  The results of an investigation of fundamental banjo acoustics and physics
are now readily available. The papers describe measurements and calculations
which demonstrate the extent to which the sound of a banjo can be represented
by linear modeling of the basic parts common to the banjo family: strings, drum
head, light floating bridge, and break angle. This note summarizes the
conclusions of that work and outlines some of the physics involved. While the
scrutinized banjo behaviors are well-known to discerning builders and pickers,
the focus here is how these arise from the physics. A practical application
(discussed in an addendum) concerns head tap-tuning: what's going on, how it
works, and why some people and some tuners can't get it right.
