Stringing, tuning guidance and fingerboard diagrams - Metzler & Co., (London, 1877) p.6 & 7

These pages from Metzler & Co.'s Tutor for the Banjo (London, 1877) provide contemporary stringing and tuning guidance, and practical diagrams of the left-hand finger positions for both gGDGBD (raised 4th) and gGCGBD 6-string tuning.

Note that in regard to Metzler's guidance on p.6 to fit guitar strings, that 19th century gut strings for guitar pre-c.1885 were of a different gauge than those commonly used on later guitars. This difference is significant in the effect on tone and feel. This is a factor to take into consideration if attaining accurate period tone and playability is intended.

Another aspect in regard to accurate period sound is pitch. Standardising pitch at A4=440hz. was not agreed in principle internationally until 1896. Prior to this date pitch varied considerably not only between, but also within, countries. This subject in relation to the banjo is covered in depth in one of our research papers. However in brief, for practicality for players interested in historical accuracy in the English context, research findings from various primary sources typically indicate that pitch was in the range A4=444hz - 452hz. In specific musical settings precise pitch would be determined by the fixed-tuning of instruments such as the piano or concertina with which the banjoist was duetting. The organisers of the Inventions Exhibition held in Kensington, London in 1885 decreed that pitch for all performances at the exhibition, which included a banjo trio featuring Arthur Tilley, should be set at A4=452hz. While this is evidence of banjo being played at this pitch, it cannot be used as the basis for a 'standard' in any wider sense.