Name: Deering Smile™ Banjo Bridge
Brand: Deering® Banjo Company
SKU: B-DSMILE58
Price: 45.0 USD
Availability: InStock

$45.00

In stock, ready to ship
Inventory on the way

More payment options

Deering’s patented Smile™ Banjo Bridge is created with a curve on the bottom to fit into the natural curve created on a banjo head by the bridge when under string tension. This relieves the stress found in a traditional bridge allowing the Smile™ Bridge to vibrate without constriction. The result is an instantly fuller and more expressive mid-range, less constricted low frequencies, and a wonderful balance across all strings.

[{"id":19142732036,"title":"5 String \/ 5\/8\" \/ Flat (standard)","option1":"5 String","option2":"5\/8\"","option3":"Flat (standard)","sku":"B-DSMILE58","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Deering Smile™ Banjo Bridge - 5 String \/ 5\/8\" \/ Flat (standard)","public_title":"5 String \/ 5\/8\" \/ Flat (standard)","options":["5 String","5\/8\"","Flat (standard)"],"price":4500,"weight":23,"compare_at_price":4500,"inventory_quantity":-283,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"840394021195","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":21281265476,"title":"5 String \/ 5\/8\" \/ Radiused","option1":"5 String","option2":"5\/8\"","option3":"Radiused","sku":"B-DSMILE58RAD","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Deering Smile™ Banjo Bridge - 5 String \/ 5\/8\" \/ Radiused","public_title":"5 String \/ 5\/8\" \/ Radiused","options":["5 String","5\/8\"","Radiused"],"price":4500,"weight":23,"compare_at_price":4500,"inventory_quantity":-7,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":20465896260,"title":"5 String \/ 11\/16\" \/ Flat (standard)","option1":"5 String","option2":"11\/16\"","option3":"Flat (standard)","sku":"B-DSMILE1116","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Deering Smile™ Banjo Bridge - 5 String \/ 11\/16\" \/ Flat (standard)","public_title":"5 String \/ 11\/16\" \/ Flat (standard)","options":["5 String","11\/16\"","Flat (standard)"],"price":4500,"weight":23,"compare_at_price":4500,"inventory_quantity":-39,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":21281274436,"title":"5 String \/ 11\/16\" \/ Radiused","option1":"5 String","option2":"11\/16\"","option3":"Radiused","sku":"B-DSMILE1116RAD","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Deering Smile™ Banjo Bridge - 5 String \/ 11\/16\" \/ Radiused","public_title":"5 String \/ 11\/16\" \/ Radiused","options":["5 String","11\/16\"","Radiused"],"price":4500,"weight":23,"compare_at_price":4500,"inventory_quantity":0,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":29439917137,"title":"5 String \/ 5\/8\" \/ Flat with wider JD Crowe Spacing","option1":"5 String","option2":"5\/8\"","option3":"Flat with wider JD Crowe Spacing","sku":"B-DSMILE58JD","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Deering Smile™ Banjo Bridge - 5 String \/ 5\/8\" \/ Flat with wider JD Crowe Spacing","public_title":"5 String \/ 5\/8\" \/ Flat with wider JD Crowe Spacing","options":["5 String","5\/8\"","Flat with wider JD Crowe Spacing"],"price":4500,"weight":23,"compare_at_price":4500,"inventory_quantity":-36,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":29439932817,"title":"5 String \/ 5\/8\" \/ Radiused with wider JD Crowe Spacing","option1":"5 String","option2":"5\/8\"","option3":"Radiused with wider JD Crowe Spacing","sku":"B-DSMILE58RADJD","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Deering Smile™ Banjo Bridge - 5 String \/ 5\/8\" \/ Radiused with wider JD Crowe Spacing","public_title":"5 String \/ 5\/8\" \/ Radiused with wider JD Crowe Spacing","options":["5 String","5\/8\"","Radiused with wider JD Crowe Spacing"],"price":4500,"weight":23,"compare_at_price":4500,"inventory_quantity":14,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":29439948945,"title":"5 String \/ 11\/16\" \/ Flat with wider JD Crowe Spacing","option1":"5 String","option2":"11\/16\"","option3":"Flat with wider JD Crowe Spacing","sku":"B-DSMILE1116JD","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Deering Smile™ Banjo Bridge - 5 String \/ 11\/16\" \/ Flat with wider JD Crowe Spacing","public_title":"5 String \/ 11\/16\" \/ Flat with wider JD Crowe Spacing","options":["5 String","11\/16\"","Flat with wider JD Crowe Spacing"],"price":4500,"weight":23,"compare_at_price":4500,"inventory_quantity":3,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":29439968209,"title":"5 String \/ 11\/16\" \/ Radiused with wider JD Crowe Spacing","option1":"5 String","option2":"11\/16\"","option3":"Radiused with wider JD Crowe Spacing","sku":"B-DSMILE1116RADJD","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Deering Smile™ Banjo Bridge - 5 String \/ 11\/16\" \/ Radiused with wider JD Crowe Spacing","public_title":"5 String \/ 11\/16\" \/ Radiused with wider JD Crowe Spacing","options":["5 String","11\/16\"","Radiused with wider JD Crowe Spacing"],"price":4500,"weight":23,"compare_at_price":4500,"inventory_quantity":12,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":29440084305,"title":"6 String \/ 5\/8\" \/ Radiused","option1":"6 String","option2":"5\/8\"","option3":"Radiused","sku":"B-6SMILE58RAD","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Deering Smile™ Banjo Bridge - 6 String \/ 5\/8\" \/ Radiused","public_title":"6 String \/ 5\/8\" \/ Radiused","options":["6 String","5\/8\"","Radiused"],"price":4500,"weight":23,"compare_at_price":4500,"inventory_quantity":2,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]},{"id":45235131515093,"title":"5 String \/ 11\/16\" \/ Flat with Terry Baucom Spacing","option1":"5 String","option2":"11\/16\"","option3":"Flat with Terry Baucom Spacing","sku":"B-DSMILE1116TB","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":true,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Deering Smile™ Banjo Bridge - 5 String \/ 11\/16\" \/ Flat with Terry Baucom Spacing","public_title":"5 String \/ 11\/16\" \/ Flat with Terry Baucom Spacing","options":["5 String","11\/16\"","Flat with Terry Baucom Spacing"],"price":4500,"weight":23,"compare_at_price":4500,"inventory_quantity":6,"inventory_management":"shopify","inventory_policy":"continue","barcode":"","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}]

Handle the problem of a sagging banjo bridge by changing to Deering's patented SMILE Banjo Bridge!

IMPROVE THE TONE AND PLAYABILITY OF ANY BANJO!

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY OF YOUR BANJO!

*The top/black ebony of a bridge is made to match the shape of the surface of your banjo fingerboard. Most banjo fingerboards are “flat” meaning that they do not have a curved surface. Some banjos are custom made with a curve to the fingerboard which is called a “radiused fingerboard.” This is not to be confused with the curve of the bottom of the feet of a Smile™ bridge. When choosing the Smile™ bridge please choose the one that has “the ebony top” that is shaped like the surface of your fingerboard.

FITS ANY BANJO

THE SMILE BRIDGE IS THE ONLY BRIDGE TO HOLD ITS SHAPE OVER TIME
NEW PATENTED INNOVATION STOPS BANJO BRIDGE SAG
COMPENSATES FOR THE STRING PRESSURE ON THE BANJO HEAD
LEVELS BANJO STRINGS FOR IMPROVED PLAYABILITY
FREES UP THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRIDGE TO RESONATE
GREATLY IMPROVES BANJO TONE!
MAKE YOUR BANJO COMPLETE WITH A SMILE BRIDGE.

Other top rated products

Deering John Hartford 5-String...

5.0 star rating

(6)
Tony Trischka Silver Clipper

Tony Trischka Silver Clipper Banjo

5.0 star rating

(3)
Goodtime Six

Goodtime Six 6-String Banjo

4.7 star rating

(9)
ProPik® Heritage Fingerpicks

4.6 star rating

(33)
Goodtime Banjo Armrest

4.8 star rating

(446)
Stitched Leather Cradle Strap

4.8 star rating

(249)
Deering Medium Gauge 5-String Banjo...

4.9 star rating

(134)
Retro Leather Cradle Banjo Strap

4.9 star rating

(84)

228 Reviews

10 Questions \ 10 Answers

ask a question

write a review

(194) (19) (10) (5) (0)

Show all reviews

ask a question

write a review

Thank you for posting a review!

We value your input. Share your review so everyone else can enjoy it too.

Thank you for posting a review!

Your review was sent successfully and is now waiting for our staff to publish it.

Thank you for posting a question!

Please click on the link in the confirmation email we just sent you to submit your question.

Your question will appear on the site once someone answers it.

Reviews (228)
Questions (10)

Updating Results

03/14/25

Ross H.

02/28/25

Smile bridge

Really improved the sound on my clawhamer. Not as dark.

Thomas P.

02/19/25

The bridge works great and

The bridge works great and really improved the sound over my previous, sagging bridge. I also like how the string notches are cut a little deeper, so my strings don't slide around at all

Tim K.

01/18/25

Best bridge I have tried.

Best bridge I have tried. Well worth the price

Dale L.

12/17/24

Smile Bridge Upgrade

Upgraded my Goodtime Artisan Open Back with a Smile Bridge and it made a difference. Brighter tone.

Rich G.

12/04/24

Good value

The bridge was top quality and arrived quickly.

Robert W.

11/19/24

Not 5/8" as advertised.

It's sold as a 5/8" bridge but is actually taller than that. Taller than all my other 5/8" bridges. Did not notice any improvement in sound, in fact put the Snuffy Smith 5/8" bridge back on the banjo. The smile bridge is an over hyped/priced gimmick in my opinion, but well put together.

Dean T.

10/04/24

Smile Bridge

I love this bridge. I bought one to replace the old sagging bridge on my 27 year old original Goodtime, and it works so well, I immediately got another one for my Americana

Carson R.

08/31/24

New Bridge Old Banjo

Recently purchased a vintage Fender Leo Deluxe banjo, about 40 yrs old. The bridge was sagging across the top. I purchased the Deering Smile bridge as a replacement and glad I did!

Michael M.

07/03/24

Smile Bridge

Purchased this bridge 2 weeks ago and installed it on my Deering John Hartford model banjo( wooden tone ring). Best bridge I’ve used in a good while. Nice and clear, rich in tone and solid! It’s definitely a winner! Highly recommended!

Stephen P.

06/30/24

Deering Smile Bridge.

I recently acquired a Deering Vega Vintage Star Banjo.
A Wonderful Instrument.
It was however supplied with a Smile 5/8th Bridge. I decided I needed a higher action and replaced with a Smile 11/16th Bridge. Perfection. I'm very pleased. Steve Parish.

Tadd H.

06/04/24

Deering delivers

Item arrived right on time, we'll packaged and undamaged. As always, it was just as described and excellent craftsmanship.

Falko K.

05/15/24

Top Service. Thank you.

Glen K.

05/08/24

Smile Bridge

Love the bridge.
It had a noticeable positive impact on my Bishline Classic..

Dean L.

05/01/24

When your banjo's bridge is smiling, so will you!

So it just makes sense: When a banjo bridge is allowed to vibrate free of internal stress, the vibrations will flow naturally and unimpeded from strings to head and all points beyond, hopefully culminating in some extremely pleasing and tasty banjo sound. Anyway, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!... (and I WILL be purchasing more of these De...Read More

ering Smile bridges, they're THAT good!) Read Less

John H.

01/26/24

Love it!

The Smile Bridge did the trick for getting my head tension just right. I will be getting them for my other banjos.

Joe E.

12/29/23

Great Bridge!

Fred Z.

12/17/23

Deering Smile Bridge

The smile bridge I put on my ‘97 Sierra made the banjo louder, gave it more resonant sustain, enhanced the upper mid range frequencies, as well as the low frequencies, which is particularly noticeable when my right hand is picking near the neck. The balance of frequencies is very smooth and nice as well. Well worth the money. Thanks.

Jake E.

10/04/23

Sounds good!

Sounds good on my goodtime banjo

Dwayne L.

09/18/23

Smile Banjo bridge

The "Smile Banjo Bridge" definitely makes a difference in volume of banjo. The banjo just resonates and projects better. I think this bridge is a good purchase for optimal sound. Thank you Mr. Deering and Mr. Kruger for developing this product.
Sincerely, D.L.

Anthony S.

07/21/23

New Smile bridge on an old Sierra.

The Smile bridge resulted in an immediate improvement in tone and playability. My Sierra is over 20 years old and unbeknownst to me came with a lower bridge than the 5/8 in. which is now standard. With the new bridge, and some modest setup adjustments to get the action right, my old Sierra is sounding great!

Aki

01/27/17

Q: Should I order Standard or Crowe spacing for my Goodtime Openback fretless? If I measured correctly, it seems to be somewhere in-between Standard and Crowe, at a little over 43mm.

Deering Banjos

02/18/17

A: The fretless banjo can use either of those; standard is what would come with it as it leaves the factory.

Neil k.

11/10/16

Q: Would you recommend the smile bridge as an upgrade to my goodtime midnight special?

Deering Banjos

11/18/16

A: YES! The new SMILE bridge will increase the bass and mid-range response and I think you will like what you hear.

Adam

08/01/16

Q: I use a .656 bridge currently. Will Deering make a .656 Smile bridge in the future?

Deering Banjos

08/01/16

A: Not at this time...we have 5/8" which is .63 and 11/16" which is .69...we are not making any other heights in the near future.

Larry

07/25/16

Q: Have you had any feedback regarding making any head tension adjustment once you have installed the smile bridge ? Just wondering if the improved contact of the head changes things and has to be compensated for. thanks

Deering Banjos

07/26/16

A: You should not have to change your head tension on the banjo to install the new SMILE bridge. We have not altered that here at the factory.

Vladimir Z.

07/22/16

Q: I use a standard 5/8 bridge. Will the action of strings remain the same with the Smile bridge? Or it will get a little bit lower due to radiused bottom of the bridge? In other words: should I order 11/16 or 5/8 to keep my current action? I don't want do distort the rim with coordinator rods.

Deering Banjos

07/26/16

A: You should order the same height that you are currently using. Do not go up to 11/16". The middle leg measurement on the SMILE bridge will be a bit taller than the outer two legs...which will measure 5/8". Once you install it, you may wish to alter the action to your personal preference but I would try it first without alteration.

Harvey

07/16/16

Q: Will you be making a smile bridge with Crowe spacing?

Deering Banjos

07/21/16

A: Yes...you can custom order that through the toll free number, 800-845-7791.

Brent C.

07/07/16

Q: Could you explain the difference between the "flat (standard)" and "radiused" versions of the bridge?

Deering Banjos

07/11/16

A: If you have a fingerboard that has a radius/is curved; then you need the radiused bridge. Our radius at Deering is 12".
Most banjos have a flat fingerboard, so most folks will order the flat/standard style; which refers to the TOP of the bridge; the black "saddle" portion.

Russ M.

06/07/16

Q: Will this bridge become standard equipment on some or all Deering banjos?

Deering Banjos

07/11/16

A: Once we are up to speed, Greg Deering wants them on all new products moving forward. Thanks for asking.

Brian

06/03/16

Q: Will you be making a smile bridge with a radiused top?

Deering Banjos

07/11/16

A: Yes, eventually that will be available online as well. Thanks for asking.

Ray J.

06/02/16

Q: Will the smile banjo bridge work well with my Deering Deluxe?

Deering Banjos

06/03/16

A: Yes, as long as you use a 5/8" bridge (which is the standard height on Deering, Vega, and Goodtime banjos..not Tenbrooks or Terry Baucom), you can use the current version of our new SMILE bridge. Thanks for asking.

Deering Smile™ Banjo Bridge

Other top rated products

WRITE A REVIEW

ASK A QUESTION

You may also like

Recently viewed

What Sets Deering Apart

Made In U.S.A.

Family Owned Since 1975

Banjo Experts

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT