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Why do banjos have a dot at the 10th fret?

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(@alien)
Estimable Member
Joined: 16 years ago
Posts: 84
Topic starter  

I have done my due diligence at googling this, so I'll just come out and ask it.

Here's my working theory:

  • There are natural harmonics at frets 12, 7, & 5, so marking those is a good starting point.

  • Guitars have a dot at the 9th fret because it looks nice. There is a node there as well, so it all makes sense.

  • Banjos have a dot at the 10th fret because it looks... ugly. A banjo neck is pretty ugly to start with, this gives it a little extra disability just for show.
  • Another idea I had was that the 9th fret dot slowly migrated to a different spot, like the eye of a flounder. But that connection only makes sense after a couple beers.


       
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    (@tinsmith)
    Prominent Member
    Joined: 19 years ago
    Posts: 830
     

    Perhaps it has to do with capoing the 5th fret or something similar


       
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    (@s1120)
    Prominent Member
    Joined: 16 years ago
    Posts: 848
     

    Another idea I had was that the 9th fret dot slowly migrated to a different spot, like the eye of a flounder. But that connection only makes sense after a couple beers.

    LOL! :lol: Ya. that one. Im running with that one. :D

    Paul B


       
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    (@alien)
    Estimable Member
    Joined: 16 years ago
    Posts: 84
    Topic starter  

    Bouzoukis also have a dot at the 10th fret.

    The bouzouki evolved from the baglama, which often have evenly spaced dots. It's just that the frets are unevenly spaced...


       
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