very pleased with the bridge; it did what I had hoped.  It also enabled the Romero to have more of a Scruggsy-tone when I want to play it three-finger style.  I noticed less pick noise with it than the Romero bridge I had.  At some point, I may venture off the beaten path and order a bridge of some more unique wood.  We shall see.  

I want to close by saying that equipment like this isn’t a necessity for the beginner.  We basically have 100 years of people playing banjo to extremely high levels without needing a different spacing.  I caution anyone thinking a bridge spacing is going to turn them into 2X the banjo player (it’s easy to get wrapped up in gear).  However, if you’ve played awhile and find your clawhammer playing isn’t where you’d like, perhaps consider trying a bridge with a different spacing.  You can always take the bridge and most cost under $35 with shipping.

As always, if you need one on one banjo coaching, contact me.  I give lessons anywhere in the world via ZOOM.